Welder

Entry-Level Welder

This entry-level welding and fabrication role supports production in a busy job shop environment by assisting with MIG welding, basic fitting, grinding, and assembly work. You set up welding equipment, follow blueprints and work orders, and help fabricate parts from various metals under supervision while developing skills that can grow into full welding or machine operator responsibilities.

Responsibilities

• Set up welding machines by turning them on, connecting cables correctly, and adjusting machine settings to achieve proper weld penetration and appearance under guidance.
• Operate gas regulators and valves to activate gas flow, light the torch, and adjust gas mixture and pressure to obtain the desired flame for cutting operations.
• Manually guide the welding electrode or gun along the weld line, maintaining appropriate arc length and travel speed to join workpiece edges with supervision.
• Position flat, cylindrical, and irregular parts using bolts, clamps, or tack welds to secure components in place prior to final welding.
• Perform MIG welding on stainless steel, mild steel, carbon steel, zinc-coated and galvanized steel, and other sheet metal and structural components as directed.
• Read and interpret blueprints and work orders to understand part specifications, weld locations, and fabrication requirements.
• Use a tape measure accurately to verify dimensions, layouts, and fit-up before and after welding and fabrication tasks.
• Assist with fitting and assembly of structures and sheet metal components according to drawings and production requirements.
• Perform grinding and finishing operations on welds and fabricated parts to meet quality and appearance standards.
• Support production by following established fabrication, welding, and assembly processes to meet output and quality targets.
• Work safely around welding equipment, grinding tools, and galvanized steel in an industrial environment, following all safety procedures.
• Collaborate with more experienced welders and machine operators, ask questions, and apply feedback to improve technique and productivity.

Essential Skills

• Ability to use a tape measure accurately for measuring and layout tasks.
• Basic blueprint reading skills to interpret dimensions, weld symbols, and fabrication requirements.
• Demonstrated ability to turn on welding machines, connect cables properly, and adjust machine settings.
• Capability to operate gas regulators and torches, including lighting the torch and adjusting gas mixture and pressure.
• Basic MIG welding experience or training, including guiding the electrode or gun along the weld line under supervision.
• Comfort working with stainless steel, mild steel, carbon steel, zinc-coated and galvanized steel in a fabrication setting.
• Ability to perform basic grinding operations to clean and finish welds and parts.
• Willingness to work in a hot, dirty, and dimly lit industrial job shop environment.
• Reliability and readiness to follow instructions, safety procedures, and production standards.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Prior experience in MIG welding, flux core welding, TIG welding, stick welding, or aluminum welding in a production or job shop environment is a plus.
• Experience with fabrication, fitting, and structural assembly work is beneficial.
• Familiarity with sheet metal work and structural steel fabrication is an advantage.
• Experience in production welding or manufacturing environments is helpful.
• Ability to read and follow detailed blueprints and work orders beyond basic level is preferred.
• Any welding-related certification or at least 6 months of practical welding experience is valued and can be built upon in this role.

Why Work Here?

You join a union environment immediately and gain access to strong benefits, including good medical coverage and scheduled pay raises that reward your growth and tenure. The role offers clear room to advance into more skilled welding or machine operator positions, and the experience you gain here can be transferred toward formal certifications and long-term career development in the trades.

Work Environment

This position is on 1st shift, typically from 7:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., in a traditional job shop setting. The facility is an industrial environment that can be hot, dirty, and not optimally lit at times, with regular exposure to galvanized steel and other metals. You work around welding machines, torches, grinders, and other fabrication equipment, following appropriate safety practices and using personal protective equipment as required.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Addison, IL.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $18.75 - $20.00/hr. Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: • Medical, dental & vision • Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital • 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available • Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) • Short and long-term disability • Health Spending Account (HSA) • Transportation benefits • Employee Assistance Program • Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)