Welder

Welder

This role works in a custom job shop welding environment, joining metal parts according to layouts, blueprints, and work orders. You will set up your own welding equipment, select appropriate wire sizes based on material thickness and grade, and inspect your work before passing parts to the next step in the process.

Responsibilities

• Weld metal parts together in a custom job shop environment following layouts, blueprints, and work orders.
• Set up welding machines independently, including selecting and adjusting wire size according to material thickness and grade.
• Perform MIG welding on a variety of metals, including mild steel and sheet metal, in accordance with job specifications.
• Read and interpret blueprints and drawings for custom projects to determine weld locations, dimensions, and sequence of operations.
• Use basic shop math to measure, mark, and verify dimensions down to 1/16 or 1/32 of an inch.
• Inspect completed welds visually and dimensionally, and fill out inspection sheets upon completion of each job.
• Perform fit-up welding, including aligning and fitting components prior to welding.
• Use basic hand tools and fabrication equipment to prepare, assemble, and finish welded components.
• For welder-only work, perform heavy plate welding with cored wire in line with AWS D1.1 standards.
• For fitter responsibilities, take parts from start to finish, including fitting and fabrication steps, with training provided to meet specific shop needs.
• Maintain a clean and organized work area and follow all shop safety procedures.

Essential Skills

• Proficiency in MIG welding, including setup and operation of MIG welding equipment.
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints for custom welding and fabrication projects.
• Ability to perform basic shop math, including adding and subtracting measurements down to 1/16 or 1/32 of an inch.
• Experience with fit-up welding and fitting components prior to welding.
• Basic knowledge and safe use of hand tools commonly used in a welding and fabrication shop.
• Capability to fill out inspection sheets and document weld quality upon completion of work.
• Experience fitting or fabrication for candidates performing fitter duties.
• Ability to work with mild steel, sheet metal, and heavy plate materials.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience with TIG welding and stick welding.
• Familiarity with shop math beyond the basics, particularly for complex layouts and fits.
• Experience working in a custom job shop welding environment.
• AWS D1.1 certification or experience welding to AWS D1.1 standards, especially for heavy plate welding with cored wire.
• Experience with flux-cored wire welding.
• Blueprint reading skills for complex or custom fabrications.
• Willingness to train and develop additional fitting and fabrication skills as needed.

Why Work Here?

The organization offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes health, vision, and dental coverage, along with paid time off. You can expect a stable first-shift schedule that supports work-life balance, opportunities to broaden your welding and fitting skills through on-the-job training, and a supportive shop environment where craftsmanship and quality are valued.

Work Environment

This position is based in a custom job shop welding environment, working primarily with mild steel, sheet metal, and heavy plate materials. The role operates on a first-shift schedule, Monday through Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., with occasional additional time on the back end of the shift, typically not extending past 4:30 p.m. You will work with MIG welding equipment, and may also use TIG and stick welding processes as needed. The shop environment involves hands-on fabrication, fitting, and welding work, using standard hand tools and measuring equipment, while following established safety practices.

Job Type & Location

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

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $18.00 - $25.00/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)

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Rockford, IL.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Aug 20, 2026.