Welder Trainee - Swing Shift

Wing Group•Arcata, CA

2d•$21 - $21•Onsite

About The Position

The Welder Trainee is an entry-level position learning and performing foundational hot-air welding operations in the manufacture of inflatable rescue boats, inflatable marine products, and other related products. The position works under supervision while building the skills to operate welding equipment safely, handle specialized materials, inspect welds, maintain production records, follow product specifications, and meet safety and quality requirements. The work includes creating inflatable boat shells and subassembly components using industrial-strength fabrics cut to specified shapes. Trainees follow work instructions and drawings and use hot-air rotary welders to fuse overlapping material layers into durable seams. The role is part of a progressive Welding Associate career path, with later levels involving independent production, testing, repair, troubleshooting, training, and process improvement. The position is full time on a Monday–Friday swing-shift schedule from 2:00 p.m. to 10:35 p.m. A reasonable orientation period for a fully qualified candidate is three months, progressing from introductory training and supervised welding to skill development and an assessment for regular independent production work.

Requirements

Ability and willingness to learn welding machinery and production processes.
Ability to learn materials and processes used in inflatable rescue boats and inflatable marine products.
Ability to read, understand, and follow work instructions, specifications, and production procedures.
Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality.
Ability to accurately complete required production documentation.
Ability to recognize and report visible defects or abnormalities.
Ability to perform repetitive production tasks accurately and efficiently.
Ability to adapt to changing production requirements.
Good verbal and written communication skills.
Ability to work effectively as part of a team.
Ability to stand for extended periods and lift materials weighing up to 50 pounds.
An acceptable combination of education, training, and/or experience will be considered.

Nice To Haves

High school diploma or equivalent preferred.
Basic manufacturing, welding, heat-sealing, inflatable fabrication, or similar equipment experience preferred but not required.

Responsibilities

Learn the safe setup and operation of assigned welding equipment.
Perform basic welding operations under supervision or with limited guidance.
Weld inflatable rescue boat components, inflatable marine components, and other assigned products according to approved work instructions and established methods.
Learn proper placement, alignment, handling, and control of materials before and during welding.
Learn to work with coated fabrics, technical textiles, reinforcement materials, inflatable materials, and other specialized materials.
Follow approved machine settings, tooling requirements, work instructions, specifications, and production procedures.
Inspect completed welds for visible defects, placement, alignment, seam integrity, and workmanship.
Learn applicable inspection and testing requirements for welded flotation and inflatable products.
Identify and report defects, material concerns, equipment issues, or quality problems to the Lead or Production Supervisor.
Maintain accurate production records, including completed work, material usage, defects, and other required information.
Learn proper handling, tracking, and control of production raw materials.
Use approved handheld tools to cut materials or make minor adjustments as required.
Perform routine equipment cleaning and basic operator maintenance within the scope of training.
Maintain a clean, organized, and safe workstation.
Follow safety procedures and use required personal protective equipment.
Participate in required risk assessments, safety meetings, and safety activities.
Immediately report hazards, injuries, accidents, or unsafe conditions.
Work cooperatively with Production, Quality Control, Production Planning, Maintenance, and other team members.
Accept coaching and develop technical welding skills.
Perform additional production duties as assigned.