Welder Apprentice

WelderThis role focuses on MIG welding and fabrication of carbon steel components in a custom machine shop environment. You will interpret blueprints and weld symbols, fabricate and fit assemblies to specification, and support both custom projects and production work while maintaining high safety and quality standards.ResponsibilitiesPerform MIG welding on carbon steel components as the primary welding process.Weld and fabricate components including plate, structural steel, and rolled steel.Interpret and work from prints, blueprints, and weld symbols to complete jobs accurately.Fabricate, fit, and weld parts and assemblies to meet specifications and tolerances.Support both custom fabrication projects and repetitive production work as needed.Set up fixtures, jigs, and welding equipment for each job to ensure proper alignment and efficiency.Inspect welds visually and dimensionally to verify quality, accuracy, and adherence to standards.Follow established safety procedures, quality standards, and shop best practices at all times.Assist with basic layout, grinding, finishing, and material handling to support overall shop operations.Essential SkillsAt least 2 years of MIG welding experience on carbon steel components (weld education combined with experience is acceptable).Proficiency in reading and interpreting blueprints and weld symbols.Hands-on experience with welding and fabrication in a shop environment.Ability to fabricate, fit, and weld structural steel and plate components.Strong blueprint reading skills for accurate layout and fabrication.Capability to inspect welds visually and dimensionally for quality and accuracy.Commitment to following safety procedures and quality standards in a busy shop setting.Additional Skills & QualificationsExperience with TIG welding is a plus.Exposure to Sub-Arc welding processes is a plus.Familiarity with flux core welding is beneficial.Experience operating or working around press brake equipment is an advantage.Ability to support both custom fabrication and repetitive production work.Comfort working in a goal-oriented, customer-focused machine shop environment.Why Work Here?You will join a laid-back yet goal-oriented team in a small-shop setting where your work stays interesting through a high volume of custom projects. The environment encourages cross-training in other areas, providing opportunities to broaden your skills and advance your career. Once hired directly, you can access solid benefits, and you will work closely with a tight-knit team that collaborates often and takes pride in meeting customer needs.Work EnvironmentThis is a custom machine shop with a small, collaborative team of about 30 people who work closely together to meet customer requirements. The culture is laid back but highly goal-oriented, with a strong focus on getting orders completed efficiently and accurately. The shop is very busy, reflecting a high level of customer demand and a fast-paced work environment. The role is available on 1st shift (6:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.) and 2nd shift (2:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.), with multiple openings. Steel-toed boots are required, and employees may wear jeans. Welders must provide their own welding helmets.Job Type & LocationThis is a Contract to Hire position based out of Des Moines, IA.Pay and BenefitsThe pay range for this position is $17.00 - $25.00/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)Workplace TypeThis is a fully onsite position in Des Moines, IA.Application DeadlineThis position is anticipated to close on Sep 9, 2026.