Fabrication Associate in Statesville, North Carolina at AUTEC

Summary
The Fabrication Technician supports manufacturing operations through metal fabrication, welding, and machine operation. This role is responsible for reading prints, preparing materials, operating fabrication equipment, and ensuring parts meet quality standards. Level II technicians operate independently across multiple machines and perform more advanced fabrication and welding tasks.

Key Responsibilities

• Read blueprints and use measuring tools (tape measure, calipers) to identify materials and dimensions
• Set up and operate MIG welding equipment (volts/amps, wire, gas selection)
• Operate iron worker equipment (change dies, perform offsets, use calipers)
• Operate saws and drill/tap equipment to cut and prepare materials
• Assist with plasma cutting operations (setup, basic operation, safety)
• Assist with shear operations, including basic settings and material handling
• Identify metal types and thickness for proper processing
• Support deburring and finishing of fabricated parts
• Follow all safety, quality, and standard work instructions
• Independently operate saw, drill/tap, and shear equipment
• Set material thickness, identify metals, adjust backstops, and calibrate shear
• Set up and operate plasma cutting equipment with proper angles, speeds, and parameters
• Perform TIG welding, including aesthetic welds across multiple gauges
• Select proper tungsten, filler wire, and gas flow for welding applications
• Perform MIG and TIG welding on carbon and stainless steel using jigs and fixtures
• Load and unload parts for mill and lathe operations
• Use precision measuring tools (micrometers, calipers) for quality verification
• Perform in-process quality checks to ensure parts meet specifications
• Assist with waterjet setup and operation
• Support press brake setup and forming of standard parts
• Maintain workflow across multiple machines to support production efficiency
• Operate crane and/or forklift for material movement (as certified)
• Works independently with minimal supervision
• Maintains consistent quality and efficiency
• Communicates issues and supports workflow

Qualifications

• Ability to read and interpret blueprints and technical drawings
• Experience using measuring tools (tape measure, calipers; micrometers preferred)
• Basic knowledge of metal types and fabrication processes
• Mechanical aptitude and ability to operate shop equipment
• Strong attention to detail and quality
• Ability to work in a fast-paced manufacturing environment
• MIG and TIG welding experience (carbon and stainless steel)
• Experience with plasma cutting, shear, and press brake equipment
• Experience with mill and lathe operations
• Forklift and/or crane certification