Becoming a welder in Macomb, IL, typically begins with an apprenticeship, combining hands-on experience with classroom learning, allowing individuals to earn while they learn. Apprenticeships last about four to five years, requiring many hours of training under licensed professionals. According to the American Welding Society, there are approximately 40,233 welders nationwide, with a significant demand for new professionals due to an aging workforce. The median weekly wage for welders in Macomb, IL, is approximately $1,000, with an annual overtime average of $4,800. Trade schools, unions, and platforms like Gild help aspiring welders find apprenticeship opportunities, leading to a career with strong earning potential—often exceeding $50,000 annually for experienced professionals.
Welding Engineer The Welding Engineer will be responsible for driving innovation and ensuring excellence in welding processes, creating comprehensive work instructions, driving process improvements, designing and implementing welding fixtures, and ensuring quality standards are met throughout the welding processes. This role requires a blend of technical expertise, innovation, and hands-on experience to enhance productivity and ensure the highest quality in welding operations working closely with cross-functional teams to achieve operational excellence. As a Welding Engineer you will: Work Instructions Development: Develop detailed and clear standards and work instructions for welding processes, ensuring alignment with production goals, safety standards, and quality requirements. Provide training and technical guidance to production staff on welding techniques and procedures. Process Improvement: Analyze current welding processes and identify opportunities for efficiency improvements and cost reductions. Propose and implement KPI to measure and improve welding performances Implement best practices and new technologies to enhance welding performance productivity and reduce defects. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to streamline workflow and optimize production operations. Fixture Design & Implementation: Design, develop, and implement custom welding fixtures and jigs to improve process consistency and efficiency. Coordinate with engineering and production teams to ensure fixtures meet operational requirements. Conduct testing and validation of fixtures to ensure proper functionality. Quality Assurance: Establish and maintain quality control processes for welding operations, ensuring adherence to specifications and standards (e.g., AWS, ISO). Investigate welding defects and implement corrective and preventive actions. Prepare and review documentation, including inspection reports and weld procedure specifications (WPS). Collaboration and Documentation: Work closely with engineering, production, and quality teams to ensure smooth communication and project execution. Maintain accurate records of welding processes, updates, and improvements. We are looking for someone who: Holds a Bachelor's degree in Welding Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field. Has proven experience as a Welding Engineer or similar role in a manufacturing or industrial environment. Possesses strong knowledge of welding processes (e.g., MIG, TIG, SMAW, FCAW) and materials (e.g., metals, alloys). Has proficiency in CAD software for fixture design and layout. Has familiarity with welding standards and codes (e.g., AWS, ASME, ISO). Possesses Excellent problem-solving skills and a detail-oriented approach. Has strong communication and teamwork skills, with the ability to collaborate across departments. Ideally you will also have: Certification as a Welding Inspector (CWI) or Welding Engineer. Experience with automation and robotic welding systems. Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma methodologies. The Physical Demands / Working Conditions are: Combination of office, production floor, and testing areas. May involve occasional lifting and exposure to welding environments. Flexibility to travel, if required What we offer you: Typical pay is $80,000 - 110,000 annually. Please note the pay information shown above is a general guideline. Pay is based upon candidate skills, experience, and qualifications. This position is eligible for participation in our Quarterly Incentive Pay Program G&W Electric offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes: Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance Short and Long-Term Disability Life Insurance Health club membership program and reimbursement Employee Assistance Program Tuition Reimbursement 401 (k) Annual Profit Sharing Vacation Air-conditioned/heated state-of-the-art manufacturing facility About G&W Electric Innovating since 1905, G&W Electric has grown into a global leader in engineered electrical power grid solutions. Working with us means joining a worldwide team of passionate manufacturing professionals striving to continually improve the technologies the world depends on to deliver safe, reliable electricity. Our culture is focused on employee success, so we foster an entrepreneurial environment that encourages everyone to thrive. Learn more about our company by watching this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?vDMtAhsdYeUQ G&W Electric enjoys a long reputation for product quality, innovation and world-class customer service to the power industry. We have established this reputation by believing that our greatest asset is our employees. We owe our success to the initiative and talents of highly skilled individuals within our team-based organization. Our goal is to set the standard for customer satisfaction by ensuring a superior level of service, performance and innovation. As a global organization and industry leader, we are committed to cultivating an engaging work environment that embraces our core values and develops our talent. Our continuous focus on growth and innovation means that you become part of a company that provides challenging opportunities, rewards excellence and combines your individual expertise to achieve a higher level of shared success. As part of our organization, you also help power the world G&W Electric is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. All employees and applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender, national origin, race, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, protected veteran status, or any other classification protected by federal, state, or local law. G&W Electric participates in the E-Verify process for all new hires. G&W Electric participates in the E-Verify process for all new hires. VEVRAA Federal Contractor About the Company: G&W Electric
See More Details >>Position Available Production Welder (MIG/GMAW) - prototype/fabrication/manufacturing Fabtronic Inc. is an industry leader in the development and production of Paint Assist Aides used by automotive manufacturers to ensure the quality of their products during production. We provide unique services and specialized make-to-order products to Fiat/Chrysler, Ford Inc., General Motors, Nissan, and Toyota. Our products are found in over 20 assembly plants throughout the US, Canada, and Mexico. As a fabrication technician, you will be a member of the production team providing the technical expertise in support of product development and manufacturing. Product lines include fabrications, detail assemblies, sheet metal stampings, and plastic injection moldings. Responsibilities • Create products of exceptional quality by applying science-based practices, professional standards, and dedication to craftsmanship. • Uphold professional and technical communication standards throughout the organization. • Maintain and control assigned equipment, tools, and supplies. • Collaborate and communicate with the product development team and production team as an innovator and problem-solver. Requirements Required Skills • Material Processing • Sheet metal layout • Materials: sheet metal, tubing, round stock, square stock • Welding • MIG welding • Ability to TIG weld a plus • Quality Management • Blueprint reading, process routing, and inspection records Required Knowledge • Knowledge of blueprint reading and geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T). • Knowledge of metallurgy and heat-treatment processing. • Understanding of ISO 9001:2008 Quality Management System (QMS). • Understanding of tool and fixture design. Required Attributes • Strong team member. • Strong problem-solving and troubleshooting skills. • Highly developed technical competencies. • Highly adaptive to new concepts and techniques. Education/Experience • 5 years of experience in fabrication or manufacturing. • Certificate in Welding Technology or technical equivalent (Preferred). Benefits Wage: Hourly - commensurate with experience Position Closing - until filled Seniority level: Mid-Senior level Employment type: Full-time Job function: Manufacturing Industries: IT Services and IT Consulting #J-18808-Ljbffr
See More Details >>Company Overview Lincoln Electric is the world leader in the engineering, design, and manufacturing of advanced arc welding solutions. Our company has a strong emphasis on customer assistance and technical problem-solving. We are committed to promoting equal employment opportunity for applicants, without regard to their race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, veteran status, disability, genetic information, and any other category protected by federal, state, or local law. We maintain a worldwide network of distributors and sales offices serving customers in over 160 countries.
See More Details >>