Entry Level Welder

Entry-Level Welder

This role offers an excellent entry point into welding and fabrication, where you support production by performing basic welding, cutting, fitting, and assembly tasks under supervision. You work from blueprints and work orders, use a variety of welding processes, and help fabricate parts and structures from steel and other metals in a busy job shop environment.

Responsibilities

• Read and interpret blueprints, work orders, and tape measurements to understand job specifications and fabrication requirements.
• Set up welding equipment by turning on the welding machine, connecting cables correctly, and adjusting machine settings to achieve proper weld penetration and appearance with guidance as needed.
• Operate gas cutting equipment by turning regulator valves, activating gas flow, lighting the torch, and adjusting gas mixture and pressure to obtain the desired flame for cutting.
• Manually guide the welding electrode or gun along the weld line, maintaining appropriate arc length and travel speed to join edges of workpieces under supervision.
• Position flat, cylindrical, or irregular parts using bolts, clamps, or tack welds to secure components in place prior to welding.
• Perform MIG welding on steel, including stainless and carbon steel, and assist with other processes such as flux core, TIG, stick, and aluminum welding as assigned.

Essential Skills

• Ability to read and interpret blueprints and work orders.
• Ability to accurately read and use a tape measure.
• Basic MIG welding skills, including setting up and operating a MIG welder.
• Basic understanding of welding processes such as MIG, flux core, TIG, stick, and aluminum welding.
• Fundamental fitting and fabrication skills for structures, assemblies, and sheet metal.
• Basic grinding and metal finishing skills.
• Willingness to work in an industrial job shop environment around galvanized and mild steel.
• Either a relevant welding certification or at least 6 months of welding experience.

You join a union environment immediately, gaining access to strong benefits and a structured path for advancement. You receive scheduled pay raises, good medical benefits, and the opportunity to grow into more advanced welding or machine operator roles. The experience you gain here is highly transferable and can support future certifications and long-term career development in the welding and fabrication field.

This position is based in a traditional industrial job shop with two primary shifts: 1st shift from 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, and 2nd shift from 2:30 p.m. to 11:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. The environment can be hot, dirty, and not optimally lit at times, with regular exposure to galvanized steel and other metals. You work around industrial equipment, welding machines, cutting torches, grinders, and fabrication tools, and you follow safety practices appropriate for a busy production setting.

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Addison, IL. The pay range for this position is $18.75 - $20.00/hr. 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).

This is a fully onsite position in Addison, IL. This position is anticipated to close on Jun 16, 2026.