Monday-Thursday 6:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m.; Friday 6:00 a.m.-2:30 p.m.; weekend work available most weekends Position Summary The Structural Steel Fabricator lays out, fits, assembles, and fabricates structural and miscellaneous steel components from shop drawings for commercial, industrial, and manufacturing work. This is a hands-on shop role at Benchmark Metal Services' Ponder facility. The fabricator is expected to produce accurate, code-compliant work, keep material moving, and work safely as part of the shop team. Essential Duties and Responsibilities Read and interpret shop drawings, erection drawings, details, welding symbols, piece marks, and bills of material. Lay out, measure, mark, cut, drill, punch, cope, and fit structural shapes (W, HSS, C, L, plate, bar, tube) to specified tolerances. Fit and tack assemblies using squares, levels, clamps, strongbacks, and shop fixtures so welds and connections land correctly. Weld using FCAW, SMAW, and GMAW as assigned, in accordance with AWS D1.1 and approved WPSs. Maintain weld quality and appearance. Operate shop equipment including overhead cranes, forklifts (if certified), ironworker, bandsaw, drills, grinders, oxy-fuel and plasma cutting, and related hand tools. Verify dimensions, camber, squareness, hole patterns, and connection geometry before releasing work to welding or shipping. Identify drawing conflicts, missing information, or field-fit issues and raise them promptly with the shop lead or detailing. Handle, stage, and protect material; maintain piece-mark identification and material traceability. Perform grinding, cleaning, and prep for welding or coating as required. Follow AISC Code of Standard Practice expectations for shop workmanship and shipping configuration. Keep the work area clean, tools accounted for, and scrap managed. Support continuous improvement on the floor. Comply with OSHA and company safety rules, including PPE, lockout/tagout, crane signals, and hot-work practices. Other shop duties as assigned to meet production and quality requirements. Qualifications Required 2+ years structural steel shop fabrication or fitting experience (commercial/industrial preferred). Ability to read structural shop drawings and welding symbols without constant supervision. Working knowledge of structural shapes, connection types (bolted and welded), and shop tolerances. Competent with tape, square, level, and basic layout. Comfortable working from piece marks and cut lists. Weld experience in FCAW and/or SMAW on structural steel. Ability to pass an
AWS D1.1
plate or equivalent shop weld test. Reliable attendance, safe work habits, and ability to work as part of a production crew. High school diploma or GED preferred; equivalent trade experience accepted. Must pass pre-employment drug screen and background check consistent with company policy. Preferred AISC-certified shop experience. Current
AWS D1.1
welder qualification. Overhead crane and/or forklift certification. OSHA 10 or OSHA 30. Experience with architectural/miscellaneous metals (stairs, rails, embeds) in addition to structural frames. Ability to operate CNC or automated cutting/punching equipment. Bilingual English/Spanish a plus. Physical Requirements This is a physically demanding shop position. The fabricator must be able to: Stand, walk, bend, kneel, climb, and work in awkward positions for a full shift. Lift, carry, push, and pull 50 lbs regularly and assist with heavier material using proper rigging and equipment. Work around heat, noise, dust, grinding sparks, and shop traffic. Use hands and eyes for precise measurement, fitting, and welding. Work indoors in a fabrication shop; temperatures vary with the season. Work Environment and Expectations Safety first. Stop work if a condition is unsafe and report it immediately. Quality and schedule both matter. Work is checked to drawing — rework is owned, not passed downstream. Standard shop hours are Monday through Thursday, 6:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and Friday, 6:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Weekend work is available most weekends and is expected when production or shipping requires it. Benchmark Metal Services fabricates structural and custom metal components for construction and industrial customers across the world. Craftsmanship, attendance, and reliability are how we keep work in the shop. Compensation Competitive hourly wage based on experience, weld qualifications, and demonstrated fitting skill. Overtime paid in accordance with company policy and applicable law. Benefits package as offered to full-time shop employees. How to Apply Submit a resume and a brief note on shop experience (years fitting/welding, processes used, and types of work: beams, stairs, misc. metals, etc.) to [hiring contact / email]. Walk-in applications may be accepted at the Ponder shop during posted hours.
Pay:
$26.84 - $32.33 per hour Expected hours: 48.0 per week
Benefits:
401(k) matching Health insurance Life insurance Paid time off Retirement plan