Fabrication & Production Equipment Technician

Job Description

Job DescriptionDescription:

POSITION SUMMARY

The Fabrication & Production Equipment Technician plays a critical technical role in supporting Beneficial Insectary’s insect-rearing, processing, and facility operations. This position is responsible for fabricating, repairing, and customizing equipment, tools, and infrastructure used throughout multiple production departments. The technician works independently to create solutions that improve productivity, reduce downtime, and ensure safe, biologically appropriate conditions for live insect production. This role requires strong welding, fabrication, and mechanical troubleshooting skills.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Perform MIG/TIG welding, metal cutting, forming, and general fabrication work to build or repair production equipment.
• Construct custom rearing racks, tables, screens, trays, feed tools, and operational fixtures used across insect farming operations.
• Modify existing equipment based on production needs, biological requirements, or supervisor feedback.
• Work from sketches, measurements, or verbal instructions to build functional solutions.
• Troubleshoot mechanical and structural issues affecting workflow or insect health.
• Perform timely repairs to reduce downtime and reinforce items exposed to moisture, heat, or continuous use.
• Partner with Production, Maintenance, Engineering, and Quality teams to understand project requirements and develop creative fabrication solutions.
• Support specialized insect-rearing rooms, climate-controlled areas, and equipment used in biological production.
• Ensure all fabricated items align with biological safety, sanitation, and environmental requirements.
• Provide realistic time estimates, communicate project status, and maintain clear documentation.
• Maintain an organized, clean, and safe work area to prevent contamination and ensure safe operation of tools and equipment.
• Other duties as assigned.

Requirements:

QUALIFICATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS

• 2+ years of welding, fabrication, or industrial maintenance experience preference.
• Basic proficiency with hand tools, power tools, drills, and saws.
• Familiarity with working with multiple types of building materials, steel, aluminum, Lexan, Delrin, Plastic
• Prior experience MIG and/or TIG welding, metal cutting, grinding, and basic machining preferred but not required.
• Ability to safely operate welders, grinders, saws, drill presses, and plasma cutters.
• Strong mechanical troubleshooting skills and ability to fabricate custom solutions.
• Comfort working in humid, warm, or biologically active environments.
• Ability to draft simple sketches or follow verbal design concepts preferred.
• Reliable, adaptable, strong communication skills, and a problem-solving mindset.
• Experience in insect rearing, agriculture, or manufacturing environments preferred.
• Forklift certification or ability to obtain it is preferred.
• Vocational training or technical coursework in welding, fabrication, machining, or industrial maintenance preferred.
• External welding certification(s) strongly preferred but not required.
• Attention to detail and ability to follow instructions is a must.
• High school diploma or equivalent required.

WORK ENVIRONMENT & PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Work in warehouses, production rooms, climate-controlled environments, and outdoor areas exposed to natural elements including sun, wind, rain, heat, and cold.
• Frequent standing, walking, bending, kneeling, lifting, welding, grinding, and use of fabrication tools.
• Safely lift/push/pull up to 50 lbs with or without accommodation.
• Use PPE such as eye protection, gloves, welding helmet, respirators as needed.
• May work in humid, warm, dusty, or biologically active environments.
• Must be able to perform job duties while exposed to varying weather conditions when working on outdoor projects or equipment.
• Occasional after-hours or weekend work may be required for urgent production repairs.