Maintenance Fabricator - 1st Shift

Smithfield Foods•Cudahy, WI

5d•$30 - $42

About The Position

The Maintenance Fabricator fabricates, repairs, and modifies machine components and equipment to support safe, reliable plant operations. Using shop drawings, sketches, or verbal instructions, the role produces components such as guards, frames, conveyors, platforms, brackets, and structural assemblies. Work includes welding, cutting, machining, grinding, manufacturing replacement parts, and assisting with equipment installation, teardown, rebuilds, and major maintenance projects. The position works with production, maintenance, engineering, and management teams to respond to equipment failures, reduce downtime, and improve safety, quality, efficiency, and cost savings. The fabricator must maintain quality workmanship, safe and organized work areas, and professional conduct, including during plant emergencies. Extended shifts, weekends, holidays, and emergency call-ins may be required when business needs demand equipment restoration. This role is in a manufacturing environment with loud production-area noise and potentially varying heat, cold, dust, and production conditions. Hearing protection is always required. Smithfield offers competitive starting pay of $30.16–$41.87 per hour, health insurance, retirement benefits, education benefits for eligible full- and part-time team members, career growth and professional development opportunities, and tuition assistance.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED and completion of a formal trades training program, or an equivalent number of years of educational and maintenance experience.
Minimum 3–5 years of industrial fabrication, welding, or machine shop experience.
Proficiency in TIG, MIG, and Stick welding.
Experience operating fabrication and machine shop equipment.
Strong mechanical aptitude and troubleshooting skills.
Ability to read blueprints, fabrication drawings, and mechanical schematics.
Ability to work independently with limited supervision.
Valid driver's license or ability to operate mobile equipment as required.
Ability to work well with others in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
Good verbal and written English skills.
Ability to lift up to 60 pounds; walk and use stairs frequently; and stand, walk, bend, kneel, climb ladders, and work in confined spaces.
Ability to operate hand tools, power tools, welding equipment, and machine shop equipment.
Ability to work in manufacturing environments that may include heat, cold, noise, dust, and varying production conditions.
Wear required safety equipment, including a bump cap, hair/beardnet, eye protection or goggles, hand protection, hearing protection, properly insulated tools, LOTO equipment, a respirator, and steel-toe safety shoes.
Complete required training and competencies in Emergency Response (including First Aid and CPR), proper lifting, Lock/Tag/Try Authorized, aerial scissor lift, forklift, boom lift, elevator, and PPE.

Nice To Haves

Industrial manufacturing or food processing plant experience.
Knowledge of conveyor systems, packaging equipment, pumps, motors, gearboxes, and pneumatic systems.
Experience with stainless steel fabrication and sanitary welding practices.

Responsibilities

Fabricate machine components, guards, frames, conveyors, platforms, brackets, and structural assemblies from shop drawings, sketches, or verbal instructions.
Repair damaged or worn equipment components using welding, cutting, machining, grinding, and fabrication techniques.
Modify existing equipment to improve safety, reliability, and operational performance.
Manufacture replacement parts when commercial parts are unavailable or lead times would negatively affect operations.
Assist with equipment installation, teardown, rebuilds, and major maintenance projects.
Respond urgently to equipment failures and production needs.
Maintain high-quality workmanship and attention to detail on fabrication and repair projects.
Work extended shifts, weekends, holidays, and emergency call-ins when required by business needs.
Prioritize safety while balancing production and maintenance requirements.
Collaborate with production, maintenance, engineering, and management teams.
Seek innovative solutions to improve equipment reliability and reduce downtime.
Maintain a positive attitude and professional conduct under pressure during plant emergencies.
Support continuous improvement and contribute ideas that improve safety, quality, efficiency, and cost savings.
Demonstrate teamwork, communication, and customer service toward plant departments.
Keep work areas clean and organized to eliminate trip, slip, and fall hazards.
Perform other duties as assigned by the Crew Leader and Supervisor.