Fitter - 1st shift

MICA Steelworks; Rhome (TX); On-site; USD 40,000 - 66,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Life insurance

401(k) with match

Paid time off

Paid holidays

Job summary

MICA Steelworks in North Texas is seeking a Fitter Trainee who will lay out, fabricate, fit, and join tubular steel structures used in transmission poles and substations. You’ll work from blueprints and aim for UT-passable welds under the guidance of the Fitter Trainer.

This apprenticeship-style path starts from the ground up, with progressive raises as you certify through each level. 1st shift, overtime as needed, and a safety‑driven, team‑oriented shop environment.

Qualifications

• Must read a tape measure to 1/16 inch and perform basic shop math.
• Able to read blueprints and specifications for fit-up.
• Willingness to learn and work in a team.
• Physically able to stand and lift up to 50 lbs.
• Able to pass background check, drug screen, and physical.

Responsibilities

• Fit, lay out, and join metal to blueprints ensuring UT-passable welds.
• Set up layouts using jigs/fixtures or hand layouts.
• Locate poles and verify centerlines and symmetry.
• Lay out and fit base plates and brackets.
• Operate cranes, grinders, torches safely.
• Maintain 5S housekeeping and safety compliance.
• Cross-train and perform other tasks as required.

Skills

Tape measure reading

Blueprint literacy

Shop math

Teamwork

Willingness to learn

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Tools

Overhead/jib crane operation

Job description

MICA Steelworks builds the steel structures that keep the grid running, tapered tubular transmission poles, substation A-frames, high-mast and highway sign structures fabricated in North Texas and shipped across the country. Fitters are the craftsmen at the center of that work: you lay out, position, and fit the steel that our welders finish, and the quality of your fit-up decides whether every weld passes ultrasonic (UT) inspection.

You do NOT need pole experience to start here. If you can read a tape measure, think through a drawing, and want to build a skilled trade career, our Fitter Trainee pathway and dedicated Fitter Trainer will teach you tapered tubular pole fit-up from the ground up, and our classification ladder gives you a defined raise at every level you certify into.

Job Summary

Under the direction of the Production Supervisor, the Fitter lays out, fabricates, fits, and joins metal and other weldable materials for tapered tubular steel structures. Fitters lay out and assemble subunits or units of material that welders then weld into position, and are responsible for ensuring every product is fitted to job specifications and to requirements consistent with production of quality, UT-passable welds. Fitters specialize in transmission power poles, substation A-frames, high-mast poles, highway sign poles, and other tubular structures, and work directly from blueprints.

Responsibilities

• Perform fitting and joining, fabricating, and repairing of metal and other weldable material to blueprint specification, producing fit-ups consistent with UT-passable welds.
• Perform set‑ups, including laying out work using jigs/fixtures or hand layouts, to fabricate parts and/or rework finished products.
• Locate long seams and number pole shafts correctly; check twist and camber against acceptance criteria before continuing layout.
• Trim pole shafts square, find true centers, and pop chalk lines for true centers.
• Lay out and fit base plates, flange plates, vangs, brackets, through plates, ground sleeves, and other attached parts.
• Fabricate multi‑component parts and verify conformance using tape measure, squares, levels, and templates.
• Operate overhead and jib cranes, hoists, slings, grinders, cutting torches, and hand/power tools safely.
• Maintain equipment functionality; notify management/maintenance of needed repairs.
• Cross‑train and perform work of other job tasks in addition to the primary assigned position.
• Manage time and work efficiently to production standards; maintain housekeeping (5S) in the work area.
• Perform other tasks as required.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS (ALL LEVELS)

• High School Diploma or GED, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Ability to read a tape measure to 1/16″ and perform shop math (fractions, decimals, basic geometry).
• Ability to pass the MICA NewHire Fitter Assessment (tape measure & shop math, blueprint & weld symbols, practical fitup).
• Ability to work 1st or 2nd shift and overtime as needed; reliable attendance.
• Ability to work in a shop environment with seasonal temperature extremes.
• Positive attitude, willingness to learn, and ability to work in a team environment.
• Successfully pass background check (including criminal history), drug screen, physical, audiogram, and vision test.

ADDITIONAL QUALIFICATIONS BY LEVEL

• C Fitter (direct hire): 1+ year of fitting/fabrication experience in structural steel, tubular products, shipfitting, pipe fitting, or comparable metal trade; blueprint and weldsymbol literacy; overhead/jib crane experience (or certify within [30] days).
• B Fitter (direct hire): 3+ years of fitting experience with demonstrated multiproduct capability; passes the Blevel practical at hire.
• A Fitter (direct hire): 5+ years of fitting experience; tapered tubular pole experience strongly preferred; passes the Alevel practical at hire.
• Preferred at any level: tapered tubular pole, transmission/substation structure, or heavy structural fabrication experience; knowledge of welding equipment (torches, torch tips); forklift experience; bilingual English/Spanish.

MEASURE OF PERFORMANCE

• Certification status maintained for level; first‑pass fit‑up quality ≥ [95]% (QC‑verified).
• Production/takt standards met as determined by the Production Supervisor.
• Follow all MICA Steelworks safety programs and policies; zero preventable safety incidents.
• Practice good housekeeping (keep area clean/organized).
• Demonstrate teamwork and willingness to cross‑train.

SCHEDULE & COMPENSATION

• 1st shift: Monday‑Friday, 5:00 AM‑3:30 PM, with Saturday as needed.
• Expected hours: 40 per week; overtime paid per policy.
• Benefits: [medical / dental / vision / life / 401(k) with match / PTO / paid holidays]

WORKING CONDITIONS & PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Full‑time shop exposure; extreme temperatures (sometimes due to season).
• No travel requirements (occasional travel between company plants may be offered).
• Perform work standing for 8‑10 hours per day, up to 6 days a week.
• Good vision, hearing, smell, and balance.
• Frequently lift and/or move up to 40 lbs; occasionally up to 50 lbs.
• Stand, bend, stoop, squat, or kneel regularly; climb stairs and ladders.
• Wear OSHA‑required PPE at all times, including OSHA‑approved welding hood if welding.

CONTINUING EDUCATION

Employees are expected to participate in continuing education as requested and/or required by their immediate supervisor and must attend mandatory education programs. All new hires receive New Hire Orientation (NEO) training covering human resources information and safety; the safety component is an annual pass/fail requirement.