Entry Level Welder

Welder

Pay

$20

Shift

first or second

Location

Machesney Park,IL

Job Description

This role involves MIG welding and fabrication work within a busy production environment, supporting both panel and tank welding operations. You will work from engineering drawings and bills of materials to fabricate and weld steel components, while adjusting equipment and techniques to accommodate varying material thicknesses. The position requires flexibility to move between welding and other areas of the fabrication department as production needs change.

Responsibilities

• Perform MIG welding on steel components in accordance with engineering drawings and bills of materials.
• Interpret and follow blueprints to ensure accurate layout, fit-up, and weld quality.
• Adjust welding equipment settings to accommodate varying thicknesses of steel and different weld positions.
• Support both panel welding and tank welding operations as needed by the fabrication department.
• Carry out straight-line welds for panel welding and perform vertical, horizontal, and overhead welds for tank welding.
• Operate welders, grinders, drills, and a variety of hand and power tools safely and efficiently.
• Use measuring devices to verify dimensions and ensure components meet specifications.
• Operate overhead cranes and forklifts when certified, following all safety procedures.
• Assist with general fabrication tasks outside of welding as production demands require.
• Maintain a clean and organized work area and follow all safety and quality standards.
• Inspect completed welds for defects and make necessary adjustments or repairs.
• Collaborate with team members and supervisors to meet production schedules and quality goals.

Essential Skills

• Proficient MIG welding skills with the ability to produce consistent, high-quality welds.
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints and engineering drawings.
• Experience in fabrication, including layout and fit-up of steel components.
• Capability to perform straight-line, vertical, horizontal, and overhead welding as required.
• Skill in using welders, grinders, drills, hand tools, power tools, and measuring devices.
• Ability to adjust welding equipment based on material thickness and job requirements.
• Willingness and ability to multitask between welding and other fabrication department duties.
• Ability to operate overhead cranes and forklifts if certified, or willingness to obtain certification.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to safety and quality standards.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• MIG welding experience in a production or fabrication environment.
• Blueprint reading experience specific to welded and fabricated assemblies.
• Experience in fabrication involving heavier gauge, galvanized steel is highly beneficial.
• D1.1 welding certification required for tank welders.
• D1.3 welding certification is a plus for tank welders.
• Comfort working in different weld positions, including overhead, for tank welding.
• Ability to work assigned shift schedules, including overtime as needed.

Why Work Here?

You will join a stable, family-owned organization with strong long-term demand and a clear pipeline of work secured through 2027, offering meaningful opportunities for growth and advancement. The company provides comprehensive benefits, including Blue Cross Blue Shield health, dental, and vision coverage, as well as a 401(k) plan with a 3% match and an annual bonus based on overall company performance. You can expect regular annual performance reviews with your direct supervisor, providing feedback, development, and recognition for your contributions. The culture emphasizes support, reliability, and investment in employees, reflected in the provision of all necessary tools and a commitment to maintaining modern, well-equipped facilities.

Work Environment

This position is based in a fabrication and welding facility that operates multiple shifts to support production demands. Panel welders work at a building that currently focuses on 3rd shift, with typical schedules of 1st shift from 5:00 AM to 1:30 PM with overtime as needed, and 3rd shift from 6:00 PM to 2:30 AM with overtime commonly extending to 4:30 AM. Tank welders work at a north facility dedicated to heavier gauge, galvanized steel processes, operating on 1st shift from 5:00 AM to 1:30 PM with overtime as needed, and 3rd shift from 6:00 PM to 2:30 AM with overtime as required. The environment involves regular use of welders, grinders, drills, overhead cranes, forklifts, and various hand and power tools, with all necessary tools provided by the employer. Work is performed in a shop setting that can become warm during the summer months, though a new, modern facility opened in 2025 helps improve overall working conditions. Employees follow standard industrial safety practices and wear appropriate protective attire suitable for welding and fabrication work.

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

The pay range for this position is $20.00 - $23.00/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 Rockford,IL.

This position is anticipated to close on May 4, 2026.

About Aerotek:

We know that finding work is hard, and finding meaningful work is harder. Aerotek connects 180,000+ light industrial and skilled trades workers with 14,000+ employers each year, helping our workers navigate an evolving labor market and find jobs that meets their goals, skills and interests. Since 1983, we have provided a variety of career opportunities across North American industry – from short-term assignments at Fortune 500 companies where you can build your skills, to long-term opportunities where you can play a vital role solving for companies’ construction, manufacturing and maintenance challenges. Our 1,500+ experienced recruiters across 250+ offices work relentlessly to put our workforce in a position to thrive. Let us rise to meet your challenges and put our people-are everything spirit to the test as your career continues to grow.

Aerotek offers weekly pay, employee benefits including medical, dental & vision, life insurance, health advocacy and employee assistance programs, a 401(k) plan, and employee discounts.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regards to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.