Job Title:
MIG Welder / Fabricator Job Description This role focuses on MIG welding and fabrication of a wide variety of sheet metal and structural steel products, including guards, chutes, covers, conveyors, tanks, frames, and flumes. You will work with materials ranging from 14-gauge through 1/4-inch carbon steel plate and stainless steel, using engineering drawings and hand tools to produce high-quality finished parts in a production environment. Responsibilities Perform MIG welding on sheet metal and structural steel components, including guards, chutes, covers, conveyors, tanks, frames, and flumes. Weld on materials ranging from 14-gauge through 1/4-inch carbon steel plate and stainless steel, ensuring proper penetration and fusion. Set up and operate MIG welding equipment, regulating current, voltage, gas flow, and wire feed to achieve correct weld quality. Select appropriate materials and metal gauge according to job specifications and engineering requirements. Read and interpret engineering drawings, blueprints, layouts, sketches, samples, prototypes, and verbal instructions to understand project requirements. Fit and position parts accurately prior to welding, ensuring proper alignment, tolerances, and joint preparation. Use various hand and power tools, such as grinders and sanders, to finish welded products and prepare surfaces. Grind out slag, burrs, and sharp edges using portable grinders or sanders to achieve smooth, finished surfaces. Inspect completed parts for quality, accuracy, and conformance to specifications, and mark part numbers on finished components. Operate forklifts or overhead cranes to safely move parts, materials, and assemblies within the facility. Maintain a clean, organized work area and follow safety procedures and guidelines at all times. Collaborate with team members and supervisors to meet production schedules and quality standards. Essential Skills Proficient MIG welding skills with the ability to produce consistent, structurally sound welds on carbon steel and stainless steel. Ability to weld on material from 14-gauge through 1/4-inch carbon steel plate and stainless steel. Strong blueprint reading skills, including the ability to interpret engineering drawings, layouts, sketches, and samples. Hands-on experience with welding equipment setup, including regulating current, voltage, gas flow, and wire feed. Competence in fitting and positioning metal components prior to welding to maintain alignment and dimensional accuracy. Skilled in using tape measures and basic measuring tools to verify dimensions and tolerances. Experience using hand and power tools such as grinders and sanders to finish welded products. Ability to inspect finished parts for quality and mark part numbers accurately. Capability to operate a forklift or overhead crane to move materials and finished products safely. Understanding of shop safety practices and willingness to follow all safety procedures. Additional Skills & Qualifications Experience fabricating a variety of sheet metal and structural steel products such as guards, chutes, covers, conveyors, tanks, frames, and flumes. Comfort working from verbal instructions in addition to formal drawings and layouts. Ability to adapt to changing production priorities and work on different product types as needed. Strong attention to detail and pride in producing high-quality, visually acceptable welds and finishes. Good communication skills and the ability to work effectively as part of a fabrication team. Why Work Here? You will join a company that offers comprehensive benefits and supports long-term stability and growth. Team members receive medical, dental, vision, and life insurance, along with a 401(k) plan that includes a competitive match after a short eligibility period. The time-off package is designed to support work-life balance, with paid vacation that increases with tenure, paid time off, floating days, and paid holidays. The workplace values reliability, craftsmanship, and collaboration, giving you the opportunity to build your skills while contributing to high-quality, custom metal products. Work Environment This is a full-time, first-shift position, typically working from 5:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. with a 30-minute lunch. Standard shifts are 8 hours, with the possibility of 10-hour days as needed to meet production demands. Flexibility to work up to 8 hours on Saturdays is occasionally required, and some days may start at 6:00 a.m. The facility is a character-rich building dating back to 1906, with ample natural light from multiple windows. Temperatures may vary with the seasons and are not always fully controlled, ranging from hot in the summer to cold in the winter. During warmer months, fans and open doors help with airflow, and cold drinks and frozen treats are provided to help keep employees comfortable. The environment is a traditional metal fabrication shop with welding equipment, grinders, and material-handling equipment such as forklifts and overhead cranes, and appropriate work attire suitable for welding and fabrication is expected. Job Type & Location This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Rockford, IL. Pay and Benefits The pay range for this position is $22.00 - $25.00/hr. Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following:
- Medical, dental & vision
- Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
- 401(k) Retirement Plan - Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
- Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
- Short and long-term disability
- Health Spending Account (HSA)
- Transportation benefits
- Employee Assistance Program
- Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave) Workplace Type This is a fully onsite position in Rockford,IL.
Application Deadline This position is anticipated to close on Jun 8, 2026. About Aerotek We know that finding work is hard, and finding meaningful work is harder. Aerotek connects 180,000+ light industrial and skilled trades workers with 14,000+ employers each year, helping our workers navigate an evolving labor market and find jobs that meets their goals, skills and interests. Since 1983, we have provided a variety of career opportunities across North American industry - from short-term assignments at Fortune 500 companies where you can build your skills, to long-term opportunities where you can play a vital role solving for companies' construction, manufacturing and maintenance challenges. Our 1,500+ experienced recruiters across 250+ offices work relentlessly to put our workforce in a position to thrive. Let us rise to meet your challenges and put our people-are everything spirit to the test as your career continues to grow. Aerotek offers weekly pay, employee benefits including medical, dental & vision, life insurance, health advocacy and employee assistance programs, a 401(k) plan, and employee discounts. The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regards to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.
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.