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, preparing graduates for immediate employment. According to the American Welding Society, there are approximately 771,000 welding professionals in the U.S., with projections indicating a need for 320,500 new welders by 2029. In Willmar, MN, welders can earn an average of $1,500 per week, with experienced professionals often exceeding $55,000 annually. Trade schools, community colleges, and apprenticeships provide aspiring welders with the necessary skills and certifications, leading to a career with strong earning potential and diverse specialization opportunities.
Welding Lead Location Willmar, MN Onsite, Hybrid or Fully Remote Onsite Status Full-time Reports To Production Manager FLSA Status Non-Exempt Management Position No Compensation Min $34.00 per hour Compensation Max $38.00 per hour Position Overview This position is to oversee welding operations in our workshop. This role requires a hands-on leader with deep expertise in welding processes, team management, and quality control. The Welding Lead will ensure that all welding work meets production goals, safety standards, and quality specifications while driving efficiency and continuous improvement. RESPONSIBILITIES: Leadership & Team Management: • Supervise and coordinate daily activities of welders in the workshop. • Assign tasks, set priorities, and monitor workflow to ensure timely completion of production schedules. • Train and mentor welding team members on proper techniques, safety procedures, and best practices. • Foster a culture of change, teamwork, accountability, innovation, and continuous improvement Welding Operations & Quality Control: • Oversee all welding operations, ensuring adherence to company and industry standards. • Read and interpret blueprints, schematics, and welding specifications to guide production. • Conduct inspections to ensure weld quality, strength, and compliance with USDA and AWS standards. • Troubleshoot welding defects and implement corrective actions to maintain quality. • Work closely with engineers and quality assurance teams to improve welding processes and reduce waste. Safety & Compliance: • Enforce strict adherence to OSHA regulations and company safety policies. • Ensure all welders wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) and follow safe work practices. • Identify and mitigate hazards in the welding area to prevent workplace injuries. Equipment Maintenance & Process Improvement: • Oversee the maintenance and repair of welding equipment, ensuring all tools are in optimal working condition. • Recommend and implement process improvements to enhance productivity and reduce downtime. • Stay updated on the latest welding technologies and industry trends to optimize operations. QUALIFICATIONS & SKILLS: • Education: Two-year Associates/Technical degree or relevant work experience • Experience: Minimum 5+ years of welding experience in a manufacturing environment. • Strong proficiency in MIG, TIG, Laser, and Flux-Cored Arc Welding techniques. • Ability to read and interpret blueprints, welding symbols, and engineering drawings. • Knowledge of AWS D1.1 and OSHA safety regulations. • Strong leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills. • Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and manage multiple priorities. KOVALUES: • CUSTOMER FOCUS: Our decisions and actions are aligned with client needs, enhancing satisfaction and loyalty. • INTEGRITY & COMPLIANCE: Establishes trust and credibility, ensuring that actions and communications are transparent and ethical. Comply with all applicable laws and regulations. • TEAMWORK: Foster collaboration and efficiency, leading to innovative solutions and a supportive work environment. • HUMILITY & RESPECT: Build a positive culture by valuing diverse perspectives and fostering a respectful workplace. • ENTREPRENEURIAL: Eliminate bureaucracy and non-value-added processes. Encourage innovation, promote a sense of urgency, and identify and promote our competitive advantage.
See More Details >>Welder Willmar, MN, US RELCO, a Kovalus Company, is a well-established engineering and manufacturing company located in Willmar, Minnesota. RELCO has been providing process technologies to cheese & dairy plants across the globe for the last 40 years. We are committed to delivering projects on schedule and within budget to create long-term customer relationships. Our benefits offering includes three weeks of vacation, two weeks of sick & ten paid holidays available after day one. Additionally, health benefits start the next month after your hire date and you have several plans to choose from for medical, dental, vision and voluntary benefits. We offer paid life insurance, paid short term disability insurance, a defined 401k contribution that starts on day one, and an employer match after one year of service. RELCO is seeking Welders to join to our Welding team. This position is responsible for performing TIG & MIG welding and finishing according to contract specifications while working safely and within schedule and budgetary guidelines. Our welders work Monday – Thursday 6:00am to 3:30pm and Fridays 6:00am to 2:30pm.The person best suited for this role will be able to work in a team-oriented environment, have strong attention to detail skills, be able to communicate effectively with coworkers, and have a safety-focused attitude. PRIMARY JOB RESPONSIBILITIES • Perform the following tasks per contract specifications or as directed: • TIG Welding • MIG Welding • Wire Welding • Purge Welding • Hand Peening (hammer) • Peen Block/Back-up Block • Fit Up/Tacking • Hand Plasma Set-up & Operation • Grinder/Metal Finishing. • Rigging/Material Handling-Required • Follow all quality standards per company procedures. • Complete any required paperwork free from errors and in a timely manner. • Accurately record time on time sheet per project. • Follow all safety procedures when operating machinery. • Keep work area clean & organized so not to present a safety hazard. • Wear proper personal protective equipment (PPE) per RELCO & OSHA standards. • Assist when needed to train new coworkers as directed from area supervisor. • Work with other team members to maximize productivity & efficiency. • All other duties as assigned. EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE • Experience working with power equipment/hand tools is required • MIG and TIG experience required • Must be able to perform and pass the onsite Weld test required • Must have experience with Grinding and metal finishing • Must have some experience with rigging and heave material handling- required COMPENSATION PACKAGE RELCO has recently updated our benefit package that pairs with our competitive wages. Our new benefits package that includes Medical (4 plans), Dental (2 plans), Vision, Group Life and Employer Paid Short-Term Disability Insurance, Long-Term Disability Insurance, 401K, Expanded Paid Time Off, and much more. • In addition to the above benefits, manufacturing employees receive an annual allowance of $200 for steel toe boots and $150 allowance for prescription safety glasses for every other year. JOIN OUR TEAM Join a team who focuses on putting safety first. We have recently celebrated 15 years without a lost time accident. Every day is a new challenge, and we are constantly seeking ways to help our team get better at what we do. If that is you, we want you on our team. We look forward to hearing from you! This position does not support visa sponsorship now or in the future. Kovalus offers a comprehensive package that includes: Medical (4 plan options), Dental (2 plan options) and Vision insurances; 401K (match & fixed company contribution); health savings and flexible spending accounts; company provided basic life insurance policy with the option of selecting additional voluntary life insurance for self, spouse or dependents; disability insurances (short-term policy is company paid & long-term is split between company and employee); voluntary insurance plans for accident, critical illness and hospital indemnity; business and personal travel insurance; 10 paid holidays; vacation time; sick time; employee assistance program; educational assistance program; referral bonus; bereavement leave. All benefits are subject to applicable plan and program terms (including eligibility terms) and may be subject to change.
See More Details >>AMERICAN WELDING & GAS, INC. has a new opportunity for a Class A CDL HazMat Driver in Willmar, MN. This is a full-time career opportunity with excellent benefits!Over the road travel is required 1-2 days a week.Sign on Bonus $5000INCENTIVES: Competitive Hourly Pay On the job and ongoing training and career growth opportunities Company paid CDL license renewal fees including endorsements and medical card Uniforms and Safety equipment provided Medical, Dental and Vision benefits with no waiting period Company paid Term Life Insurance and Short-Term and Long-Term Disability 401(k) Plan with company match Paid Holidays and Vacation Company cell phone for business use Drug Free Workplace DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES •Provide cylinder and/or bulk deliveries to customers and inner branches using a combination tractor-trailer truck •Perform inventory control functions •Loading and unloading trucks •Assist in maintaining a clean and orderly working environment •Ensures vehicles are appropriately placarded and/or labeled •Ensures compliance with CGMP, Hazmat, OSHA, DOT and other regulatory agencies •Ensures appropriate preparation, completion, and accuracy of paperwork •Maintains cleanliness of vehicle •Maintain electronic trip-logs •Perform pre-trip and post trip-inspections •Achieve delivery objectives set forth by the manager •Overnight trips may be required •Other duties as assigned QUALIFICATIONS & EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS •CDL Class A license with Hazmat, Tanker, and Air Brakes •Successful completion of DOT pre-employment drug-screen and physical, and company administered road test •High school diploma/GED •Clean driving record 3+years •Ability to lift 75-100 pounds •Excellent verbal and written communication skills •Must be comfortable using computers •Excellent customer services skills American Welding & Gas, Inc. (AWG) manufactures and distributes industrial, medical, specialty and beverage gases. AWG is headquartered in Raleigh, NC with 80 branch locations, 20 gas fill plants in 20 states, stretching from Montana through Florida. As one of the largest independent gas and welding supply distributors, AWG has the expertise, assets, and sources of supply necessary to service large, bulk cryogenic gas customers as well as small businesses. American Welding & Gas is growing rapidly and looking for top talent to move us forward. To apply and learn more about AWG visit our website at www.awggases.com American Welding & Gas, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer and will consider all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, protected veteran status, or disability status.
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