Senior Sheet Metal Fabricator

Sheet Metal FabricatorThe Sheet Metal Fabricator will play a key hands-on role in a medium-volume automotive manufacturing environment, with a strong focus on brake press setup, operation, and troubleshooting. This position involves full-cycle fabrication of tight-tolerance parts, including tryouts and blank development, as well as interpreting complex engineering blueprints and supporting prototype and short-run production. The role requires someone who can work independently or as part of a team, moving beyond basic machine operation to own the quality and accuracy of the parts produced.ResponsibilitiesSet up, operate, and troubleshoot brake presses as the primary focus of daily work.Work with hydraulic and mechanical presses, including stamping equipment, and perform complete machine setups.Perform full fabrication work rather than only operating machines, taking ownership of the entire process from setup to finished part.Conduct tryouts and blank development for new or modified parts to ensure proper form and fit.Receive blanks, set back gauges accurately, and adjust press brake settings so bends occur precisely where required for the finished part.Read and correctly interpret simple and complex engineering blueprints to produce tight-tolerance parts.Use precision measuring tools such as calipers and micrometers to verify dimensions and ensure quality and accuracy in all fabricated parts.Perform deburring and finishing work to meet quality standards and customer requirements.Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work area, following shop safety practices at all times.Collaborate with team members or work independently to meet production goals and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.Assist in other areas of the shop as needed, including operating other machinery and supporting different departments.Step in to support welding work on thin-gauge metals when required, in coordination with dedicated welders.Essential SkillsApproximately 10 years of experience working with press brakes and mechanical presses in a fabrication or manufacturing environment.Proven ability to set up, run, and troubleshoot brake presses, not just operate pre-set machines.Hands-on experience with stamping equipment, including complete setup and adjustment.Strong in sheet metal fabrication for tight-tolerance parts.Demonstrated experience conducting tryouts and blank development for new or prototype parts.Ability to read and accurately interpret simple and complex engineering blueprints.Proficiency using precision measuring tools such as calipers, micrometers, and similar instruments.Experience performing deburring and finishing work on fabricated parts.Capability to work effectively in a fast-paced, deadline-driven production environment.Willingness to assist across the shop and support other roles and departments as needed.Additional Skills & QualificationsExperience welding thin-gauge metals using TIG and/or MIG processes.Knowledge of spot welding techniques and equipment.Ability to operate a manual mill or lathe (either is beneficial).Comfort stepping in to assist with welding tasks when required, in support of dedicated welders.Prototype or short-run automotive manufacturing is a plus.Strong problem-solving skills and attention to detail in setup and fabrication work.Why Work Here?Join a family-owned shop that values craftsmanship, collaboration, and reliability in delivering high-quality prototype and short-run parts. You will work with modern equipment in a close-knit environment where your expertise and initiative make a visible impact on the business. The culture emphasizes trust, flexibility in supporting different areas of the shop, and pride in meeting demanding customer deadlines without sacrificing quality.Work EnvironmentThe role is based in a fast-paced fabrication shop focused on short-run and prototype automotive parts, where meeting tight deadlines is critical. The facility operates on a first shift schedule, typically from 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., with potential extension to 5:30 p.m. when working 10-hour days. The shop is located in a converted older building, originally an elementary school, but the workspace is kept clean and organized. Fabrication equipment, including brake presses and related machinery, is relatively modern, with machines approximately three years old. You will primarily run one dedicated machine rather than constantly moving between multiple stations, while still remaining flexible to support other areas when needed. The environment is production-oriented, with an emphasis on precision, safety, and maintaining an orderly work area.Job Type & LocationThis is a Contract position based out of Garden City, MI.Pay and BenefitsThe pay range for this position is $24.00 - $32.00/hr. Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: Medical, dental & vision Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital 401(k) Retirement Plan Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) Short and long-term disability Health Spending Account (HSA) Transportation benefits Employee Assistance Program Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)Workplace TypeThis is a fully onsite position in Garden City, MI.Application DeadlineThis position is anticipated to close on May 18, 2026.