Metal Fabrication Technician

Job Description

The Metal Fabrication Technician will be responsible for producing, shaping, and assembling metal components that are integral to Hobie’s watercraft, marine, and accessory product lines. This role supports the manufacturing process through accurate execution of fabrication, welding, finishing, and inspection tasks, working closely with engineering, quality assurance, and production teams to ensure parts meet design specifications and safety standards.

Key Responsibilities

Read, interpret, and work from blueprints, technical drawings, fabrication templates, and engineering specifications to fabricate components with precision.

Operate metalworking and fabrication equipment such as press brakes, shears, saws, grinders, plasma cutters, welder types (e.g. MIG, TIG, stick), forming tools, and finishing tools.

Perform fitting, cutting, bending, forming, welding, and joining of ferrous and non-ferrous metals (e.g. aluminum, steel, stainless steel) to build product parts or assemblies.

Smooth, grind, deburr, and finish metal surfaces to prepare them for further assembly, finishing, or surface coating as required.

Conduct routine inspections of fabrications to verify dimensions, tolerances, weld quality, fit and finish; mark and rework or repair components that fall outside specs.

Maintain and calibrate measuring instruments (calipers, micrometers, height gauges, etc.) and tools to ensure accurate work.

Follow engineering changes; update fabrication methods when drawings or product specs are revised.

Support preventative maintenance of fabrication machinery and tools; help identify and resolve issues such as misalignment, tool wear, or machine calibration.

Adhere strictly to safety guidelines and use required personal protective equipment (PPE). Keep work area clean, organized, and compliant with company safety and quality standards.

Collaborate with other departments (engineering, design, quality, production scheduling) to prioritize output, address quality issues, and improve fabrication processes for efficiency, cost, and performance.

Requirements

High School diploma or equivalent; additional technical training or trade school in metal fabrication, welding, or related field preferred.

Proven experience (e.g. 1-3 years or more, depending on seniority) in metal fabrication, welding, and working in a manufacturing / shop environment.

Proficiency with welding processes (MIG / TIG / stick) for metals relevant to Hobie (likely aluminum and steel); experience with cutting / plasma or oxy-fuel for thicker metal required.

Solid understanding of blueprint reading, fabrication symbols, weld symbols, measurement tolerances.

Strong skills with hand and power tools, ability to lift moderate weight (e.g. 40-50 lbs), stand for extended periods, and work in a physically demanding environment.

Good problem-solving skills; attention to detail and quality; ability to spot defects or deviations and take corrective action.

Comfortable working in a team, able to follow instructions, and able to communicate fabrication issues clearly to engineering or quality teams.

Commitment to safety; familiarity with workshop / factory safety standards; willingness to wear PPE and comply with safety protocols.

Benefits

Competitive hourly wage or salary based on experience.

Health benefits (medical, dental, vision) for full-time employees.

Retirement plan / 401(k) with company matching (or equivalent).

Paid time off (vacation, holidays, sick leave) per company policy.

Employee discounts on Hobie gear / products.

Opportunities for training, advancement into senior fabrication or supervisory roles.

Safe working environment with PPE supplied; ongoing safety and skills training.

Potential overtime / shift differentials if production demands.

Requirements

High School diploma or equivalent; additional technical training or trade school in metal fabrication, welding, or related field preferred. Proven experience (e.g. 1-3 years or more, depending on seniority) in metal fabrication, welding, and working in a manufacturing / shop environment. Proficiency with welding processes (MIG / TIG / stick) for metals relevant to Hobie (likely aluminum and steel); experience with cutting / plasma or oxy-fuel for thicker metal required. Solid understanding of blueprint reading, fabrication symbols, weld symbols, measurement tolerances. Strong skills with hand and power tools, ability to lift moderate weight (e.g. 40-50 lbs), stand for extended periods, and work in a physically demanding environment. Good problem-solving skills; attention to detail and quality; ability to spot defects or deviations and take corrective action. Comfortable working in a team, able to follow instructions, and able to communicate fabrication issues clearly to engineering or quality teams. Commitment to safety; familiarity with workshop / factory safety standards; willingness to wear PPE and comply with safety protocols.