Fitter Trainee

About the Role

MICA Steelworks builds the steel structures that keep the grid running, including tapered tubular transmission poles, substation A-frames, high-mast, and highway sign structures. Fitters are craftsmen responsible for laying out, positioning, and fitting steel for welding. The quality of fit-up directly impacts whether welds pass ultrasonic (UT) inspection. This is a Fitter Trainee pathway designed to teach tapered tubular pole fit-up from the ground up.

Key Responsibilities

• Perform fitting and joining, fabricating, and repairing of metal and other weldable material to blueprint specification, producing fit-ups consistent with UT-passable welds.
• Perform setups, including laying out work using jigs/fixtures or hand layouts, to fabricate parts and/or rework finished products.
• Locate long seams and number pole shafts correctly; check twist and camber against acceptance criteria before continuing layout.
• Trim pole shafts square, find true centers, and pop chalk lines for true centers.
• Lay out and fit base plates, flange plates, vangs, brackets, through plates, ground sleeves, and other attached parts.
• Fabricate multicomponent parts and verify conformance using tape measure, squares, levels, and templates.
• Operate overhead and jib cranes, hoists, slings, grinders, cutting torches, and hand/power tools safely.
• Maintain equipment functionality; notify management/maintenance of needed repairs.
• Crosstrain and perform work of other job tasks in addition to the primary assigned position.
• Manage time and work efficiently to production standards; maintain housekeeping (5S) in the work area.
• Perform other tasks as required.

Requirements & Tech Stack

• Ability to read a tape measure to 1/16″ and perform shop math (fractions, decimals, basic geometry).
• Ability to work 1st or 2nd shift and overtime as needed; reliable attendance.
• Ability to work in a shop environment with seasonal temperature extremes.
• Positive attitude, willingness to learn, and ability to work in a team environment.
• Blueprint and weld symbol literacy.
• For Fitter Trainee (D Fitter) specifically: Ability to read a tape measure and geometry and other mathematical skills (or certify within 30-90 days).

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Ability to pass the MICA NewHire Fitter Assessment (tape measure & shop math, blueprint & weld symbols, practical fitup).
• Successfully pass background check (including criminal history), drug screen, physical, audiogram, and vision test.
• Preferred at any level: Tapered tubular pole, transmission/substation structure, or heavy structural fabrication experience; knowledge of welding equipment (torches, torch tips); forklift experience; bilingual English/Spanish.

Working Conditions

• Full-time shop exposure with extreme temperatures.
• Perform work standing for 8-10 hours per day, up to 6 days a week.
• Requires good vision, hearing, smell, and balance.
• Frequently lift and/or move up to 40 lbs; occasionally up to 50 lbs.
• Regularly stand, bend, stoop, squat, or kneel; climb stairs and ladders.
• Wear OSHA-required PPE at all times.