R & D Tech - Prototype Specialist

PFI Instore; Hazelwood, Northern (MO, KY); Hybrid; USD 42,000 - 64,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

401k plan

Paid time off

Job summary

PFI InStore in Hazelwood, MO is seeking a skilled Fabricator to construct and modify tools, dies, jigs, and molds. You will interpret blueprints, perform sheet metal fabrication and MIG welding, and help train production teams on new product lines.

Travel to client sites for installation, on-site fabrication and setup, and leadership of both temporary and full-time staff during line construction are core parts of this role.

Qualifications

• High School diploma or equivalent.
• 2–5 years of fabrication and tool & die experience.
• Proficiency in MIG welding, painting, and vacuum forming.
• Strong ability to read and interpret blueprints and sketches.
• Experience in training and leading teams.

Responsibilities

• Create the first article of production to establish manufacturing standards.
• Modify existing tools and build new fixtures for upcoming products.
• Construct templates for artwork and product designs.
• Perform sheet metal fabrication and MIG welding.
• Operate the powder coating booth.
• Build and maintain vacuum form tools.
• Construct and supervise assembly lines for manufacturing.
• Train new employees in production processes, including proper use of tools and equipment.
• Lead and supervise temporary and full-time staff during manufacturing line construction.
• Travel to client sites to assist with the installation of new product lines and fixtures.
• Travel within the service area to perform on-site fabrication and repair as needed.

Skills

Welding (MIG)

Blueprint reading

Leadership & training

Fabrication & tool & die

Painting

Vacuum forming

Travel readiness

Education

High School diploma or equivalent

Tools

Band saws

Machine shop tools

Vacuum form tooling

Job description

Description

Company Overview

PFI InStore is a leading designer and fabricator of custom retail displays and fixtures. We create eye-catching, injection-molded single-serve coolers designed to drive impulse purchases in convenience and grocery stores. We also specialize in a variety of other retail racks and fixtures crafted from plastic, wood, metal, and wire. Our team collaborates with leading retailers and Fortune 500 brands like Pepsi, Coca-Cola, Red Bull, and Anheuser-Busch to create unique shopping experiences. We are seeking creative and self-motivated individuals to join our team and build upon decades of success in the retail world.

Job Summary

The Fabricator is a multi-talented professional responsible for constructing and modifying a variety of tools, dies, jigs, and molds. The ideal candidate has strong skills in welding, fabrication, and machine operations, and can interpret blueprints and sketches to bring new products to life. This role will also provide leadership and training to production teams for both new product lines and ongoing manufacturing projects, with travel required to client sites for installation and setup.

Responsibilities

• Create the first article of production to establish manufacturing standards.
• Modify existing tools and build new fixtures for upcoming products.
• Construct templates for artwork and product designs.
• Perform sheet metal fabrication and MIG welding.
• Operate the powder coating booth.
• Build and maintain vacuum form tools.
• Construct and supervise assembly lines for manufacturing.
• Train new employees in production processes, including proper use of tools and equipment.
• Lead and supervise temporary and full-time staff during manufacturing line construction.
• Travel to client sites to assist with the installation of new product lines and fixtures.
• Travel within the service area (primarily domestic) to perform on-site fabrication and repair as needed.

Schedule and Travel

• Schedule: Full-time, Monday–Friday, with a flexible day-shift hours. The exact start and end times can vary based on project needs and team coordination.
• Travel: Travel is required for this position. The travel schedule will be project-dependent and may require multiple days on-site to complete installations. While some projects may be local, others will require overnight travel.

Qualifications

• Required: High School diploma or equivalent.
• 2–5 years of experience in fabrication and tool and die.
• Skills: Proficiency in welding (MIG), painting, and vacuum forming.
• Competence in operating band saws and other machine shop tools.
• Strong ability to read and interpret blueprints and sketches.
• High level of creativity and problem-solving skills.
• Experience in training and leading teams.

Benefits

PFI InStore is committed to the well-being of our employees and offers a comprehensive benefits package, including health, dental, and vision insurance, term life, short/long-term disability, and a 401k retirement plan. Every employee is eligible for insurance benefits on the first Monday of the following month after their start date.

Equal Opportunity Employer

PFI InStore is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace and do not discriminate based on race, religion, color, sex, gender identity,

sexual orientation, age, non-disqualifying physical or mental disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other basis covered by law.