Advanced Welder

Job Purpose:

The Advanced Welder is responsible for performing high-quality welds on steel tubing, plate, and structural components used in the manufacture of Anchor Industries’ tent frames, shelters, and temporary structures. This role serves as a technical lead welder on the production floor — applying advanced MIG and TIG welding techniques, ensuring AWS D1.1 code-compliant welds, and providing day-to-day guidance and training to one or more junior welders to help meet productivity, safety, and quality goals.

Skills and Competencies:

• Perform GMAW (MIG) and GTAW (TIG) welding on mild-steel and occasional aluminum components per AWS D1.1 standards.
• Read and interpret blueprints, weld symbols, and fabrication drawings to determine joint details and sequence.
• Set up and adjust welding machines, wire feeders, shielding gases, and jigs/fixtures for optimal weld quality.
• Assemble and position tubing, angles, and plates accurately prior to welding.
• Produce structural-grade welds with full penetration and consistent appearance.
• Grind, buff, or finish welded areas to specification.
• Inspect completed welds and assemblies for dimensional accuracy, bead profile, and weld integrity.
• Assist in developing, improving, and documenting welding procedures (WPS) in compliance with AWS D1.1.
• Mentor and train junior welders on proper technique, equipment setup, and safe work practices.
• Work collaboratively with fabrication, quality, and engineering teams to meet production schedules and continuous-improvement goals.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work area consistent with 5S and OSHA standards.
• Support overtime or special projects as business needs require.

**Education/Experience: **

• High school diploma or GED required; technical or vocational welding training strongly preferred.
• Minimum 3–5 years of structural or production welding experience in a manufacturing or fabrication environment.
• Prior leadership, mentoring, or training experience preferred.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• AWS D1.1 Structural Steel certification required (or ability to re-certify upon hire).
• Proven proficiency in MIG (GMAW) welding on carbon steel and TIG (GTAW) welding on thin-gauge steel or aluminum.
• Ability to weld in multiple positions (flat, horizontal, vertical) while maintaining code-level quality.
• Solid understanding of weld joint design, fit-up, and distortion control.
• Competence in blueprint reading, metric and imperial measurement, and weld-symbol interpretation.
• Basic fabrication skills, including cutting, layout, and use of grinders, saws, and hand tools.
• Strong time-management and communication skills; ability to follow verbal and written instructions precisely.
• Demonstrated commitment to teamwork, safety, and continuous improvement.

Physical and Work Environment Requirements:

The physical demands described are representative of those that must be met by a team member to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be provided to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

• Ability to lift up to 75 lbs and stand for extended periods.
• Manual dexterity and visual acuity for precision welding.
• Tolerance for heat, noise, and metal-fume environment (PPE provided).

Work Environment/Safety:

Climate-controlled environment. Occasionally exposed to moving mechanical parts, fumes or airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. Overall, no Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is required, however, in some instances, this job may require the wearing of a variety of PPE that will be provided to the team member. If PPE is necessary, the team member will be mandated to wear it.

You should be proficient in:

• Tape Measure Reading
• Blueprint Reading

Machines & technologies you'll use:

• MIG Welder
• TIG Welder