Maintenance Welder/Fabricator/Mechanic

Republic Paperboard; Lawton (OK); On-site; USD 38,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Republic Paperboard is seeking a skilled maintenance technician–welder to support our Oklahoma operations. You will perform MIG, TIG and stick welding, read manufacturing blueprints, fabricate equipment supports, and install plant components to keep lines running.

The role requires a high school diploma, 3+ years in welding or industrial maintenance, and ability to work overtime and lift up to 50 lbs. Safety focus and teamwork are essential in our fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED.
• Minimum 3 years of experience in welding, fabrication, industrial maintenance, or related trades.
• Demonstrated proficiency in welding processes including MIG, TIG, and stick welding.
• Ability to read blueprints, mechanical drawings, and fabrication prints.
• Knowledge of mechanical systems and equipment repair.
• Ability to safely use welding, cutting, grinding, and fabrication equipment.
• Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work overtime, weekends, and call-ins as required.

Responsibilities

• Perform MIG, TIG, stick, and flux-core welding on carbon steel, stainless steel, and other materials.
• Read and interpret blueprints, fabrication drawings, sketches, and work orders.
• Fabricate platforms, guards, chutes, piping supports, brackets, and custom machine components.
• Cut, shape, grind, fit, and assemble metal materials using hand and power tools.
• Repair worn, damaged, or failed equipment through welding and fabrication techniques.
• Install and modify plant equipment and structural components.
• Diagnose and repair mechanical equipment failures.
• Perform maintenance on pumps, gearboxes, motors, conveyors, bearings, chains, couplings, valves, and hydraulic systems.
• Remove and install motors, shafts, bearings, and associated equipment.
• Conduct preventative and predictive maintenance inspections.
• Align machinery and replace mechanical components as required.
• Troubleshoot equipment problems and recommend corrective actions.
• Respond to breakdowns and emergency maintenance situations.
• Maintain accurate maintenance records and documentation.
• Assist with outages, shutdowns, and capital projects.
• Operate forklifts, aerial lifts, and other equipment as qualified.
• Work effectively with operations, maintenance, and engineering personnel.

Skills

MIG Welding

TIG Welding

Stick Welding

Fabrication

Blueprint Reading

Mechanical Knowledge

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Tools

Forklifts

Aerial Lifts

Job description

• Perform MIG, TIG, stick, and flux-core welding on carbon steel, stainless steel, and other materials.
• Read and interpret blueprints, fabrication drawings, sketches, and work orders.
• Fabricate platforms, guards, chutes, piping supports, brackets, and custom machine components.
• Cut, shape, grind, fit, and assemble metal materials using hand and power tools.
• Repair worn, damaged, or failed equipment through welding and fabrication techniques.
• Install and modify plant equipment and structural components.

Mechanical Maintenance

• Diagnose and repair mechanical equipment failures.
• Perform maintenance on pumps, gearboxes, motors, conveyors, bearings, chains, couplings, valves, and hydraulic systems.
• Remove and install motors, shafts, bearings, and associated equipment.
• Conduct preventative and predictive maintenance inspections.
• Align machinery and replace mechanical components as required.
• Troubleshoot equipment problems and recommend corrective actions.

Safety & Quality

• Follow all company safety policies and procedures.
• Maintain compliance with lockout/tagout, confined space, hot work, and PPE requirements.
• Inspect completed work to ensure quality and adherence to specifications.
• Keep work areas clean and organized.
• Participate in safety meetings and continuous improvement initiatives.

General Responsibilities

• Respond to breakdowns and emergency maintenance situations.
• Maintain accurate maintenance records and documentation.
• Assist with outages, shutdowns, and capital projects.
• Operate forklifts, aerial lifts, and other equipment as qualified.
• Work effectively with operations, maintenance, and engineering personnel.

Required Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED.
• Minimum 3 years of experience in welding, fabrication, industrial maintenance, or related trades.
• Demonstrated proficiency in welding processes including MIG, TIG, and stick welding.
• Ability to read blueprints, mechanical drawings, and fabrication prints.
• Knowledge of mechanical systems and equipment repair.
• Ability to safely use welding, cutting, grinding, and fabrication equipment.
• Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work overtime, weekends, and call-ins as required.

Preferred Qualifications

• Trade school, technical degree, or apprenticeship training.
• AWS welding certification.
• Experience in industrial manufacturing, pulp and paper, converting, or heavy industry.
• Experience with hydraulics, pneumatics, pumps, and rotating equipment.
• Forklift and aerial lift certification.
• Basic machining experience.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds regularly and heavier loads with assistance.
• Ability to stand, walk, bend, kneel, climb ladders, and work in confined spaces.
• Ability to work at heights and in varying environmental conditions.
• Ability to wear required PPE including welding hood, respirator, gloves, and fall protection equipment.
• Safety Focus
• Mechanical Aptitude
• Welding and Fabrication Skills
• Troubleshooting Ability
• Attention to Detail
• Reliability and Accountability
• Teamwork and Communication

Typical Work Environment

This position operates in an industrial manufacturing environment with exposure to moving mechanical equipment, high temperatures, noise, dust, vibration, and outdoor weather conditions. Strict adherence to safety procedures and personal protective equipment requirements is mandatory.

Reports To: Maintenance Supervisor / Maintenance Manager
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt (Hourly)
Department: Maintenance

Behaviors

Team Player

Team Player: Works well as a member of a group

Detail Oriented

Detail Oriented: Capable of carrying out a given task with all details necessary to get the task done well

Motivations

Self-Starter: Inspired to perform without outside help

Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.