The posting
About Pierce, an Oshkosh company
At Pierce Manufacturing, we build trucks that protect people and communities around the world. To our team, there is no room for anything less than providing the absolute best. Since 1913, building truck bodies on Model T Ford chassis in an old converted church has evolved to creating highly customized, carefully designed and engineering pumpers, aerials, tankers and rescue units that have no equal. Today, you'll find more than 30,000 Pierce apparatuses on the road that are making a difference in people's lives, every day. To us, every step in the process of building our trucks is personal. From innovation and expertise, to the customization and service. Our trucks are designed to perform under the toughest conditions.
Pump Plumbing Assembler (Mechanical / Pipefitting)
Location: Pierce Manufacturing – Appleton, WI Position Type: Full-Time | Hiring Immediately Schedule: 4-Day Work Week (Monday – Thursday, 10-Hour Shifts, with Overtime on Fridays)
Build Trucks That Protect Communities
At Pierce Manufacturing, we design and build custom, purpose-driven fire and rescue apparatus that safeguard first responders and communities worldwide. Since 1913, our team has built more than 30,000 industry-leading emergency vehicles with uncompromising precision.
Every fire apparatus we assemble saves lives—and as a Pump Plumbing Assembler, you build the literal heart of the truck: the high-performance water and foam pumping systems that firefighters rely on under extreme conditions.
What We Offer: Competitive Pay & Day-1 Benefits
- Top-Tier Starting Pay: Minimum base starting rate of $24.62 (increases based on experience & education)
- Shift Premium: +$2.00/hour for 2nd Shift
- Scheduled Pay Increases: Merit reviews at 6 months, 12 months, and annually thereafter
- Day-1 Benefits Coverage: Comprehensive Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, & Disability Insurance, paid vacation and company paid holidays
- Retirement: 401(k) with company match and defined contribution
- Growth & Stability: Tuition reimbursement, clear internal career progression pathways, and long-term job security
Shift Schedule
Enjoy a predictable schedule with plenty of overtime opportunities:
- 1st Shift: Monday – Thursday (Four 10-hour days) | Overtime on Fridays
- 2nd Shift: Monday – Thursday (Four 10-hour days) | Overtime on Fridays
Role Overview
As a Pump Plumbing Assembler, you will fit, route, plumb, and test complex water and foam delivery systems for custom fire trucks. Working from detailed blueprints and 3D schematics, you will utilize precision hand and power tools, tack-welding, and pipefitting techniques to assemble leak-free, high-pressure fire apparatus systems.
Key Responsibilities
- Plumbing & Pipefitting: Cut, thread, fit, and route custom piping, brackets, and mechanical linkages for pump modules.
- Pneumatics & Tubing: Run and connect plastic and rubber pneumatic gauge tubing and install pump control panels.
- Fabrication & Tack Welding: Perform light tack-welding on pipe joints, brackets, and structural supports.
- Testing & Quality Assurance: Conduct hydrostatic and vacuum pressure tests to identify leaks; troubleshoot and resolve issues immediately.
- Blueprint Reading: Interpret 2D engineering blueprints and 3D CAD modeling views to exact tolerances (down to 1/16").
- Tool Operation: Safely operate pneumatic, battery-powered, and manual shop tools (grinders, reciprocating saws, drills, pipe threaders).
- Safety & Continuous Improvement: Maintain a clean, organized work area (5S) and adhere strictly to all safety standards.
Preferred Background & Qualifications
If you have hands-on experience in plumbing, pipefitting, HVAC, fire sprinkler installation, or heavy equipment assembly, your skills will transfer directly into this role.
- Experience: 3+ years of hands-on mechanical, assembly, or plumbing experience. Strong backgrounds include:Commercial / Residential Plumbing or Pipefitting Fire Sprinkler System Installation & Service HVAC & Refrigeration Piping Mechanical Assembly / Automotive / Heavy Equipment Repair Natural Gas / Utilities Plumbing
- Technical Skills:Demonstrated ability to read tape measures (to 1/16"), blueprints, and technical diagrams. Basic MIG/tack welding proficiency (or willingness to learn). Strong mechanical aptitude and problem-solving skills.
- Work Ethic: Reliable, safety-conscious, and dedicated to delivering life-saving craftsmanship.
Physical Requirements
- Ability to lift, push, and carry up to 35 lbs individually.
- Ability to stand, bend, stoop, climb ladders/apparatus steps, and work in awkward positions throughout a 10-hour shift.
- Manual dexterity to operate power tools and handle small fittings.
- Ability to wear all required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
Oshkosh is committed to working with and offering reasonable accommodations to job applicants with disabilities. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability for any part of the recruitment process, please contact our talent acquisition team by email [email protected].
Oshkosh Corporation is a merit-based Equal Opportunity Employer. Job opportunities are open for application to all qualified individuals and selection decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or other protected characteristic. To the extent that information is provided or collected regarding categories as provided by law it will in no way affect the decision regarding an employment application.
Oshkosh Corporation will not discharge or in any manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with Oshkosh Corporation's legal duty to furnish information.
Certain positions with Oshkosh Corporation require access to controlled goods and technologies subject to the International Traffic in Arms Regulations or the Export Administration Regulations. Applicants for these positions may need to be "U.S. Persons," as defined in these regulations. Generally, a "U.S. Person" is a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, or an individual who has been admitted as a refugee or granted asylum.
Oshkosh is committed to working with and offering reasonable accommodations to job applicants with disabilities. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability for any part of the recruitment process, please contact our talent acquisition team by email [email protected].
Oshkosh Corporation is a merit-based Equal Opportunity Employer. Job opportunities are open for application to all qualified individuals and selection decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or other protected characteristic. To the extent that information is provided or collected regarding categories as provided by law it will in no way affect the decision regarding an employment application.
Oshkosh Corporation will not discharge or in any manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with Oshkosh Corporation's legal duty to furnish information.
Certain positions with Oshkosh Corporation require access to controlled goods and technologies subject to the International Traffic in Arms Regulations or the Export Administration Regulations. Applicants for these positions may need to be "U.S. Persons," as defined in these regulations. Generally, a "U.S. Person" is a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, or an individual who has been admitted as a refugee or granted asylum.
