Weld Workforce Development Leader

American Rheinmetall•Lansing, MI

21h

About The Position

American Rheinmetall is a leader in the design, development, and production of advanced tracked and wheeled vehicles, vehicle systems, and critical components that support U.S. military modernization. Our expertise spans electronic and mechanical systems, fabricated structures, armored products, rubber solutions, and track systems, delivering reliable innovation to both defense and commercial markets. As part of the global Rheinmetall family, we combine proven heritage with forward-looking technology to provide solutions that defend and feed the world. Job Summary: The Weld Workforce Development Leader is responsible for owning, developing, and continuously improving the weld training program across all American Rheinmetall facilities. This role ensures the delivery of a structured, effective, and scalable weld training program that produces highly skilled, production-ready welders. This position goes beyond training and is accountable for improving welder performance, engagement, and retention. The role partners cross-functionally with Production, Quality, Engineering, and Human Resources to align training with operational needs and business objectives.

Requirements

High school diploma or G.E.D. required
Minimum of 5 years of welding experience in a production and/or training environment
Experience in training, coaching, or developing employees preferred
Active Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) required Lapsed certifications must be reinstated within 90 days of hire
Certified Welding Educator (CWE) preferred; required within 12–18 months of hire
Must maintain all required certifications in accordance with company and industry standards
Must undergo and meet company standards for background check, employment verification, reference checks, physical, and controlled substance testing.

Nice To Haves

Certified Welding Educator (CWE) or demonstrated experience developing structured training programs
Experience building, improving, or scaling a workforce development or training program in a manufacturing environment
Strong understanding of production welding challenges, including variability, throughput, and real-world application of weld standards
Proven ability to coach, mentor, and develop employees across varying skill levels, including entry-level and experienced welders
Experience identifying performance gaps and implementing targeted development plans to improve skill and retention
Experience improving employee retention or training effectiveness metrics within a manufacturing environment
Familiarity with regulated manufacturing environments (AS9100, ISO14001, or similar)
Experience using ERP or training tracking systems (Plex, Socrative, or similar) to manage workforce development and certification tracking
Demonstrated ability to work cross-functionally with Production, Quality, and HR to drive alignment and results
Strong communication skills with the ability to engage both shop floor employees and leadership
Experience supporting customer or third-party audits related to welding or training programs

Responsibilities

Own and continuously improve the Welder Development Program (WDP) to meet production, quality, and business requirements
Establish standardized training methods, skill progression criteria, and certification requirements across all locations
Drive measurable improvements in welder retention, engagement, and long-term development
Ensure alignment between training outcomes and production expectations
Partner with Production to ensure welders are prepared for real-world job demands
Collaborate with Quality to align training with weld standards and defect reduction goals
Work with HR to support onboarding, development, and retention strategies
Support internal and external audits, including responding to customer training-related requirements
Assist supervisors, as needed, with certification processes such as overhead crane and forklift training
Deliver and oversee classroom and hands-on welding training across all skill levels
Train, test, and evaluate welders to ensure readiness for certification and production work
Provide coaching, feedback, and individualized development plans
Identify struggling welders early and implement targeted development plans
Develop training materials, lesson plans, mock-ups, and instructional aids
Conduct make-up sessions and supplemental training as needed
Track and report key program metrics, including: Welder progression and certification status Time to competency Retention rates Training effectiveness and production readiness
Maintain accurate training and certification records in Plex, Socrative, and related systems
Provide monthly reporting and participate in bi-weekly training meetings
Identify performance gaps and implement corrective actions
Maintain training equipment, tools, and supply inventory, including ordering as required
Ensure training environments are clean, organized, and professional
Store training aids and materials in approved locations
Ensure all training activities comply with company policies, procedures, and safety standards
Maintain required certifications (e.g., CWI) and program compliance requirements
Promote and enforce safe work practices in both classroom and shop environments
Ensure all trainees follow established policies, procedures, and safety expectations
Conduct required evaluations, including annual welder eye exams

Benefits

American Rheinmetall provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sex (including pregnancy), gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or marital status, in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including, but not limited to, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

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