Fitter/Welder (Fabrication) - (USA - Springfield, IL)

REEL USA CORP; Springfield (IL); On-site; USD 45,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

REEL USA Corp. in Springfield, IL is seeking a skilled Fitter/Welder (Fabrication) to support the fabrication of lifting equipment. You will read blueprints, prepare components for fit and weld, and work with band saws, drill presses, and FCAW under safety guidelines.

Ideal candidates have 5+ years welding experience, ability to read imperial and metric drawings, and a collaborative, safety‑minded approach. Overtime may be required; full-time on-site role.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent; associate’s degree or certificate in industrial or manufacturing assembly.
• 5+ years of welding experience.
• Strong background related to fitting skills on large fabrications requiring tight tolerances.
• Able to work independently and in a team, with good communication and dependability.
• Familiar with safety and PPE, lockout/tagout, and hazard awareness.
• Ability to read blueprints and measurements accurately.

Responsibilities

• Fabricate components from blueprints by fitting and welding as required.
• Operate band saws, drills, oxyfuel cutting, and FCAW.
• Plan task sequence and optimize steel cutting for cost efficiency.
• Read imperial and metric blueprints; ensure accuracy.
• Move and handle parts using cranes or lifting equipment.
• Maintain documentation of installations and repairs.
• Ensure assemblies meet standards and safety regulations.

Skills

Welding experience

Fitting large fabrications

Blueprint reading

Safety conscious

Measurement accuracy

Team player

Time management

Education

High school diploma

Associate degree or certificate in industrial/manufacturing

Tools

Band saws

Radial drill press

Oxyfuel cutting

Flux Cored Arc Welding (FCAW)

Overhead crane operation

Job description

Company Description

REEL USA Corp. is the US entity of REEL International’s, and sister company of REEL-COH Inc. based in Quebec, Canada, with 80 years of experience in the custom design and manufacturing, inspection, service, refurbishment and modernization of lifting, handling and manufacturing systems , which qualifies us as one of the global leaders in this field. Over 3,500 employees are contributing to the success of REEL globally, with over 400 employees in the North American Division throughout USA and Canada.

It’s our objective to develop furthermore the US market and to expand our business accordingly by building and maintaining strong business relationships with important clients.

Your Role at REEL USA

REEL USA has an exciting opportunity for a Fitter/Welder (Fabrication) with knowledge, skills, and experience to support the fabrication of the lifting equipment. All work tasks are performed in a safe manner while following plant policies and procedures. The Fitter/Welder (Fabrication) will work on-site at the Springfield, IL location.

• Would you like to contribute to building equipment that lasts?
• Are you a positive, hard-working, energetic, motivated, and safety conscious individual?
• Are you known for your integrity…for always doing the right thing?

In this role, your primary duty will be to fabricate from blueprints by preparing components to be fit and welded. This role requires a safety mind-set, self-motivated person with a positive attitude, a ton of good energy, and effective time management. A successful candidate will be someone who can:

• Work in a safe manner. Actively participates in REEL's safety, health, and environmental programs. Attends scheduled team meetings and completes safety training requirements. Keeps work area safe and clean.
• Fabrication and assembly of structural steel details by drilling, punching holes, grinding, cutting, tack welding, fastening, bolting, or bending and shaping structural steel into the desired pattern.
• Setting up and operating trade machinery such as band saws, radial drill presses, manual and automatic oxyfuel cutting, flux cored arc welding (FCAW).
• Planning the sequence of tasks and deciding how to cut steel in the most cost-effective manner.
• Read and interpret manufacturing plans or blueprints both imperial (inches and feet) and metric systems.
• Handle and move parts, assemblies, and equipment, using overhead crane, truck lift or similar lifting equipment.
• Maintain accurate documentation of installations, modifications, and repairs.
• Ensure all mechanical components are assembled and installed as per manufacturers’ recommendations, industry standards and safety regulations.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

What Will You Bring To REEL USA

• High school diploma or equivalent; associate’s degree or certificate in industrial or manufacturing assembly.
• 5 + years of welding experience.
• Strong background related to fitting skills on large fabrications requiring tight tolerances.
• Willing and able to work collaboratively in a team-based environment. Strong written and verbal communication and active listening skills. Able to work independently as well. Self-motivated with a track record of dependability including work history.
• A proven positive safety, health, and environmental record. Familiar with topics such as personal protective equipment, confined space entry, lockout / tagout, hot work, safe work permitting, emergency response, and hazard awareness.
• Accurate and consistent in performing tasks. Familiar with safe and effective use of basic hand tools.
• Ability to successfully complete welding tests (AWS D1.1 certifications are a plus).
• Skilled in measuring and layout techniques.
• Hands‑on experience with hand and pneumatic tools, including welding equipment.
• Able to read blueprints.
• Good hand-eye coordination, manual dexterity, and good touch perception.
• Basic math skills.
• Able to troubleshoot problems to subtle adjustments to identify and eliminate root cause.
• Strong problem‑solving skills.
• Effective time management and organizational skills
• Ability to remain calm and react effectively in critical situations. Experience with accident and near miss reporting, incident investigation, and accountability to standards.
• Ability to learn/Ability to safely operate material handling equipment such as forklifts and aerial work platforms.
• Flexible in performing changing assignments and work schedules. May be required to work overtime.
• Physical requirements include but not limited to climbing stairs, ladders and scaffolding, standing, sitting, kneeling, squatting for extended periods, working at heights from scaffold, ladders, and/or grating, confine space entry activities, lockout tagout activities, use of hand tools, and occasional heavy lifting (50lbs).
• Be able to distinguish visual colors and shapes through location and maintain through the course of employment.
• Ability to successfully complete competency assessments

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work

This is a full-time position, and the working hours are Monday through Thursday, 6:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Based on business needs, the schedule may change.

Why REEL?

REEL USA is the American branch of REEL International, a global leader in custom‑designed handling systems with 80 years of expertise and nearly 3,400 employees worldwide. We are committed to innovation, growth, and building strong relationships with our partners and people.

This is a rare opportunity to be involved from day one, make your mark, and grow with a company that is investing in the future of manufacturing in the U.S.

The values that inspire us shape our decisions, behaviors, and the way we work together. Our employees around the world are united by our shared values of Health and Safety, Performance, Customer Satisfaction, Respect, Commitment, and Passion. These values all contribute to what some people call “the REEL Spirit.”

“Keep it simple, do it well, and make it reliable – that’s what has always made the difference.” Charles Frantz, Founder of REEL.

REEL USA is proud to be an equal opportunity employer – Minorities, Females, Disabled Veterans.

Pre-Employment Drug Testing and Background Checks

REEL USA is proud to operate as a drug‑free workplace. All applicants conditionally offered a position must (a) complete and pass a background check and (b) complete a drug test and receive an acceptable test result. For certain manufacturing, quality and production positions, a pre‑employment physical may be required.