Senior Welder in Saginaw, Michigan at MKR Fabrication LLC

Location: Saginaw, MI (On-Site)

Pay and Benefits: $20–$24/hour; full-time benefited position

MKR Fabrication is seeking a Senior Welder to work on heavy-duty, complex fabricated components where weld quality, accuracy, and consistency matter. You’ll work from technical drawings to plan and complete welds across a variety of metals, inspect your finished work, perform post-weld cleanup, and document welds as required for each project.

MKR Fabrication, a subsidiary of Palladyne AI, is a heavy fabrication and weld shop with support and assembly capabilities specializing in heavy-duty, complex components. As an AS9100D registered company, MKR manufactures structural, sheet metal, and other fabricated components with an emphasis on reliable, high-quality work.

Palladyne AI is a U.S.-based defense and industrial technology company that delivers embodied AI-powered collaborative autonomy solutions, advanced avionics, precision-manufactured components, UAVs, and advanced aerospace design services.

What You’ll Do

• Read and interpret technical drawings and blueprints to prepare for and plan welding work.
• Weld components made from a variety of metals in accordance with project requirements.
• Inspect completed welds and perform post-weld cleanup.
• Document welds and project information as required.
• Safely operate forklifts and overhead cranes to move and position materials and components.
• Inspect welding and shop equipment before use to confirm functionality and safe operating condition.
• Follow established safety processes and procedures and maintain a safe work environment.
• Record production activity and job information in JobBOSS² ERP.

What Makes Someone Successful Here

• You take pride in producing consistent, high-quality welds.
• You can translate technical drawings into accurate shop work without losing sight of the details.
• You inspect your work carefully and address quality issues rather than passing problems downstream.
• You understand that equipment inspection, documentation, and material handling are part of professional welding work.
• You work safely around welding equipment, heavy materials, forklifts, and overhead cranes.
• You are dependable and take ownership of the quality of your work.
• You communicate effectively with teammates in a production environment.

• 3+ years of relevant welding experience.
• Ability to effectively read and interpret blueprints and technical drawings.
• Ability to successfully pass applicable AWS welding tests administered by MKR.
• MIG and TIG welding experience.
• Submerged arc welding experience.
• Experience welding aluminum and specialty metals.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds.
• Experience using JobBOSS² or a similar ERP system is a plus

Location & Work Setting

This position is on-site in Saginaw, Michigan and performs hands-on work in a heavy fabrication and welding environment.

MKR’s work spans multiple industries. In this role, you’ll contribute to components moving through welding, paint, assembly, and other manufacturing operations and see the work you produce become part of systems supporting the American manufacturing base.

Benefits & Perks

This is a full-time benefited position offering:

• $20–$24 per hour
• 401(k) with company match
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Paid time off
• Holiday pay

Work Authorization & Clearance

This position requires the ability to work in the United States without current or future sponsorship. Depending on the nature of the work, the ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. security clearance may be required. Candidates may be asked to provide additional information relevant to clearance eligibility in accordance with applicable laws and regulations.

The Fine Print

Palladyne AI is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace and do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law.