Level 3 Heavy Structural Fabricator / Fitter / Welder
Minerva Welding & Fabricating – Minerva, Ohio
Full-Time | $25 – $35 per hour (Based on Skill & Performance)
Position Overview
Minerva Welding & Fabricating is seeking a highly skilled Level 3 Heavy Structural Fabricator / Fitter / Welder with a minimum of 10 years of hands-on fabrication experience.
This is a role for a true craftsman — someone capable of independently reading blueprints, performing manual layout, fitting complex structural assemblies, and welding efficiently with precision.
We are specifically looking for someone who is not only highly skilled, but also efficient, productive, and capable of maintaining strong throughput without sacrificing quality.
If you do not meet the minimum experience requirements listed below, please do not apply.
Minimum Required Experience (MANDATORY)
- 10+ years of hands-on fabrication experience
- Advanced blueprint reading and interpretation
- Manual layout of structural steel and heavy plate
- Complex fitting of structural assemblies
- MIG (GMAW) and Flux-Cored (FCAW) welding experience
- Ability to hold tight tolerances
- Ability to work independently from drawings without supervision
Applicants who do not meet these qualifications will not be considered.
Type of Work – Heavy Structural & Bridge-Level Fabrication
This position focuses on heavy structural steel and complex weldments, comparable to bridge fabrication, heavy industrial equipment, and large structural assemblies.
Work includes:
Heavy Structural Fabrication
- Fitting and welding large structural assemblies
- Working with I-beams, heavy channels, structural tubing, angles, and plate
- Building multi-component weldments requiring tight dimensional control
- Manual layout without reliance on jigs or templates
- Squaring, aligning, and bracing assemblies prior to final weld-out
- Controlling distortion and shrinkage during welding
Materials Worked With
- Primarily carbon steel
- Structural shapes (I-beams, channels, angles, tubing)
- Heavy plate and formed components
- Occasional stainless & Aluminum (project dependent)
Material thickness ranges from moderate structural sections to heavy plate applications.
Welding Processes Required
- MIG (GMAW)
- Flux-Cored (FCAW)
You must be capable of:
- Performing structural-quality welds
- Welding in multiple positions
- Maintaining consistent bead appearance and penetration
- Reading and following weld symbols and procedures
- Passing a hands-on weld and fabrication test
Role
The Level 3 Fabricator / Fitter / Welder is responsible for independently executing fabrication projects from print to completion while maintaining high standards of quality, safety, and productivity.
This individual may also mentor developing fabricators and help elevate the overall skill level of the shop.
Responsibilities Fabrication & Welding
- Perform manual layout directly from blueprints
- Fit and align complex structural and plate assemblies
- Execute high-quality welds to specification
- Verify dimensional accuracy using proper measuring equipment
- Minimize rework through precision and planning
Productivity & Workflow
- Maintain efficient work pace while meeting quality standards
- Complete jobs within estimated labor hours
- Identify production issues early and communicate proactively
Team Contribution
- Maintain clean and organized work area
- Follow all company SOPs and safety procedures
- Support a professional and performance-driven culture
Expectations
- Produce high-quality work consistently
- Work efficiently and with urgency
- Maintain strong attendance and reliability
- Demonstrate professionalism and accountability
- Take ownership of assigned jobs from start to finish
- Contribute positively to team morale and shop culture
Performance Metrics
Performance and compensation growth are evaluated based on:
- Quality (rework rate, dimensional accuracy)
- Productivity (labor hours vs. estimates)
- On-Time Completion of assigned work
- Safety compliance
- Teamwork and communication
What This Job Is NOT
This job is NOT:
- Repetitive production welding on small parts
- Light gauge sheet metal fabrication
- Fixture-only welding where layout is done for you
- A helper position
- A training position
- An entry-level fabrication role
If your background is primarily light production welding or repetitive jig work without layout responsibility, this role will not be a good fit.
We are looking for someone who can independently:
- Read complex drawings
- Perform manual layout
- Fit large structural assemblies
- Think through fabrication challenges
- Control distortion
- Work quickly and efficiently
Compensation
$25 – $35 per hour
Compensation depends on:
- Experience level
- Demonstrated skill
- Productivity and efficiency
- Proven results on the job
Higher compensation within the range is earned through measurable performance and consistent production results.
A hands-on fabrication and weld test will be required.
About Minerva Welding & Fabricating
Minerva Welding & Fabricating is a family-owned and operated fabrication company with over 70 years in business and now in its third generation of ownership.
We have built our reputation on craftsmanship, integrity, and long-term relationships — both with our customers and our employees.
At the same time, we are a progressive and growth-focused organization, committed to:
- Expanding capacity
- Investing in modern fabrication equipment
- Implementing cutting-edge technology
- Improving systems and processes
- Building the best fabrication team possible
We combine old-school craftsmanship with modern manufacturing practices.
We are family-oriented and intend to keep it that way.
We care deeply about our people.
We care about their families.
We are building for the long term.
If you are a serious structural fabricator who wants stability, modern equipment, growth opportunity, and to be part of a skilled, accountable team — we encourage you to apply.
Pay: $25.00 - $35.00 per hour
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Flexible schedule
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
