Job Title: MIG Welder / Fabricator
Job Description
This role focuses on fabricating and welding a wide variety of sheet metal and structural steel products, including guards, chutes, covers, conveyors, tanks, frames, and flumes. You will work with materials ranging from 14 gauge through 1/4 inch carbon steel plate and stainless steel, using MIG welding techniques, blueprint interpretation, and a variety of hand and power tools to produce high-quality finished components.
Responsibilities
Fabricate and weld a wide range of small to large sheet metal and structural steel products such as guards, chutes, covers, conveyors, tanks, frames, and flumes.
Perform MIG welding on materials ranging from 14 gauge through 1/4 inch carbon steel and stainless steel, ensuring strong, clean welds.
Operate MIG welding machines and correctly regulate current, voltage, gas pressure, and flow for proper fusion of metals.
Select appropriate materials and metal gauge based on job requirements and engineering specifications.
Work from engineering drawings, layouts, sketches, samples, prototypes, and verbal instructions to understand and meet general requirements.
Read and interpret blueprints to determine dimensions, tolerances, weld symbols, and fabrication details.
Fit and position parts accurately prior to welding to ensure correct alignment and assembly.
Use various hand and power tools to finish products, including grinders and sanders, to remove slag, burrs, and sharp edges.
Grind and smooth welds and surfaces to meet quality, safety, and aesthetic standards.
Inspect completed parts for accuracy, quality, and conformance to specifications.
Mark and label finished parts with the correct part numbers for identification and tracking.
Safely operate a forklift and overhead crane to move parts, materials, and assemblies as needed.
Maintain a clean and organized work area and follow all safety procedures and guidelines.
Collaborate with team members and communicate any issues, discrepancies, or improvement opportunities to appropriate personnel.
Essential Skills
Proficient MIG welding skills with the ability to weld carbon steel and stainless steel from 14 gauge through 1/4 inch thickness.
Strong blueprint reading ability to interpret engineering drawings, layouts, and weld symbols.
Hands-on experience operating MIG welding machines, including setting and adjusting current, voltage, and gas flow.
Ability to select appropriate materials and metal gauge based on job specifications.
Skill in fitting and positioning parts accurately prior to welding.
Proficiency using hand and power tools such as grinders and sanders to finish and deburr parts.
Ability to inspect finished parts for quality, accuracy, and adherence to specifications.
Capability to operate a forklift and overhead crane safely to move parts and materials.
Strong tape measure and basic math skills for accurate measurement and layout.
Attention to detail, quality-focused mindset, and ability to follow verbal and written instructions.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
Experience fabricating a variety of sheet metal and structural steel products, including guards, chutes, covers, conveyors, tanks, frames, and flumes.
Comfort working from samples, prototypes, and verbal instructions in addition to formal drawings.
Ability to adapt to changing priorities and support overtime or Saturday work when needed.
Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to identify and correct fit-up or weld issues.
Commitment to workplace safety and proper use of personal protective equipment.
Reliable attendance and the ability to work early morning shifts.
Why Work Here?
You will join a team-oriented environment that values craftsmanship, reliability, and long-term growth. The organization offers comprehensive medical, dental, vision, and life insurance benefits, along with a 401(k) plan featuring up to a 6% match after 60 days of employment. You receive a generous paid vacation package starting at 10 days, with one additional day added each year up to 25 days, as well as pro-rated PTO that includes 3 days per year plus 2 floating days. Eight paid holidays provide additional time to recharge. The focus on stability, meaningful work, and strong benefits supports a healthy work-life balance and long-term career satisfaction.
Work Environment
This is a first-shift position, typically working from 5:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. with a 30-minute lunch. Standard shifts are 8 hours, with the possibility of extending to 10 hours as needed. There may be occasional Saturday work for up to 8 hours, and some days may start at 6:00 a.m., so flexibility with start times and overtime is important. The facility is a well-lit, character-rich building constructed in 1906, featuring several windows and an open, industrial setting. Temperatures are not always fully controlled and can range from hot to cold depending on the season. During warmer months, fans and open doors help improve airflow, and cold drinks and frozen treats are provided to help keep employees comfortable. The work involves using welding equipment, grinders, sanders, and material-handling equipment such as forklifts and overhead cranes in a typical metal fabrication shop environment, with appropriate protective gear required.
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Rockford, IL.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $22.00 - $25.00/hr.
Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following:
• Medical, dental & vision
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
• 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
• Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
• Short and long-term disability
• Health Spending Account (HSA)
• Transportation benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)
Workplace Type
This is a fully onsite position in Rockford,IL.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Jun 5, 2026.
About Aerotek
We know that finding work is hard, and finding meaningful work is harder. Aerotek connects 180,000+ light industrial and skilled trades workers with 14,000+ employers each year, helping our workers navigate an evolving labor market and find jobs that meets their goals, skills and interests. Since 1983, we have provided a variety of career opportunities across North American industry – from short-term assignments at Fortune 500 companies where you can build your skills, to long-term opportunities where you can play a vital role solving for companies' construction, manufacturing and maintenance challenges. Our 1,500+ experienced recruiters across 250+ offices work relentlessly to put our workforce in a position to thrive. Let us rise to meet your challenges and put our people-are everything spirit to the test as your career continues to grow.
Aerotek offers weekly pay, employee benefits including medical, dental & vision, life insurance, health advocacy and employee assistance programs, a 401(k) plan, and employee discounts.
The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regards to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.
San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance:
Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.
Massachusetts Lie Detector:
It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.
Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI):
We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.
We know that finding work is hard, and finding meaningful work is harder. Aerotek connects 180,000+ light industrial and skilled trades workers with 14,000+ employers each year, helping our workers navigate an evolving labor market and find jobs that meets their goals, skills and interests. Since 1983, we have provided a variety of career opportunities across North American industry – from short-term assignments at Fortune 500 companies where you can build your skills, to long-term opportunities where you can play a vital role solving for companies’ construction, manufacturing and maintenance challenges. Our 1,500+ experienced recruiters across 250+ offices work relentlessly to put our workforce in a position to thrive. Let us rise to meet your challenges and put our people-are everything spirit to the test as your career continues to grow.
The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regards to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.