Welder III

Wabtec•Kansas City, MO

6d•Onsite

About The Position

The Welder III is a highly skilled trades position responsible for performing complex welding operations, weld build-up repairs, and critical welding applications associated with the remanufacturing and repair of locomotive components. This role requires advanced knowledge of multiple welding processes, the ability to interpret technical drawings and welding procedures, and expertise in producing high-quality welds that meet company and customer specifications. The Welder III plays a key role in supporting safety, quality, productivity, and operational excellence by performing advanced welding tasks, identifying and correcting weld defects, supporting less experienced welders, and contributing to efficient production processes. This position helps ensure components are repaired and manufactured to the highest standards while supporting business objectives and customer expectations.

Requirements

Must complete all local Welder I and Welder II training and qualification requirements.
Ability to effectively communicate, read, and understand welding procedures, technical drawings, work instructions, and business communications in English.
Ability to work independently with limited supervision while maintaining safety, quality, and productivity expectations.
Advanced knowledge of MIG, TIG, Stick, Flux-Core, and other applicable welding processes.
Ability to read and interpret blueprints, schematics, welding symbols, and Welding Procedure Specifications (WPS).
Strong understanding of metal properties and the effects of heat and welding processes on materials.
Proficiency with grinders, cutting torches, plasma cutters, and other fabrication tools.
Strong measurement and precision skills, including the use of calipers, micrometers, and other measuring devices.
Ability to identify weld defects such as cracks, porosity, undercut, lack of fusion, inclusions, and burn-through.
Ability to pass applicable welder qualification tests in accordance with AWS D15.1 requirements.
Ability to train, coach, and provide technical guidance to less experienced welders.
Willingness to cross-train and support other production areas as business needs require.

Nice To Haves

Associate Degree (A.A.) or equivalent from a trade school with technical training in welding.
Minimum five (5) years of welding experience for external candidates.
Minimum two (2) years of welding experience for internal candidates who have successfully completed Level I and Level II Wabtec welding training.

Responsibilities

Perform advanced welding operations on large and complex components using approved welding procedures and specifications.
Plan welding sequences and regulate heat, feed, current, voltage, electrodes, and other welding parameters to achieve proper penetration, fusion, and weld quality.
Perform weld build-up repairs, high-pressure welding, code welding, and other critical welding applications requiring a high degree of skill and precision.
Read and interpret blueprints, technical drawings, welding symbols, and work instructions to ensure compliance with specifications and tolerances.
Align, fit, and weld components while minimizing distortion and maintaining dimensional accuracy.
Perform air carbon arc gouging to remove defective welds and prepare materials for repair and rework.
Inspect completed welds and identify defects requiring corrective action.
Support production goals by maintaining quality standards, productivity expectations, and workflow requirements.
Assist in training, mentoring, and providing technical guidance to lower-level welders.
Follow all safety procedures, PPE requirements, and quality standards while maintaining a clean and organized work area.
Participate in cross-training activities and support operational needs across production areas when required.
Perform other duties as assigned.