Master Welder

XL Specialized Trailers•Manchester, IA

6d•Onsite

About The Position

The Master Welder is XL Specialized Trailers' highest-level individual contributor in welding, recognized for unparalleled hands-on mastery in MIG welding and minimal aluminum welding. This role focuses entirely on producing the highest quality welds in the most demanding applications across all product lines. The Master Welder applies 8 or more years of welding expertise to execute complex weld assemblies with precision and consistency, setting the standard for craftsmanship through their own work.

Requirements

High School Diploma or equivalent required
Minimum 8 years of progressive hands-on MIG welding experience in a manufacturing environment, with a consistent record of mastery-level performance.
Demonstrated mastery of all product lines manufactured by XL Specialized Trailers.
Proven aluminum welding experience in a production manufacturing environment.
Master-level proficiency with MIG (GMAW) welding on carbon steel, structural steel, and all other metals used in production at XL Specialized Trailers.
Expert-level aluminum welding proficiency, including proper fit-up, preheat considerations, wire selection (ER4043/ER5356), shielding gas management (100% Argon), and distortion control unique to aluminum.
Advanced mastery of shop math, including geometry and applied calculations for layout, fitment, and weld shrinkage compensation.
Expert ability to read and interpret complex engineering blueprints, weld symbols (AWS A2.4), specifications, and technical procedures.
Exceptional eye for quality and pride in craftsmanship; consistently holds own work to the highest standards of weld integrity and appearance.
Advanced ability to diagnose complex weld defects (porosity, cracking, undercut, distortion) and implement effective corrective actions on own work.
Deep commitment to company values, safety culture, and continuous improvement.
Ability to accurately complete production, quality, and time documentation.
Extended periods of standing throughout the shift.
Frequent crouching, kneeling, bending, and stooping in all weld positions.
Occasional ascending/descending stairs or ladders.
Occasional pushing or pulling of components and equipment.
Ability to routinely lift 50 lbs. and occasionally up to 100 lbs.

Nice To Haves

MIG-specific certifications preferred, not required.
post-secondary technical education or apprenticeship in welding technology preferred.

Responsibilities

Prepares work to be accomplished by studying assembly instructions, blueprints, engineering specifications, and parts lists; gathers parts, subassemblies, tooling, and materials needed for each assignment.
Positions and fixtures parts and subassemblies with master-level precision using templates, jigs, and measurement techniques to ensure perfect alignment prior to welding.
Executes flawless MIG weld assemblies on all metal components, applying master-level technique across all weld positions (flat, horizontal, vertical, overhead) and joint configurations (butt, fillet, groove, lap, T-joint).
Performs expert-level welding, including proper fit-up, distortion control, and finishing techniques unique to fabrication.
Performs expert-level weld correction and finishing, including precision chipping, grinding, and arc-cutting to achieve superior surface finish and dimensional accuracy.
Operates overhead cranes and all material handling equipment with expert-level proficiency and safe work habits.
Verifies specifications by measuring completed weldments and conducting thorough self-inspection against dimensional tolerances and visual weld quality standards.
Independently resolves the most complex assembly and weld quality problems; applies advanced knowledge to determine root cause and corrective actions; notifies supervisor when additional resources are required.
Keeps all welding equipment operational by completing preventive maintenance requirements and following operating procedures; reports equipment issues to supervisor promptly.
Documents all production, quality, and time records accurately and completely.
Maintains a safe and clean working environment by complying with all procedures, rules, and regulations; wears proper personal protective equipment at all times.
Identifies and anticipates safety and health concerns by surveying environmental, operational, and occupational conditions and reporting hazards to the supervisor.
Contributes to team effort by accomplishing related results as needed.
Perform any other tasks assigned to support and improve the overall operations of XL Specialized Trailers.