Welder apprentice Jobs in Independence, MO

Primary Function

The Welder is responsible for producing high-quality welded pipe assemblies in a fast-paced fabrication environment. This role operates welding and fabrication equipment to weld outlets to pipe, perform rewelds as required, and ensure finished products meet company and industry quality standards. The Welder safely handles materials, follows established procedures, and contributes to on-time production while maintaining a clean and organized work area.

Major Duties & Responsibilities

• Operate automated welding and plasma equipment to weld outlets onto pipe in accordance with production specifications.
• Perform manual rewelds using hand-held welding equipment as required to meet quality standards.
• Load, position, and unload pipe from welding equipment using proper material handling techniques.
• Inspect welded assemblies for quality and compliance with company and industry standards.
• Apply required certification stamps to completed welds using designated tools.
• Transfer finished pipe to carts and staging areas for downstream processing or shipment.
• Operate pneumatic banding equipment to prepare finished pipe bundles for shipping when required.
• Read work orders, production documents, and basic fabrication drawings to complete assigned work accurately.
• Measure materials using tape measures and other measuring devices to verify dimensions and specifications.
• Maintain production output while meeting quality and safety expectations.
• Perform routine equipment checks and report maintenance or safety concerns promptly.
• Keep work areas clean, organized, and compliant with housekeeping and safety standards.
• Complete required safety, equipment, and operational training.
• Follow all company policies, Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), and quality requirements.
• Support other fabrication, warehouse, or production activities as assigned by leadership.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED preferred.
• Previous welding experience in a manufacturing, fabrication, or production environment preferred.
• Ability to successfully complete company welding certification requirements.
• Experience operating welding equipment, plasma equipment, or similar fabrication machinery is preferred.
• Experience working in a fast-paced production environment with daily productivity goals.
• Basic math skills, including whole numbers, fractions, and decimals.
• Ability to accurately read a tape measure (minimum 1/4-inch increments; finer measurements preferred).
• Ability to read and follow work instructions, production orders, and standard operating procedures.
• Forklift or overhead crane experience is a plus but not required.

Physical Requirements

• Frequently lift, carry, push, and pull materials weighing up to 50 pounds.
• Stand, walk, bend, stoop, twist, and reach throughout the workday.
• Perform repetitive hand and arm movements while operating welding equipment.
• Work safely around welding equipment, moving machinery, and material handling equipment.
• Ability to wear required personal protective equipment (PPE), including welding helmet, gloves, safety glasses, hearing protection, and steel-toed footwear.

Preferred Skills

• MIG welding experience (industrial or production welding preferred).
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to producing quality work.
• Mechanical aptitude and ability to learn new equipment quickly.
• Dependable with a strong work ethic and positive attitude.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team in a production environment.
• Commitment to workplace safety, quality, and continuous improvement.