Welder/Fabricator

South Western Communications, Inc.; Caledonia (MI); On-site; USD 3,444,000 - 4,133,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision

401(k) with company match

Paid time off

Holidays

Job summary

Koch Finishing Systems in Caledonia, MI is seeking an experienced Welder/Fabricator to join our team. You will weld and fabricate metal structures and custom assemblies according to engineered drawings, contributing to high-quality equipment for Aerospace and Automotive clients.

The position offers a day shift, with hours 6:00 AM to 2:30 PM, and pay between $25 and $30 per hour, commensurate with experience.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• 2+ years of welding and fabrication experience, or formal technical training.
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints, welding symbols, and fabrication drawings.
• Proficiency with MIG welding and common shop tools (grinders, saws, drills, etc.).
• Ability to safely operate cranes, hoists, and forklifts (training provided if needed).
• Commitment to workplace safety and quality workmanship.

Responsibilities

• Weld and fabricate finished metal products and custom assemblies
• Read and interpret blueprints and welding symbols for fabrication
• Verify specifications through material measurements and calculations
• Conduct tests to evaluate weld quality and tolerance
• Assemble, weld, and finish structures and sub-assemblies, including filing and burring
• Set up and operate fabricating machines (cutting, forming, punching, drilling)
• Maximize material usage while meeting production schedules
• Collaborate with team members to meet quality and delivery goals
• Operate and maintain MIG welding equipment independently
• Safely operate shop equipment including hoists, cranes, and forklifts
• Maintain a clean and safe work environment

Skills

MIG welding

Blueprints

Reading drawings

Shop tools

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

Cranes and hoists

Forklifts

Job description

Welder/Fabricator Location: Caledonia, MI (Kent County - approx. 15 minutes from Grand Rapids, Cascade, and Byron Center) Company: Koch Finishing Systems Koch Finishing Systems is a custom engineering and fabrication company serving the Aerospace and Automotive industries. We are seeking an experienced Welder/Fabricator to join our Caledonia team. In this role, you'll weld and fabricate metal structures and custom assemblies according to engineered fabrication drawings, contributing directly to the high-quality equipment our customers rely on.

Schedule: Day Shift, Monday - Friday, 6:00 AM - 2:30 PM Pay: $25-$30/hour based on experience

Responsibilities

• Weld and fabricate finished metal products and custom assemblies
• Read and interpret blueprints and welding symbols for fabrication
• Verify specifications through material measurements and calculations
• Conduct tests to evaluate weld quality and tolerance
• Assemble, weld, and finish structures and sub-assemblies, including filing and burring
• Set up and operate fabricating machines (cutting, forming, punching, drilling)
• Maximize material usage while meeting production schedules
• Collaborate with team members to meet quality and delivery goals
• Operate and maintain MIG welding equipment independently
• Safely operate shop equipment including hoists, cranes, and forklifts
• Maintain a clean and safe work environment

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent
• 2+ years of welding and fabrication experience, or formal technical training
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints, welding symbols, and fabrication drawings
• Proficiency with MIG welding and common shop tools (grinders, saws, drills, etc.)
• Ability to safely operate cranes, hoists, and forklifts (training provided if needed)
• Commitment to workplace safety and quality workmanship

Preferred Qualifications

• AWS D1.1 or equivalent structural welding certification
• Experience welding structural tube and pipe
• Familiarity with TIG welding and other advanced techniques
• Prior experience in a custom fabrication or equipment manufacturing environment
• Strong troubleshooting skills and ability to work from limited direction

Why Join Us

At Koch Finishing Systems, we know our success depends on the skill and dedication of our team.

Our Caledonia location offers an easy commute for candidates throughout Kent, Barry, and Ottawa counties, including Grand Rapids, Middleville, Hastings, Alto, and Freeport.

We offer

• Competitive pay: $25-$30/hour based on experience
• Steady day-shift schedule, Monday-Friday - no weekends
• Comprehensive benefits package (medical, dental, vision, life, disability)
• 401(k) with company match
• Paid time off and holidays
• A clean, safe, and well-equipped shop environment
• Opportunities for training, certification, and career growth
• The stability of a company with over 153 years in business

Koch Finishing Systems is an equal opportunity employer.