Mechanical Fabricator – Stainless Steel

The Mid-Level Mechanical Fabricator – Stainless Steel is responsible for the hands-on fabrication, fit-up, and preparation of sanitary stainless steel components for piping systems, skids, vessels, and process equipment. This role requires intermediate-level proficiency in reading mechanical drawings, cutting and shaping stainless steel, preparing joints for sanitary welding, and supporting high-quality fabrication in compliance with 3-A, ASME BPE, and GMP standards.

The technician collaborates with welders, QA personnel, and other fabricators to ensure parts are manufactured to exacting specifications while maintaining sanitary fabrication standards.

Key Focus Areas:

1. Stainless Steel Fabrication and Fit-Up for Sanitary Applications

2. Reading and Interpreting P&IDs, Isometric Drawings, and Cut Sheets

3. Support and Preparation for TIG and Orbital Welding

4. Surface Finish Maintenance and Clean Build Practices

5. Process Improvement and Workflow Efficiency

Key Responsibilities:

1. Fabrication and Fit-Up

• Measure, cut, and grind stainless steel pipe, sheet, and tube using manual and powered equipment.

• Perform mechanical fit-up of process piping, tank components, and structural frames for sanitary systems.

• Ensure precise alignment and orientation of components according to specifications and standards.

2. Sanitary Preparation

• Prepare joints for TIG/orbital welding, ensuring proper purging and clamp alignment.

• Maintain clean and damage-free surfaces in accordance with 3-A, ASME BPE, and FDA-grade requirements.

• Polish, grind, or brush surfaces to specified roughness levels (e.g., ≤ 32Ra) using appropriate techniques.

3. Drawing Interpretation

• Read and interpret fabrication and mechanical assembly drawings including isometric piping layouts and BOMs.

• Identify fabrication discrepancies and communicate changes or improvement opportunities with supervisors or engineers.

4. Collaboration and Support

• Work closely with welders and QA staff to ensure weld joints are properly fit and documented.

• Assist in the mechanical assembly of skids and systems including valves, clamps, gaskets, pumps, and sensors.

• Participate in hydro testing or QA inspections as required.

5. Safety and Efficiency

• Operate equipment such as saws, grinders, bevellers, and drills safely and efficiently.

• Maintain a clean, safe, and organized work environment in compliance with shop safety and 5S standards.

• Suggest process improvements to increase quality, reduce rework, or speed up fabrication time.

Qualifications:

• Technical diploma or vocational training in mechanical fabrication or welding preferred.

• 2–5 years of experience in stainless steel fabrication, preferably for sanitary or high-purity industries.

• Working knowledge of ASME BPE and 3-A sanitary standards.

• Proficient with measurement tools (tape, calipers, levels, squares).

• Ability to interpret fabrication and mechanical assembly drawings.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience in preparing fit-ups for orbital/TIG welding.

• Familiarity with skid assembly or high-purity system fabrication.

• Basic understanding of GMP and clean manufacturing environments.

• Comfortable using fabrication shop tools and machinery.

Core Competencies:

• Mechanical precision and quality workmanship

• Reading and interpreting technical drawings

• Sanitary handling and surface finish awareness

• Teamwork, initiative, and accountability

• Effective communication with cross-functional teams