Fabrication Technician

willowwoodco; Mount Sterling (OH); On-site; USD 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

WillowWood seeks a Fabrication Technician to support our R&D team in hands-on fabrication, machining, welding, and assembly of prototype parts and tooling used in product development.

The successful candidate will work closely with engineers to build, modify, and evaluate prototypes, tooling, and processes, applying welding and machining skills. A strong mechanical mindset, safety, and teamwork are essential in our dynamic development environment.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Welding experience required or strongly preferred.
• Experience with welding techniques and metal fabrication equipment.
• Experience using manual and/or CNC machine shop equipment.
• Strong mechanical aptitude and hands-on problem-solving skills.
• Ability to read measurements from drawings, sketches, or specifications.
• Ability to work independently with limited supervision.
• Ability to collaborate in a team environment.
• Basic computer skills for communication and documentation.
• CNC programming and machine setup experience is a plus.
• Experience with mold fabrication and use is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Execute hands-on fabrication and development tasks assigned by the Engineering Team.
• Fabricate, machine, weld, modify, and assemble prototype parts, tooling, and test equipment.
• Use manual and/or CNC machine shop equipment to produce prototype components.
• Assist in the design and implementation of experiments to evaluate prototype products and processes.
• Collaborate with engineers and other team members to brainstorm, build, troubleshoot, and test prototype products and processes.
• Support modifications and repairs to prototype components and tooling as needed.
• Document fabrication techniques and quality testing methods for training and transfer of development products and processes.
• Assist with the transition of new products and processes from development to manufacturing, including training production personnel.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work area.
• Perform other duties as required.

Skills

Mechanical aptitude

Welding experience

Reading drawings (blueprints)

Hand tools & machining

CNC programming

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

CNC machine shop equipment

Manual machine shop equipment

Mold fabrication equipment

Job description

Summary

The Fabrication Technician serves a hands-on supporting role within the Research & Development team. The primary focus of this position is the fabrication, machining, welding, and assembly of prototype parts, tooling, test devices, and other components used throughout the product development process.

Day-to-day activities may vary depending on the stage of product development. This position works closely with R&D Engineers to develop, build, modify, and evaluate prototype products, production tooling, and manufacturing processes. The ideal candidate is mechanically inclined, enjoys hands-on problem-solving, and has experience with welding, machining, and/or metal fabrication.

Essential Responsibilities

• Execute hands-on fabrication and development tasks assigned by the Engineering Team.
• Fabricate, machine, weld, modify, and assemble prototype parts, tooling, and test equipment.
• Use manual and/or CNC machine shop equipment to produce prototype components.
• Assist in the design and implementation of experiments to evaluate prototype products and processes.
• Collaborate with engineers and other team members to brainstorm, build, troubleshoot, and test prototype products and processes.
• Support modifications and repairs to prototype components and tooling as needed.
• Document fabrication techniques and quality testing methods for training and transfer of development products and processes.
• Assist with the transition of new products and processes from development to manufacturing, including training production personnel.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work area.
• Perform other duties as required.

Essential Skills & Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Previous welding experience required or strongly preferred.
• Experience with common welding techniques and metal fabrication equipment.
• Experience using manual and/or CNC machine shop equipment.
• Strong mechanical aptitude and hands-on problem-solving skills.
• Ability to read measurements and work from drawings, sketches, or specifications.
• Ability to work independently with limited supervision.
• Ability to collaborate effectively in a team environment.
• Basic computer skills for communication and documentation.
• CNC programming and machine setup experience is a plus.
• Experience with mold fabrication and use is preferred.Experience working with thermoplastic, thermoset resin, or elastomer materials is a plus.

Why Join WillowWood?

• Work on products that improve people's lives.
• Gain hands-on experience with product development, fabrication, and innovation.
• Work on a variety of projects rather than performing the same task every day.
• Collaborate with a talented and supportive engineering team.
• Opportunities to expand your skills in fabrication, prototyping, machining, welding and manufacturing.
• Competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits package.
• Clean, safe, and team-oriented work environment.
• Onsite amenities including a fitness center, walking path, sports courts, disc golf, fishing pond, and company-sponsored food trucks.

WillowWood is an Equal Opportunity Employer.