Sheet Metal Fabricator

Aerotek; Watertown (WI); On-site; USD 52,000 - 62,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) with matching

PTO

8 paid holidays

Tuition reimbursement

Safety allowance

Job summary

Aerotek in Watertown, WI is seeking a Sheet Metal Fabricator dedicated to fitting and fabricating beams, columns, frames, and other structural steel components from drawings. You will interpret fabrication prints, measure and layout precisely, and build assemblies with limited supervision.

The role requires strong blueprint reading, experience with press brakes, lasers, and shears, and basic MIG/Flux welding.

Qualifications

• 35 years of machine operating experience in a fabrication or sheet metal environment.
• Ability to read fabrication drawings and blueprints and interpret weld symbols.
• Accurate measuring, layout, fit, tack, and square structural steel assemblies.
• Experience with MIG/Flux welding on structural steel.
• Strong attention to detail and problem-solving to ensure quality.

Responsibilities

• Fit and fabricate beams, columns, frames, and other structural steel assemblies from drawings.
• Read prints and weld symbols to ensure proper tolerances.
• Measure, lay out, fit, tack, and square components.
• Operate press brakes, lasers, and shears safely.
• Perform self-inspection and buddy checks for quality.

Skills

Machine operating

Fabrication from prints

Blueprint reading

Layout & measuring

MIG welding

Quality inspection

Independent work

Team work

Attention to detail

Safety consciousness

Tools

Press brakes

Lasers

Shears

Job description

Job Title: Sheet Metal Fabricator

Job Description

This role focuses on fitting and fabricating beams, columns, frames, and other structural assemblies from sheet and structural steel. You will take fabrication drawings and prints, interpret the scope of work, and build complete structures from the ground up with limited supervision. The position requires strong blueprint reading skills, precise measuring and layout abilities, and hands‑on experience with fabrication equipment and welding processes.

Responsibilities

• Fit and fabricate beams, columns, frames, and other structural steel assemblies according to fabrication drawings and prints.

• Read and interpret fabrication drawings, dimensions, weld symbols, and tolerances to ensure accurate assembly.

• Accurately measure, lay out, fit, tack, and square structural steel components to meet specified requirements.

• Build structures from the ground up based on prints, ensuring proper alignment, fit‑up, and overall quality.

• Take a print, understand the full scope of work, and complete assemblies with limited supervision.

• Perform self‑inspection of completed work and participate in buddy checks to verify fit‑up and dimensional accuracy.

• Identify and correct fit‑up and dimensional issues before final completion.

• Operate fabrication equipment such as press brakes, lasers, and shears in a safe and efficient manner.

• Use precision measuring tools including micrometers and calipers to verify dimensions and tolerances.

• Perform basic MIG/Flux welding on structural steel when needed.

• Follow established inspection procedures to ensure all fabricated parts meet quality standards.

• Maintain a clean and orderly work area and contribute to a safe, quiet, and efficient shop environment.

• Collaborate and work in pairs on the shop floor to complete fabrication tasks and meet production goals.

• Adhere to attendance and workplace policies, including punctuality and responsible scheduling of time off.

Essential Skills

• 35 years of machine operating experience in a fabrication or sheet metal environment.

• Proven ability to build structures from the ground up using fabrication prints and drawings.

• Strong blueprint reading skills, including understanding fabrication drawings, dimensions, weld symbols, and tolerances.

• Ability to accurately measure, lay out, fit, tack, and square structural steel assemblies.

• Hands‑on experience operating press brakes, lasers, and shears.

• Proficiency using precision measuring tools such as micrometers and calipers.

• Experience with sheet metal fabrication and structural steel fitting.

• Capability to inspect own work and participate in buddy checks to ensure quality.

• Comfort working with minimal supervision while maintaining high accuracy and productivity.

• Basic MIG/Flux welding experience with structural steel is highly preferred.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience performing detailed inspections on fabricated parts to confirm dimensional accuracy and quality.

• Familiarity with shop safety practices and safe operation of fabrication equipment.

• Strong attention to detail and ability to identify and correct fit‑up and dimensional issues.

• Willingness to learn new processes and move into other departments as opportunities arise.

• Ability to work effectively in a small team environment and collaborate while working in pairs.

• Reliable attendance and adherence to a structured attendance policy.

Why Work Here?

You will join a small, close‑knit shop that offers a quiet, well‑organized environment and a flexible benefits structure, allowing you to sign up only for what you need. The organization provides a 401(k) with matching contributions, progressive paid time off that increases with tenure, eight paid holidays including floating days to support regular time off, and tuition reimbursement to support your professional growth. You receive an annual safety allowance to purchase items such as protective footwear and glasses, and most necessary equipment is provided. The company invests heavily in modern machinery, adding multiple new machines in recent years, and offers clear growth opportunities, including the ability to move into other departments and learn new skills.

Work Environment

The work environment is a quiet, not overly dirty fabrication shop with a small‑team atmosphere, with about thirteen people on the floor including leadership. Work is typically performed in pairs, encouraging collaboration and support. The facility operates a single shift, with first shift hours running Monday through Thursday from 5:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Overtime is available on Fridays for approximately 58 hours; overtime is currently voluntary, but may become mandatory if coverage is needed. The shop uses modern fabrication equipment such as press brakes, lasers, and shears, and continues to invest in newer machines. An attendance policy is in place, using a three‑strike system, with call‑ins initially counted as warnings before accruing points. Most personal protective equipment is provided, with the exception of items such as weld helmets and steel‑toe footwear, which can be supported through the annual safety allowance.

Job Type & Location

This is a Permanent position based out of Watertown, WI.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $52000.00 - $62400.00/yr.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographical location, internal equity, and other pertinent job‑related factors.

Benefits/Insurance - sign up for what you need rather than having to sign up for everything401k, 3% match (if you're contributing 100%) 2% (if you're contributing 50%)PTO: 1 week after 1 year, 2 weeks after 2 years, 3 weeks after 5 years, 4 weeks after 10 years(PTO is prorated based on when you start)8 paid holidays, use the floating holidays so you get one day off a month from a holidayTuition ReimbursmentEach year you get $100 to spend on anything safety related (steel toes, glasses, etc.)Provide everything besides weld helmet and steel toes

Job Type & Location

This is a Permanent position based out of Watertown, WI.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Nov 23, 2026.

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Watertown,WI.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance:

Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector:

It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI):

We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.