Fabrication Fitter/Welder

About Us:

Panelmatic, Inc. was founded in 1957 in Youngstown, OH to serve manufacturing industries with the design and build of custom electrical, instrument, and pneumatic control panels. Our business has sufficiently grown over the years to support expansion for our clients. We have produced control packages for many of America's top corporations in the chemical, data center, environmental, food & beverage, pulp & paper, material handling, oil & gas, pharmaceutical, renewables, metals, and utility markets. We also deliver equipment for use worldwide. Our rigorous methodology assures compliance with domestic and international standards. We can meet the needs of our diverse clientele from start to finish through sales, design, fabrication, testing, and delivery.

Since 1957, we have been known for our high-quality, custom-built control packages, our comprehensive service, and our technological and manufacturing expertise. This expertise assures you of our ability to handle the largest and most complex packages quickly and efficiently.

Job Summary: 

Panelmatic Inc. is seeking a dedicated and skilled Fitter Welder. The Fitter Welder owns the complete build of a base — from drawing review and material layout through fit-up, welding, floor plate, and final inspection. This is a dual-skill classification: the employee must be able to read and execute the drawing package as a fitter and produce sound, code-quality welds as a welder.

The defining expectation of this role is the ability to take a drawing package and independently produce a finished, inspection-ready base without step-by-step direction. Combination Welder/Fitters are the primary staffing unit for each fabrication line and are expected to identify and correct their own discrepancies before a base is considered complete.

Combination Welder/Fitters progress through defined tiers (I–III) based on demonstrated drawing comprehension, layout and fit-up accuracy, weld quality, and independence.

Job Duties:  

Drawing & BOM Identification

• Review and understand the drawing package before beginning work.
• Identify the Bill of Materials (BOM) and locate all required components.
• Identify the steel/material type, size, quantity, and weight, and verify they match the drawing and BOM.
• Identify and understand standard weld symbols, weld sizes and dimensions, drawing notes, general dimensions and tolerances, and miscellaneous parts and components shown in the drawing package.

Material Layout & Preparation

• Verify material before fabrication.
• Lay out all required dimensions for lifting lugs, ground pads, holes and drilled locations, and other components identified on the drawing.
• Drill holes according to the dimensions and notes provided in the drawing package.
• Cut channel and other material as required to match the drawing.
• Properly identify and prepare the floor plate.

Fit-Up

• Position and fit components according to the drawing.
• Ensure the assembly is square, level, properly aligned, and within required dimensions.
• Tack weld components using appropriate procedures and sequence.
• Verify dimensions and alignment before final welding.
• Correct fit-up issues before proceeding.

Welding

• Follow weld symbols, weld sizes, and drawing notes.
• Select and use the appropriate welding process and settings for the material and application.
• Weld components in the proper sequence to minimize distortion.
• Grind welds smooth where required by the drawing or work instructions.
• Cut, modify, or prepare material as necessary while maintaining drawing requirements.
• Complete all required welds and attachments.

Floor Plate

• Identify the floor plate on the drawing package.
• Verify the floor plate size, quantity, material, and cutouts, when applicable.
• Lay out and prepare the floor plate according to drawing dimensions and notes.
• Fit and weld the floor plate according to the specified weld symbols.

Final Inspection

• Inspect the completed base for weld quality and completeness, squareness, level, overall dimensions, component location, hole locations and sizes, floor plate dimensions and cutouts, cleanliness, and proper grinding and finishing.
• Confirm compliance with all drawing requirements.
• Identify and correct discrepancies before the base is considered complete.

General

• Operate shears, brake press, torches, plasma cutters, drills, and overhead cranes safely and efficiently.
• Document inspection results and complete required quality records.
• Maintain clean, organized, and safe work areas aligned with 5S principles.
• Communicate proactively with supervisors and cross-functional teams regarding materials, progress, and issues.

CORE COMPETENCIES

Technical Skills

• Drawing package interpretation — views, details, BOM, notes, general dimensions, and tolerances.
• Material identification and verification: type, size, grade, quantity, and weight.
• Layout and measurement accuracy — squares, levels, tape, chalk line, protractor, and layout tools.
• Structural fit-up: squaring, leveling, alignment, and tacking sequence.
• Weld symbol interpretation — weld type, size, length, spacing, contour, and field/all-around indicators.
• Welding proficiency (MIG required; TIG/flux-core or other processes preferred and used depending on SOW).
• Heat and distortion control and weld sequencing.
• Equipment setup and operation (press brake, plasma cutter, shears, drills, torch).
• Dimensional verification, visual weld inspection, and QA documentation.

Behavioral Skills

• Customer Focused: Prioritizes quality, accuracy, and on-time delivery in every build.
• Team Player: Works collaboratively with fabrication, assembly, paint, and integration teams.
• Get It Done: Demonstrates urgency and persistence to overcome obstacles and complete tasks safely.
• Strive for Excellence: Continuously improves skills, techniques, and outcomes.
• Accountability: Owns workmanship, communication, safety, and adherence to standards; corrects discrepancies before hand-off.

Safety Competencies

• Consistent use of PPE (welding helmet, gloves, sleeves, jacket, face shields, respiratory protection where required).
• Adherence to grinder, hot-work, fire watch, and LOTO procedures.
• Safe operation of cranes, hoists, and lifting devices, including proper rigging of lifting lugs.
• Safe handling of compressed gas cylinders, torches, and cutting equipment.
• Awareness of pinch points, material handling hazards, and load stability during fit-up.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Ability to independently read and execute a fabrication and weld drawing package.
• Ability to lay out, drill, cut, fit, and weld structural components to drawing dimensions and tolerances.
• Ability to use measurement, layout, and inspection tools.
• Physical ability to lift up to 50 lbs, stand for extended periods, and work in bent, kneeling, or overhead positions.
• Combination Welder/Fitter I: 1–2 years of combined fitting and welding experience, or demonstrated welding experience plus completion of Panelmatic fitting training.
• Combination Welder/Fitter II: 3–5 years of combined fitting and welding experience in structural or industrial fabrication.
• Combination Welder/Fitter III: 6+ years of combined fitting and welding experience, including complex and high-precision builds.

Preferred

• Certification in MIG and/or additional welding processes (TIG, flux-core, stick).
• Formal blueprint reading or structural layout training.
• Experience operating brake press, shears, or plasma cutters.
• Prior experience in industrial or modular fabrication environments.
• Demonstrated ability to build a base start-to-finish from the drawing package with no rework.

Testing Requirements:

****Welding Test Required****

Benefits

• Medical, dental, vision, HSA, term life, AD&D, STD, LTD
• 100% medical premium paid for by Panelmatic for the employee-only level medical coverage
• 80% paid for by Panelmatic and 20% paid for by the employee on all other level medical coverage (ie employee plus child, employee plus spouse, family)
•  401(k) contributions matched 100% up to 4% 
• Scholarships, educational reimbursement, paid volunteerism, and paid personal and professional development provided
• PTO and paid holidays provided
• Career advancement opportunities
• Competitive wages
• Family-friendly environment with average employee tenure above five years