Fabricator

Grote Company; Columbus (OH); On-site; USD 40,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

Grote Company is seeking a hands-on Fabricator to produce complex components for world-class food processing equipment. You will work across metal forming, layout, fit-up, and assembly, using CNC press brakes, lasers, water jets, and welding as needed.

The role requires reading prints, planning fabrication, and owning parts from start to finish while supporting Safety, Quality, Delivery, and Cost targets. A strong multi-process background and teamwork are essential.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated experience as a fabricator, not solely a machine operator (read blueprints and interpret specs).
• Ability to read, write, and understand English fluently; strong fabrication math skills.
• Experience across multiple fabrication processes (forming, cutting, welding, finishing).
• Familiarity with ERP systems and basic computer skills.

Responsibilities

• Read, interpret, and work from blueprints, drawings, sketches, and specifications.
• Plan fabrication approach, including bend sequences, tooling, cut path and downstream processing.
• Set up, prove out, and operate CNC press brake equipment; operate laser, water jet, or CNC router as needed.
• Perform welding, tack welding, fit-up, grinding, deburring, and finishing work per production needs.
• Verify machine settings, hold tolerances, and inspect parts for conformance to drawings and quality standards.
• Communicate production status, quality issues, material concerns, and suggestions for improvements to supervisors and teams.

Skills

Fabrication experience

Blueprint reading

English fluency

Safety compliance

Mathematical fabrication skills

Education

Trade or Technical School education

Job description

Fabricator – July 2026The Fabricator will provide the skill, judgment, and craftsmanship required to fabricate complex components for world-class food processing equipment. This role requires a hands-on, multi-skilled fabricator who understands metal forming, layout, fit-up, part flow, and overall fabrication requirements — not just machine operation.

Fabricator – July 2026The Fabricator will provide the skill, judgment, and craftsmanship required to fabricate complex components for world-class food processing equipment. This role requires a hands-on, multi-skilled fabricator who understands metal forming, layout, fit-up, part flow, and overall fabrication requirements — not just machine operation. This position may include press brake operation, laser cutting, water jet cutting, CNC router operation, welding, grinding, deburring, and other fabrication support as business needs require. Skilled flexibility is critical. The successful candidate will be expected to support multiple areas of fabrication and own parts from print to finished component while contributing to Safety, Quality, Delivery, and Cost targets.

Safety & Standards

• Complete all required safety procedures prior to and during operations.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work area at all times.
• Follow all SOPs, work instructions, and quality standards.
• Use proper PPE and safe work practices for forming, cutting, welding, grinding, lifting, and material handling activities.

Fabrication & Technical Responsibilities

• Read, interpret, and work from blueprints, drawings, sketches, and specifications.
• Plan fabrication approach, including blank size calculation, bend sequence, tooling, cut path, fit-up, and downstream processing requirements.
• Set up, prove out, and operate CNC press brake equipment.
• Set up and/or operate laser, water jet, CNC router, or other cutting equipment as needed.
• Perform welding, tack welding, fit-up, grinding, deburring, and finishing work as required based on skill level and production needs.
• Verify machine settings and adjust as needed to hold tolerances.
• Inspect and verify parts to ensure conformance to drawings, specifications, and quality expectations.
• Detect equipment malfunctions, process issues, or out-of-tolerance conditions and make appropriate adjustments within machine capability.
• Understand how individual fabricated parts fit into larger weldments, assemblies, machines, or systems.

Ownership & Execution

• Take ownership of parts from raw material through completed fabricated component.
• Move between fabrication processes as needed to support workload, priorities, and production flow.
• Organize work area before and after processing parts to ensure efficient flow and minimal handling.
• Stack, stage, and protect completed parts properly to support downstream operations.
• Maintain accurate part counts, documentation, and ERP transactions as required.
• Communicate production status, quality issues, material concerns, and improvement ideas to supervisors and support teams.
• Work collaboratively with Quality, Production Control, Engineering, Welding, Assembly, and other shop personnel to resolve fabrication or quality issues.

Additional Responsibilities

• Operate forklift or other material handling equipment as required.
• Support other fabrication, welding, cutting, grinding, deburring, or production support activities as assigned.
• Perform other work-related duties as needed.

Qualifications

Required

• Demonstrated experience as a fabricator, not solely a machine operator.
• Ability and willingness to work across multiple fabrication processes as business needs require.
• Ability to read, write, speak, and understand English fluently.
• Strong blueprint reading and fabrication math skills.
• Ability to calculate bend allowances, blank sizes, tooling selection, and tonnage.
• Five or more years of experience in a fabrication or manufacturing environment.
• Basic computer skills, including ERP transactional experience.
• Strong communication skills and a self-directed work ethic.

Preferred

• Trade or Technical School education.
• Experience with press brake operation, laser cutting, water jet cutting, CNC router operation, welding, or related fabrication equipment.
• TIG and/or MIG welding experience, especially with stainless steel.
• Experience fabricating components for industrial or food processing equipment.
• Experience with complex formed parts, weldments, or fabricated assemblies that require judgment, sequencing, and fit-up knowledge.
• Experience with sanitary fabrication, stainless finishing, or food equipment fabrication.

Physical Requirements

• Standing for extended periods.
• Crawling, kneeling, reaching, lifting, and pushing equipment or components.
• Ability to lift a minimum of 35 pounds.
• Ability to safely handle raw material, formed parts, fabricated components, tooling, fixtures, and welded assemblies.