Senior Fabricator in Saginaw, Michigan at MKR Fabrication LLC

Location: Saginaw, MI (On-Site)

Pay and Benefits: $22–$26/hour; full-time benefited position

MKR Fabrication is seeking a Senior Fabricator to build heavy-duty, complex fabricated components where accuracy, fit-up, and quality matter. You’ll work from technical drawings to construct base templates, fit and assemble materials within specified tolerances, tack weld components, inspect completed work, and help ensure assemblies are built correctly before moving through production.

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 plan fabrication and welding work.
• Construct base templates used to support fabrication work.
• Fit, align, and assemble materials within specified tolerances.
• Tack weld components to establish and maintain proper fit-up.
• Perform welding and inspect and test completed welds.
• Document welds and project information as required.
• Safely operate forklifts and overhead cranes to move and position materials and components.
• Inspect fabrication, 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 can translate technical drawings and blueprints into accurate fabrication work.
• You understand how dimensions, tolerances, alignment, and fit-up affect the finished component.
• You take pride in getting components positioned and assembled correctly before completing the weld.
• You pay attention to details that can affect dimensional accuracy, weld quality, and downstream manufacturing.
• 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 fabrication 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.

• 5+ years of relevant fabrication experience.
• Ability to effectively read and interpret blueprints and technical drawings.
• Strong understanding of fabrication tolerances.
• 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.
• Microsoft Office proficiency.
• 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 fabrication, 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:

• $22–$26 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.