Industrial Welder and Setup Operator

Laborup•Rockford, IL

About The Position

An established manufacturer is seeking an experienced Industrial Welder and Setup Operator to join its second-shift team. The role involves challenging setups, complex industrial components, precision fabrication, and independently managing work from blueprint interpretation and component preparation through equipment setup and production of high-quality welds to demanding specifications. The position offers competitive union wages, benefits, and long-term career opportunities. The schedule is Monday through Friday, 3:00 PM to 11:30 PM, with initial training on first shift. Overtime opportunities may be available.

Requirements

Previous hands-on industrial welding experience.
Strong experience with welding setups, fit-up, and fabrication.
Ability to independently read blueprints and welding specifications.
Experience performing welding in multiple positions.
Understanding of welding procedures, filler metals, and distortion control.
Comfort using precision measuring instruments, including calipers and micrometers.
Strong mechanical aptitude and troubleshooting ability.
Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
High school diploma or GED required.

Nice To Haves

Technical welding training preferred.

Responsibilities

Set up and operate manual, semi-automatic, and automatic welding equipment.
Perform arc and gas welding on complex industrial components and assemblies.
Read and interpret blueprints, engineering drawings, welding symbols, and welding procedure specifications (WPS).
Independently plan, lay out, fit, tack, and weld components.
Perform welding in multiple positions as required.
Select filler metals and adjust welding parameters to control distortion and shrinkage.
Set up fixtures, jigs, positioning equipment, and workholding devices.
Perform cutting, grinding, trimming, and finishing operations.
Maintain tight dimensional tolerances and meet established welding quality standards.
Inspect completed welds and identify potential defects.
Troubleshoot welding setups, equipment, and fabrication challenges.
Work with ferrous and non-ferrous materials.