Metal Fabrication Production Associate

River Bend Industrial Solutions (Formerly River Bend Hose Specialty); South Bend (IN); On-site; USD 23,000 - 32,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, dental, and vision insurance

Paid time off and paid holidays

401(k) with company match

Training and cross-training

Advancement opportunities

Job summary

River Bend Industrial Solutions in South Bend, IN, is seeking a dependable, mechanically inclined Metal Fabrication Production Associate to join our Metal Division. This role supports saw cutting, tube bending, and stainless-steel hose assembly, and offers training to learn new equipment and processes while building a manufacturing career.

The ideal candidate is safety-focused, detail-oriented, mechanically minded, and eager to learn.

Qualifications

• Prev manufacturing, warehouse, fabrication, or production experience preferred.
• Ability to read prints, drawings, work orders, and instructions.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality.
• Able to lift up to 50 pounds.

Responsibilities

• Operate horizontal band saws to cut steel and stainless-steel tube and pipe.
• Read work orders and fabrication drawings to ensure accuracy.
• Prepare tubing for bending; inspect and deburr.
• Assist CNC and manual tube bending and tooling changes.
• Assemble corrugated stainless-steel hose and support production setup.
• Follow safety policies and maintain a clean, safe work area.

Skills

Mechanical aptitude

Attention to detail

Team player

Reading tape measure

Willingness to learn

Cross-training

Tools

CNC equipment

Band saws

Calipers

Job description

Company Overview

River Bend Industrial Solutions is a value-added industrial distributor/manufacturer, has been serving the Michiana and broader region for over 40 years. Our goal is to continue to establish and maintain our respected reputation with our customers and suppliers as a leader in the distribution and repair of quality industrial products. To achieve this goal, River Bend Industrial Solutions empowers its people to utilize the team approach with ourselves, our customers, and our suppliers.

Company Overview

River Bend Industrial Solutions is a value-added industrial distributor/manufacturer, has been serving the Michiana and broader region for over 40 years. Our goal is to continue to establish and maintain our respected reputation with our customers and suppliers as a leader in the distribution and repair of quality industrial products. To achieve this goal, River Bend Industrial Solutions empowers its people to utilize the team approach with ourselves, our customers, and our suppliers.

Position Summary

We are looking for a dependable and mechanically inclined Metal Fabrication Production Associate to join our Metal Division. This position supports several areas of our production operation, including saw cutting, tube bending, and stainless-steel metal hose assembly. This is a great opportunity for someone who enjoys working with their hands, learning new equipment and processes, and building a career in manufacturing. The ideal candidate is safety-focused, detail-oriented, mechanically minded, and willing to learn.

What You’ll Do

Saw Cutting

• Operate horizontal band saws to cut steel and stainless-steel tube and pipe to specified lengths.
• Read and follow work orders, cut lists, and basic fabrication drawings.
• Verify material type, size, dimensions, and quantities before cutting.
• Maintain dimensional accuracy and material traceability.
• Stage cut material for welding, bending, and hose production.

Tube Bending

• Assist with CNC and manual tube bending operations.
• Prepare tubing by cutting, marking, deburring, and inspecting material.
• Assist with machine setup, tooling changes, and production changeovers.
• Load and properly position tubing in bending equipment.
• Select and use appropriate dies, clamps, mandrels, and tooling as trained.
• Verify bend angles, dimensions, and part orientation according to work orders and drawings.
• Use tape measures, calipers, angle gauges, and other basic inspection tools.
• Identify common bending issues and notify the supervisor of quality or equipment concerns.
• Maintain clean and organized equipment and work areas.

Metal Hose Production

• Assist with corrugated stainless-steel hose cutting and assembly.
• Support hose production setup, preparation, and packaging.
• Inspect components and finished products for quality and accuracy.
• Properly identify, stage, and organize materials for production.
• Assist other Metal Division operations as needed.

Safety & Quality

• Follow all company safety policies, procedures, and PPE requirements.
• Safely operate production equipment, power tools, and material-handling equipment.
• Follow machine guarding and lockout/tagout procedures when applicable.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work area.
• Follow established work instructions and quality standards.
• Immediately report unsafe conditions, equipment problems, defective material, or quality concerns to the appropriate supervisor.

What We’re Looking For

• Previous manufacturing, warehouse, fabrication, metalworking, or production experience preferred.
• Mechanical aptitude and willingness to learn new equipment and processes.
• Ability to read a tape measure and understand basic measurements.
• Ability to read and follow basic prints, drawings, work orders, and production instructions.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality.
• Ability to safely operate power tools and material-handling equipment.
• Dependable attendance and a strong work ethic.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Willingness to cross-train in multiple Metal Division production areas.

Experience with tube bending, CNC equipment, saw operation, fabrication, welding, or metal hose assembly is a plus, but training is available for the right candidate.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods throughout the workday.
• Ability to bend, reach, stoop, and perform repetitive production activities.
• Ability to safely lift and move materials weighing up to 50 pounds as needed.
• Ability to work in an industrial/manufacturing environment.

Why Join Us?

• Competitive pay based on experience
• Full-time, Monday–Friday schedule
• Training and cross-training opportunities
• Advancement opportunities
• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• Paid time off and paid holidays
• 401(k) with company match