Fabricator III
Frankfort, SD - USA
Job Summary
Job Summary
The Fabricator III is JBF Stainlesss highest-level shop fabrication role. This position is responsible for performing complex stainless steel fabrication to ASME and AWS standards serving as a technical resource for junior fabricators and leading peer coordination on complex assemblies. The Fabricator III brings 5 or more years of experience demonstrated TIG welding proficiency on stainless steel and the ability to work independently on projects requiring specialty skills such as ASME Section IX qualification and stainless TIG. This role carries a quality responsibility: the Fabricator III is expected to identify and flag non-conformances before they advance downstream.
Compensation: $28.00 $32.00 per hour (rate determined by in-person skills assessment)
Employment Type & Term (remove before posting if not for the temporary position)
JBF Stainless is growing and hiring for a project-based position anticipated to run through approximately June 2026 with the potential to transition into a permanent role for the right candidate. We are transparent about this upfront some people are looking for project work and we respect that. Candidates who perform well and where continued work exists may have the opportunity to extend or move into a full-time permanent position. JBF Stainless will provide at least two (2) weeks notice if a position is ending or not being extended and we ask the same in return.
Major Responsibilities and Essential Functions
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this job. See Accommodation section below.
- Perform complex MIG and TIG welding on stainless steel to ASME Section IX and AWS D1.6 standards.
- Fabricate tanks pressure vessels and precision assemblies requiring tight tolerances and specialty surface finish specifications (e.g. #4 #7 Ra standards).
- Interpret complex engineering drawings P&IDs and fabrication packages independently.
- Serve as technical lead on complex assemblies; coordinate sequencing and fit-up with Fabricator I/II and Grinder team members.
- Conduct in-process quality checks: verify dimensional accuracy weld quality and surface finish at each stage of fabrication.
- Identify and document non-conformances; work with CI/QA-QC Manager to disposition and correct defects.
- Set up and qualify welding procedures (WPS/PQR) in coordination with Engineering Manager as needed.
- Mentor Fabricator I and II employees on technique quality standards and safe work practices.
- Provide feedback to Production Supervisor on scheduling material staging and production bottlenecks.
- Operate overhead cranes man lifts and forklifts for heavy assembly operations.
- Maintain stainless steel material integrity throughout fabrication: prevent carbon steel contamination manage heat input to avoid sensitization.
- Wear all required PPE including respiratory protection; enforce PPE compliance within the work area.
- Follow and model compliance with all OSHA ASME and JBF safety procedures.
- Support continuous improvement initiatives and best-practice documentation as directed.
- All other duties as assigned.
Marginal (Non-Essential) Functions
The following duties are secondary functions that could be reassigned to another employee if a reasonable accommodation is required:
- Participate in tooling and equipment qualification checks.
- Assist Engineering Manager with review of fabrication drawings for constructibility.
- Support on-site customer inspections or witness tests as needed.
Job Qualifications and Minimum Requirements
- 5 years of hands-on fabrication and welding experience in a pressure vessel tank or industrial manufacturing environment.
- TIG welding proficiency on stainless steel required; ASME Section IX qualification strongly preferred.
- AWS D1.6 Structural Welding Certification Stainless Steel required or obtainable within 90 days of hire.
- AWS D1.1 certification a plus.
- Ability to independently read and interpret complex engineering drawings weld symbols P&IDs and fabrication specifications.
- Knowledge of ASME codes applicable to tank and pressure vessel fabrication.
- Demonstrated ability to achieve and verify surface finish specifications (Ra values #4/#7 finishes) including grinding and polishing welds and material to required finish standards.
- Proficiency with precision measuring tools including calipers micrometers and surface comparators.
- Experience leading or coordinating work of other fabricators in a production setting.
- Knowledge of stainless steel metallurgy heat-affected zone management and contamination prevention.
- Physical ability to stand for extended periods lift up to 40 lbs. and work in confined spaces.
- High school diploma or GED required; vocational certification or associates degree in welding technology a plus.
- Must pass an in-person skills assessment prior to offer.
Working Conditions
This position operates in a medium-noise non-climate-controlled manufacturing facility with regular exposure to metal dust fumes and grinding residue. Stainless steel grinding and welding operations may generate hexavalent chromium particulates; proper respiratory PPE is required and provided. Machinery is in operation throughout the facility. Appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) including safety glasses hearing protection gloves and steel-toed footwear is required at all times on the shop floor.
Physical Requirements
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made for qualified individuals with disabilities.
This role requires the employee to regularly stand for extended periods (up to 810 hours per shift) walk use hands to handle tools and materials reach with hands and arms and communicate effectively in a loud environment. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 40 pounds and occasionally lift up to 60 pounds with assistance. Specific vision abilities required include close vision depth perception and color discrimination for quality inspection purposes.
Accommodation
JBF Stainless is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and applicable state and local law. To request a reasonable accommodation during the application or employment process please contact the HR department at
Equal Employment Opportunity
JBF Stainless is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race color religion sex sexual orientation gender identity or expression national origin age disability genetic information pregnancy marital status citizenship or immigration status domestic violence victim status predisposing genetic characteristics prior arrest or conviction records (where permitted by law) or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal New York State or local law. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment including recruiting hiring placement promotion termination layoff recall transfer leaves of absence compensation and training.
At-Will Employment & Job Description Disclaimer
This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of all activities duties or responsibilities required of the employee. Duties responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice. Employment with JBF Stainless is at-will.