Manufacturing ​/ Production Helper, Fabrication

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Full Time Manual Labor Hampton, VA, US

Salary Range: $17.00 To $21.00 Hourly

The Light Fabrication Helper supports daily manufacturing operations by assisting skilled fabricators, fitters, and welders with material handling, part preparation, basic tool use, housekeeping, and other production tasks. This entry-level role is intended for an individual who is dependable, safety-minded, and ready to develop practical fabrication skills in a defense manufacturing environment.

The Light Fabrication Helper serves as a hands-on member of the Light Fabrication team supporting the manufacture and assembly of sheet-metal and light-fabricated components. Under direct supervision, the helper stages materials, prepares parts, assists with fitting, welding, and assembly activities, maintains tools and work areas, and follows applicable drawings, work instructions, material traceability, quality, safety, and security requirements. This role supports production workflow while learning the fundamentals of industrial fabrication.

• Assist with basic fabrication and part-preparation tasks, including drilling, grinding, deburring, sanding, cleaning, edge preparation, and assembly, as trained and directed
• Load, unload, move, and stage sheet metal, components, tools, and supplies using approved material‑handling methods and equipment
• Position, hold, align, and clamp parts or fixtures to support fitting, welding, and assembly operations
• Use basic hand tools, portable power tools, measuring tools, and shop equipment only after receiving the required instruction and authorization
• Read a tape measure, apply basic shop math, and follow basic drawings, travelers, work instructions, and verbal direction applicable to assigned tasks
• Preserve material and part identification and immediately report missing, damaged, or questionable markings to the appropriate supervisor
• Inspect tools and equipment before use, report unsafe or damaged items, and return tools and supplies to their designated locations
• Assist with protecting, packaging, and moving completed or in‑process components to prevent damage and maintain workflow
• Maintain good housekeeping, foreign‑object‑debris control, aisle clearance, and proper separation and disposal of scrap and waste materials
• Follow all safety, quality, security, personal protective equipment, lifting, rigging, hot‑work, and equipment‑control requirements; report concerns or discrepancies before proceeding

• High school diploma, GED, or an equivalent combination of education and work experience
• No previous fabrication experience is required; the ability and willingness to learn in a hands‑on manufacturing environment are essential
• Basic math skills, including addition, subtraction, fractions, and decimals, with the ability to learn to read a tape measure to 1/16 inch
• Ability to follow written and verbal instructions, established work procedures, and safety requirements and to learn the proper use of basic hand and portable power tools
• Dependable attendance, punctuality, willingness to work the assigned schedule and required overtime, and ability to work cooperatively with production personnel

• Previous experience in fabrication, sheet‑metal work, welding support, shipbuilding, industrial manufacturing, construction, or a related hands‑on environment
• Vocational, technical‑school, apprenticeship‑readiness, or military training related to manufacturing or the skilled trades

• Safety awareness and consistent compliance with established controls
• Attention to detail and commitment to quality
• Clear communication and ability to work effectively as part of a team
• Dependability, urgency, and personal accountability
• Coachability and willingness to steadily develop trade skills

• Must be authorized to work in the United States
• Ability to obtain and maintain required customer and facility access, including any security clearance…