Welding Operator Setup

Colonial Group; Beloit, Northern (WI, KY); Hybrid; USD 52,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

Fairbanks Morse Engine in Beloit, Wisconsin seeks a 2nd Shift Welder Operator Setup to perform welding on large-scale industrial components. Training begins on 1st shift with transition to 2nd shift after setup and learning curves.

The role requires reading blueprints, following welding procedures, and maintaining tight tolerances while upholding quality and safety standards on a skilled manufacturing team.

Qualifications

• High school diploma required; technical training preferred.
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints and welding procedures.
• Strong attention to detail and quality control mindset.
• Ability to work in a team-based manufacturing environment.
• Capable of welding in all positions and following safety protocols.

Responsibilities

• Receive job assignments, blueprints, and welding procedures.
• Set up operations on sub-assemblies and production parts.
• Weld on experimental jigs and fixtures.
• Plan, lay out, and assemble work with or without fixtures.
• Read welding drawings and determine weld size/type.
• Maintain tolerances and support changeovers on semi-automatic systems.
• Operate magnaflux equipment and identify defects for QC.
• Weld in all positions as required.

Skills

Welding experience

Blueprint reading

Quality control

Teamwork

Attention to detail

Safety consciousness

Education

High school diploma

Technical training preferred

Tools

Arc welding equipment

Welding fixtures

Measuring tools

PPE & drawings

Job description

2nd Shift Welder Operator Setup – Fairbanks Morse Engine

Build Power That Supports Critical Missions

At Fairbanks Morse Engine, your work directly supports some of the most demanding and mission-critical operations in the world.

Based in Beloit, Wisconsin, Fairbanks Morse Engine (FME) manufactures, assembles, tests, and distributes heavy-duty, medium-speed reciprocating engines under the Fairbanks Morse® and ALCO® brand names. As a trusted supplier to the U.S. Navy, Military Sealift Command, U.S. Coast Guard, and Canadian Coast Guard, FME delivers reliable marine power solutions that keep fleets operating worldwide.

FME is a division of Fairbanks Morse Defense, a portfolio company of Arcline Investment, and a recognized leader in marine propulsion and power systems.

If you take pride in craftsmanship, precision welding, and working on large-scale industrial equipment that makes a real impact, this is an opportunity to join a highly skilled manufacturing team where quality, safety, and expertise matter.

Position Summary

Primary Function

Perform assigned welding functions using a variety of welding procedures.

Shift Information

This position is assigned to 2nd shift after training is completed. Training will be conducted on 1st shift, followed by transition to 2nd shift assignment.

Security / Citizenship Requirement

Due to NOFORN policy, U.S. citizenship is required. Candidates must be U.S. citizens and cannot hold dual citizenship.

Tools & Equipment

• Arc and gas welding and cutting equipment
• Manual, semi-automatic, and related components
• Welding stands, benches, positioning equipment, jigs, and fixtures
• Measuring tools (calipers, micrometers, levels, protractors)
• Standard hand tools (grinders, hammers, wire brushes, chisels)
• Protective equipment, blueprints, WPS, engineering drawings, and process documentation

Materials

• Ferrous and non-ferrous materials

Principal Duties and Responsibilities

• Receive job assignments, verbal instructions, sketches, blueprints, and welding procedures
• Work to codes requiring third-party inspection verification
• Perform setup operations on sub-assemblies and production parts
• Perform welding on experimental jigs and fixtures
• Plan, layout, and assemble work with or without fixtures
• Weld in all positions as required
• Cut, trim, grind, fit, tack weld, weld, solder, flame cut, and anneal components
• Select filler metals and welding variables to control distortion and shrinkage
• Read and interpret welding drawings and specifications
• Determine weld size/type when not specified
• Complete setup and welding operations as assigned
• Operate magnaflux equipment and identify defects for Quality Control review
• Maintain tolerances up to 1/64”
• Support changeovers or modifications on semi-automatic welding systems.

Qualifications, Skills & Educational Requirements

• Proven welding experience or technical welding knowledge
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints and engineering drawings
• Understanding of quality control principles
• Strong hand-eye coordination and physical capability for manufacturing work
• High school diploma required; technical training preferred
• Ability to work in a team-based manufacturing environment
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision
• Strong attention to detail and confidentiality
• Problem-solving and critical thinking skills
• Strong time management and organizational skills
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Customer-service mindset in a manufacturing/support environment
• Forklift and overhead crane experience preferred

Why Join Fairbanks Morse Engine?

• Work on mission-critical products supporting U.S. and allied defense operations
• Join a respected manufacturer with a long-standing industry reputation
• Opportunities for professional growth and advancement
• Collaborative, skilled manufacturing environment focused on quality and safety
• Stable organization with continued investment in U.S. manufacturing excellence

Equal Opportunity Employer

Fairbanks Morse is an Equal Opportunity and Affir­mative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex/gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, ancestry, national origin, marital status, citizenship status (unless required by applicable law or government contract), disability, or protected veteran status, or any other protected status.