Welder / Fabricator

About the Company

Topmade Plastics & Neon Signs, based in Calgary, Alberta, has been a prominent sign manufacturer since 1979. They specialize in designing, fabricating, installing, and servicing customized signage for clients throughout Alberta and beyond.

Role Overview

We are seeking a skilled Welder / Fabricator to join our production team. This role primarily involves working with aluminum and some steel in a custom fabrication environment rather than repetitive production welding. Experience in the sign industry is beneficial but not mandatory as we value strong welding and fabrication skills and a willingness to learn custom sign structure assembly.

Primary Responsibilities

• Perform MIG and TIG welding, mainly with aluminum and some steel.
• Fabricate various custom sign cabinets, frames, structures, brackets, bases, and other components.
• Precisely cut, fit, assemble, and weld aluminum and steel parts.
• Interpret and follow shop drawings, sketches, measurements, and work orders accurately.
• Measure and layout components before fabrication to ensure precision.
• Use fabrication machinery and hand tools such as saws, grinders, drills, and other shop equipment safely.
• Grind, clean, and finish welds to ensure quality and appearance.
• Inspect finished assemblies for dimensions, fit, aesthetic appeal, and overall quality.
• Collaborate with drafting and production teams to clarify fabrication requirements.
• Assist in general fabrication and production tasks when needed.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe workspace adhering to company safety protocols and shop standards.

Candidate Requirements

• Prior experience in welding and metal fabrication.
• Proficiency welding aluminum, with strong preference for TIG welding experience alongside MIG skills.
• Capability to fabricate from drawings and measurements, not solely relying on pre-cut parts.
• Comfort working with both aluminum and steel materials.
• Thorough understanding of fit-up, distortion control, weld preparation, and finishing techniques.
• Safe use of common fabrication tools and equipment.
• Attention to detail and high workmanship standards.
• Independently manage projects once reviewed.
• Adaptability to handle different projects within the same day.
• Reliability, organization, and effective communication within the production team.

Additional Assets

• Experience with aluminum MIG welding.
• Background in custom fabrication.
• Structural or architectural metal fabrication exposure.
• Experience handling sheet metal or light-gauge aluminum fabrication.
• Skills operating brake, shear, or forming equipment.
• Proficiency reading detailed shop drawings.
• Previous involvement in sign manufacturing.
• Fabrication of sign cabinets, pylons, channel letters, or support structures.

Work Environment and Ideal Candidate

This position offers a highly varied workload involving custom projects such as aluminum sign cabinets, steel bases, brackets, structural framing, and more. Candidates who enjoy problem-solving in fabrication, working on diverse tasks, and take pride in quality workmanship will excel. We value team players who raise questions when needed and contribute to practical solutions.

Position Details

• Employment Type: Permanent, full-time.
• Location: Calgary, Alberta.
• Work Schedule: Monday through Friday.
• Compensation: $26 to $35 per hour based on experience.
• Start Date: Immediate availability preferred.

Application Instructions

Please submit a resume detailing your welding and fabrication history. Inclusion of specific information about your aluminum welding, MIG/TIG experience, typical materials and thicknesses handled, welding certifications or tickets, and experience with shop drawings is encouraged. Photographs of previous welding or fabrication projects are also welcome.