Reports To Plant Manager Summary The position of Welder includes, but is not limited to production welding. Responsibilities will include standard agricultural storage systems, oil and fuel-tank fabrications and related custom prototypes from supplied drawings, fabrication of custom jigs and fixtures to produce production parts that meet customer specifications, as well as the fabrication of metal structures using jigs and fixtures in a high paced production environment. The use of various hand tools, machinery and equipment will be required to manufacture metal products. This position is accountable to the Team Manager and Line Leader for this station. The welder will work with Team Managers and Line Leaders to ensure continuous improvements in work cells, meeting tact times, welding according to pre-set parameters using MIG and ARC welding processes. The Welder will be required to perform random maintenance on returned products to be refurbished or re-worked to customer specifications, and have strong knowledge and skill in operating all metalworking machinery. Additionally the Welder will be required to read and understand production drawings, blueprints, work orders and other written instructions. Core Competencies • Quality Orientation • Time Management • Problem Solving • Accountability and Dependability • Operating Equipment • Ethics and Integrity • Planning and Organizing • Mathematical Reasoning • Compliance of Safety Standards, Quality Standards and Meridian Mfg Group Policies • Mentoring Team Members • Communication • Energy and Stress • Team Work Job Duties • Read and interpret blueprints or welding process specifications. • Gas metal arc welding (GMAW), flux-cored arc welding (FCAW) • Operate brazing and soldering equipment. • Expectations defined in MMG SWP program are set as the minimum standard • Operate Over Head Cranes in compliance with Meridian Mfg Inc. Safety Policies • Welds need to meet or exceed standards prescribed on data sheets provided by our welding engineer (Omniweld) and Canadian Welding Bureau (CWB) • Repair parts of metal products by welding on extra layers. • Maintain safe work practices. • Conduct Quality Inspections of their work. • Maintain equipment in good working condition and report maintenance and safety concerns • Conduct repairs, modifications and retrofits on production items • Provide data to assist in monitoring and tracking project status. • Assist in training of junior employees, inspecting their work. • Provide a framework of various levels of training and experience to be used when as a mechanism for incremental advancement in responsibility and duties within this position. • Ensure accuracy and completion of assigned tasks and projects. • Sign off on completed work orders and quality of work • Maintain a working knowledge of changes in technology, compliance and repair techniques. • Actively participate in the development of a LEAN manufacturing culture • Other assigned work as required. Requirements • High School Diploma, GED or equivalent. • One to two years experience as a Welder preferred but not required. • Ability to work independently in a busy environment. • Experience with routine maintenance operations. • Highly flexible, with solid interpersonal skills that allow one to work effectively in a diverse working environment. • Able to effectively communicate both verbally and in writing. • Able to work well under pressure. • Strong attention to detail. • Able to deal with people sensitively, tactfully, diplomatically, and professionally at all times. Work Conditions • Physical ability to lift up to 50lbs. • Safety equipment will be required, e.g. steel-toed safety boots, welding helmet, safety glasses/goggles, etc. • Overtime as required. • Hazards associated with the trade. • Work both indoors and outdoors.
See More Details >>Becoming a welder typically starts with technical training, which combines hands-on experience with classroom learning, allowing individuals to quickly enter the workforce. Training programs last about 6 to 18 months, depending on the level of certification. The American Welding Society reports 771,000 welders nationwide, with projections indicating a 2-3% job growth from 2025 to 2029. Apprentices earn an average of $1,026 per week in Storm Lake, IA, with an annual overtime average of $48,000. Trade schools, community colleges, and platforms like AWS help aspiring welders find training opportunities, leading to a career with strong earning potential—often exceeding $80,000 annually for experienced professionals.