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 fabricated in North Texas and shipped across the country. Fitters are the craftsmen at the center of that work: you lay out, position, and fit the steel that our welders finish, and the quality of your fit-up decides whether every weld passes ultrasonic (UT) inspection.

You do NOT need pole experience to start here. If you can read a tape measure, think through a drawing, and want to build a skilled trade career, our Fitter Trainee pathway and dedicated Fitter Trainer will teach you tapered tubular pole fit-up from the ground up. Our classification ladder gives you a defined raise at every level you certify into.

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 multi-component 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.
• Cross-train 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

• High School Diploma or GED, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Ability to read a tape measure to 1/16″ and perform shop math (fractions, decimals, basic geometry).
• Ability to pass the MICA New-Hire Fitter Assessment (tape measure & shop math, blueprint & weld symbols, practical fit-up).
• 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.
• Successfully pass background check (including criminal history), drug screen, physical, audiogram, and vision test.

Qualifications by Level

• D Fitter (Fitter Trainee) (direct hire temporary position): Blueprint and weld-symbol literacy; ability to read a tape measure and geometry (or certify within 30-90 days).
• C Fitter (direct hire): 1+ year of fitting/fabrication experience in structural steel, tubular products, shipfitting, pipe fitting, or comparable metal trade; blueprint and weld-symbol literacy; overhead/jib crane experience (or certify within 30 days).
• B Fitter (direct hire): 3+ years of fitting experience with demonstrated multi-product capability; passes the B-level practical at hire.
• A Fitter (direct hire): 5+ years of fitting experience; tapered tubular pole experience strongly preferred; passes the A-level practical at hire.

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.

Measures of Performance

• Certification status maintained for level; first-pass fit-up quality ≥ 95% (QC-verified).
• Production/takt standards met as determined by the Production Supervisor.
• Follow all MICA Steelworks safety programs and policies; zero preventable safety incidents.
• Practice good housekeeping (keep area clean/organized).
• Demonstrate teamwork and willingness to cross-train.

Schedule

1st shift: Monday–Friday, 5:00 AM–3:30 PM, with Saturday as needed. Expected hours: 40–55 per week; overtime paid per policy.

Pay

Pay is set by the classification matrix below. Certification raises are effective the pay period after sign-off.

Level Scope of Work Certification Gate Pay (Haltom City) Fitter Trainee Structured 90-day program under the Fitter Trainer. Learns drawings, seam location and numbering, twist/camber checks, shaft trimming and squaring, true centers, base/flange plate and ground sleeve layout. Hired via aptitude track of the New-Hire Assessment. Must pass C Certification by day 90 (one 30-day extension permitted). $22.00 - 1st shift

Working Conditions

• Full-time shop exposure; extreme temperatures (sometimes due to season).
• No travel requirements (occasional travel between company plants may be offered).
• Perform work standing for 8–10 hours per day, up to 6 days a week.
• Good vision, hearing, smell, and balance.
• Frequently lift and/or move up to 40 lbs; occasionally up to 50 lbs.
• Stand, bend, stoop, squat, or kneel regularly; climb stairs and ladders.
• Wear OSHA-required PPE at all times, including OSHA-approved welding hood if welding.