Fabricator - DoD SkillBridge Program

Title: Fabricator I

Reports To: Fabrication Supervisor

FUNCTION

Welds metal components together to fabricate products, parts, or equipment. Repairs products or parts by straightening or reshaping by use of mechanical means with assistance from others, and with or without the use of heat and/or hydraulic equipment.

KEY RESULT AREAS

• Welds in accordance with welding procedure specification (WPS) and customers workmanship standards, producing high quality welds which meet each customer requirement.
• Equipment is used and parts are handled in a manner that prevents personal injury and/or damage to equipment and/or manufactured goods.
• Routed standards are achieved while meeting quality expectations.
• Work is consistently sought to ensure high levels of productivity are achieved.
• Areas of waste are identified and removed.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Communicates with supervisor to receive instructions.
• Work from blueprints, work orders, layouts, or verbal instructions.
• Qualified to set-up and operate shear to produce properly sized material.
• Qualified to set-up and operate ironworker to produce properly sized material.
• Qualified to set-up and operate cut-off saws according to material type, thickness, or shape.
• Removes burrs, sharp edges, rust, or scale from work pieces, using file, hand grinder, or wire brush.

DESIRABLE KNOWLEDGE / EDUCATION

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Must be a US citizen.

DESIRABLE EXPERIENCE / SKILL

• One to three years of related weld experience and/or training in MIG or TIG welding.
• Ability to produce sound welds using GTAW, GMAW, or FCAW processes.
• Ability to read blueprints.

RELATIONSHIPS

• Develops close working relationships with other fabricators and quality personnel.

• Demonstrates a highly cooperative demeanor with other employees and willingly takes the initiative to help others succeed.

JOB ENVIRONMENT:

• Works in a fabrication shop or manufacturing facility with welding stations, cutting equipment, and heavy machinery.
• Regular exposure to welding fumes, metal dust, sparks, and grinding debris requires proper ventilation and safety equipment.
• Environment involves high noise levels from cutting, grinding, and hammering operations. Temperature variations are common due to welding heat and facility ventilation.
• Work area includes overhead cranes, material handling equipment, and large fabrication tables. Position requires strict adherence to defense industry quality standards and may involve handling materials for classified defense projects.
• Work performed under aerospace and defense specifications such as AWS welding standards and military specifications.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Must be able to stand, walk, and work on feet for entire shift duration of 10-12 hours.
• Requires ability to lift, carry, and position materials weighing up to 75 pounds, with team lifting for heavier assemblies.
• Extensive bending, stooping, kneeling, and crouching while working on large fabrications or accessing tight spaces.
• Ability to work at various heights including ladders, scaffolding, and elevated platforms. Strong hand and arm strength needed for operating grinders, torches, and heavy hand tools.
• Fine motor control essential for precise welding and fitting operations.
• Good balance and coordination required when working on uneven surfaces or elevated positions.
• Must be able to work in confined spaces when necessary for internal fabrication work.

ADDITIONAL CONSIDERATIONS:

• Requires ability to wear personal protective equipment including welding helmets, respirators, and safety harnesses for extended periods.
• Position involves potential exposure to hazardous materials requiring proper safety protocols. May require work in various weather conditions if fabrication involves outdoor installations.
• Shift work and overtime may be required to meet defense contract deadlines.

Top Military Alignments:

Army MOSs (Best Entry-Level Matches):

91E - Allied Trades Specialist (E-1 to E-4) 

12W - Carpentry and Masonry Specialist (E-1 to E-4)

91B - Wheeled Vehicle Mechanic (E-1 to E-4) 

91A - M1 Abrams Tank System Maintainer (E-1 to E-4) 

91F - Small Arms/Artillery Repairer (E-1 to E-4) 

12B - Combat Engineer (E-1 to E-4) 

Navy/Coast Guard Rates:

HT - Hull Maintenance Technician (E-1 to E-4) - PERFECT MATCH! Basic to intermediate welding, fabrication, blueprint reading

SW - Steelworker (E-1 to E-4) - EXCELLENT MATCH! Construction, welding, fabrication, equipment operation

MM - Machinist's Mate (E-1 to E-4) - Basic fabrication, metalworking, quality control

EM - Electrician's Mate (E-1 to E-4) - Technical precision, basic blueprint interpretation

BU - Builder (E-1 to E-4) - Construction, basic fabrication, blueprint reading

Air Force AFSCs:

3E3X1 - Structural (E-1 to E-4) - EXCELLENT MATCH! Basic welding, fabrication, construction

2A7X3 - Aircraft Structural Maintenance (E-1 to E-4) - Basic fabrication, welding, quality standards

3E2X1 - Pavement and Construction Equipment (E-1 to E-4) - Basic equipment operation, construction

2A6X1 - Aerospace Propulsion (E-1 to E-4) - Basic metalwork, technical procedures

Marine Corps MOSs:

1316 - Metal Worker (E-1 to E-4) - PERFECT MATCH! Direct welding and basic fabrication

1345 - Engineer Equipment Operator (E-1 to E-4) - Equipment operation, basic construction

6046 - Aircraft Mechanic (E-1 to E-4) - Basic fabrication, welding, quality control

1371 - Combat Engineer (E-1 to E-4) - Construction, basic fabrication, blueprint reading

Ideal Candidate Profile:

E-1 to E-4 (Private to Corporal/Specialist) - Entry-level with some experience
2-6 years military experience - aligns with 1-3 years welding experience requirement
Basic welding training from military (MIG/TIG exposure)
Blueprint reading experience from technical military roles
Team-oriented - core military value
Security clearance (beneficial for defense contract work)
Transitioning within 180 days for SkillBridge eligibility

Key Skill Translations:

Basic Welding Processes - Military often provides MIG/TIG training

Blueprint Reading - Standard in military technical roles

Equipment Operation - Shears, ironworkers, cut-off saws (similar to military shop equipment)

Quality Control - Military standards often exceed civilian requirements

Safety Protocols - Deeply ingrained in military culture

Team Collaboration - Core military competency

Following Instructions - Fundamental military discipline

Defense Standards - Familiar with military specifications and AWS standards

Perfect SkillBridge Opportunity:

Strongest Candidates:

Navy HT (Hull Maintenance Technicians) - Direct welding/fabrication experience

Air Force 3E3X1 (Structural) - Construction and basic welding background

Army 91E (Allied Trades) - Basic welding and metalworking

Marine 1316 (Metal Workers) - Direct fabrication experience