Job Description

Overview

The Apprentice Fabricator supports the lead welder and machine shop operations by fabricating, joining, and repairing metal components and hardware. This entry-level position focuses on repairing subassemblies, components, and hardware during APU/LRU processing, with opportunities for growth through hands-on experience.

Responsibilities

  • Support the lead welder in fabrication, welding, fitting, and repair tasks.
  • Repair broken hardware and components during APU and LRU processing.
  • Interpret blueprints, specifications, diagrams, or work orders to determine proper fabrication and welding processes.
  • Fabricate, join, fit/tack, and repair equipment, fixtures, and metal structures using appropriate welding techniques.
  • Operate drill presses, power saws, grinders, welding equipment, and hand tools.
  • Perform GTAW welding in flat and vertical positions using various materials.
  • Conduct pre-use maintenance checks on tools and equipment and report any faults.
  • Inspect completed work for accuracy, quality, and structural integrity.
  • Assist with disassembly, repair, and reassembly of components to restore them to serviceable condition.
  • Crosstrain and assist in other departments including paint, clean, thermal spray, and hand finishing as needed.
  • Follow all QHSE standards and company procedures.
  • Perform other related duties as assigned.

Requirements

  • High school diploma or GED equivalent required.
  • Prior welding training or experience is required.
  • Ability to read and interpret basic blueprints, diagrams, and technical drawings preferred.

Additional Information

  • Work is performed in a machine shop and industrial manufacturing environment.
  • Exposure to noise, fumes, welding arcs, heat, and varying temperatures may occur.
  • Required personal protective equipment (PPE) must be always worn.
  • Ability to stand and walk for extended periods of time.
  • Ability to lift, carry, push, and pull up to 25 pounds.
  • Manual dexterity and fine motor skills for handling tools, fixtures, and small parts.
  • Visual acuity is sufficient for reading blueprints, measuring, and inspecting welds and finished work.

How this job compares in Chandler, AZ

Pay in context

This employer didn't publish a rate. For reference, welding jobs across Arizona currently run a median of $30/hr in our index, with the middle half of them falling between $24–$35/hr across 97 postings with published pay. That median is a reasonable floor to anchor on when a recruiter asks what you're looking for.

The local market in Chandler, AZ

We're tracking 32 other active welding openings in Chandler, AZ right now, from 18 different employers. 1 of them was added in the last week. Across Arizona as a whole we're tracking 285 other active welding openings from 174 employers. A metro this active generally means you have real leverage — employers here are competing for the same welders. Browse every welding job in Chandler, or widen the search to Arizona.

The most active employers in Arizona at the moment, by number of open welding reqs, are Welding Shop in Phoenix, AZ (9), Sundt Construction (8), and Comfort Systems USA Southwest (7). Volume like that usually means either a genuine expansion or a staffing agency working several client sites — worth knowing which before you apply.

Within Arizona, the best-paying metros we track by median hourly rate are Mesa at $38/hr, El Mirage at $38/hr, and Phoenix at $30/hr. If you can relocate or commute, that spread is worth factoring in.

What you'll be running

This posting calls for TIG. TIG (GTAW) uses a non-consumable tungsten electrode with filler added by hand, giving the operator the most control of any process. It is slow, demanding, and the standard for stainless, aluminum, and anything where the bead has to look as good as it holds.

See all apprentice welder openings if you want to compare this against similar roles.

Similar openings near Chandler, AZ

Pay figures are medians computed from live postings in the Welding Pros index, not from survey data, and they move as employers post. Apprentice Fabricator figures were last recalculated when this page was built.