Certified Welder II - MIG/TIG, Lead & Mentor

Progressive Recovery, Inc.; Illinois; Hybrid; USD 34,000 - 43,000; Full time

Job summary

Progressive Recovery, Inc. is seeking a Certified Welder in Kentucky to fabricate and repair metal components and piping isometrics using MIG, TIG, and FCAW processes. You will maintain WPQs and contribute to our career ladder by mentoring newer welders.

The position requires reading blueprints, setting up welding equipment, and inspecting welds to ensure quality. This is a first/second shift role with overtime and occasional weekends as production needs dictate.

Qualifications

• 3-5 years of hands-on welding experience in manufacturing/fab/industrial maintenance.
• Experience with MIG, TIG, and/or Stick welding on carbon steel, stainless steel, and/or other alloys.
• Experience reading blueprints, weld symbols, and written work instructions.
• Current WPQs in at least two processes/positions, or ability to obtain during onboarding.
• AWS certification or equivalent welding certification preferred.

Responsibilities

• Perform MIG (GMAW), TIG (GTAW), and/or FCAW welding on carbon steel, stainless steel, and other alloys per blueprints and work orders.
• Maintain WPQs and pursue additional process certifications as required.
• Set up, adjust, and operate welding machines, plasma cutters, grinders, cutting torches, band saws, and presses.
• Read blueprints, weld symbols, and job specifications to determine welding sequence.
• Fit piping per isometrics and inspect completed welds for defects.
• Build standard shop equipment and fabrications to specification.
• Maintain production records and weld logs; follow safety protocols.

Skills

MIG welding

TIG welding

AWS WPQ

Blueprint reading

Quality inspection

Mentoring

Education

High school diploma or GED

Welding certificate/training

AWS certification (plus)

Tools

Welding machines setup

Plasma cutter

Precision measuring tools

Job description

Description

Reports To: Welding Supervisor

Shift: 1st Shift, 6:00 AM – 2:30 PM, or 2nd Shift, 3:00 PM – 11:30 PM (+$2/hr shift differential), Monday through Friday (overtime and occasional weekends as required by production needs).

Compensation: $25.00 – $31.00 per hour, based on experience and certifications

The Certified Welder works independently on standard fabrications and piping isometrics using MIG, TIG, and/or flux-core processes, holding current Welder Performance Qualifications (WPQs) under ASME Section IX. This role fabricates, assembles, and repairs metal components and structures to support daily production and maintenance operations, consistently meets the shop’s productivity and quality standards, and begins mentoring newer welders as part of our structured career ladder.

Benefits & Perks

• Health insurance through United Healthcare, effective the first of the month after a 30-day waiting period. PRI reimburses the balance of the deductible above the employee’s portion ($750 per person / $1,500 per family maximum).

• Dental insurance and vision insurance available.

• 401(k) retirement plan with company match — 100% of the first 3% you contribute plus 50% of the next 2%, for a 4% maximum match. Safe Harbor plan administered through Lincoln Financial, with all matching contributions immediately vested. An on-site financial advisor is available roughly four times a year.

• Company-paid life insurance equal to one times your annual pay, with voluntary supplemental coverage available for you and your family.

• Voluntary short-term and long-term disability insurance.

• Flexible spending account (FSA) administered through Paylocity — set aside pre-tax dollars up to the annual IRS maximum for eligible medical and dependent care expenses.

• Paid vacation and paid personal days, plus seven paid holidays per year.

• Tuition reimbursement up to $5,250 per calendar year for job-related training and education.

• Structured welder career ladder — a written, three-level advancement path (Welder I - II - III) with defined objectives, on-the-job training, mentoring from designated Welding Leaders, and pay progression tied to skills and certifications you earn here.

• Paid WPQ certification testing under ASME Section IX as you advance through the ladder.

• Safety glasses allowance of up to $150 every other year.

• Overtime paid at time-and-a-half over 40 hours, plus a shift differential for 2nd shift.

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) offering confidential support for you and your household.

• Employee referral program — $500 for each employee you refer who is hired.

• Free on-site parking.

Key Responsibilities & Functions

• Perform MIG (GMAW), TIG (GTAW), and/or flux-core (FCAW) welding on carbon steel, stainless steel, and/or other alloy components per blueprints, weld symbols, and work orders.
• Maintain current Welder Performance Qualifications (WPQs) and pursue additional process/position certifications as required by the shop’s career ladder.
• Set up, adjust, and operate welding machines, plasma cutters, and related fabrication equipment, including grinders, cutting torches, band saws, and presses.
• Read and interpret blueprints, engineering drawings, AWS weld symbols, and job specifications to determine proper welding sequence, joint design, and methods.
• Fit piping per isometric drawings and fit up standard equipment independently, using jigs, fixtures, clamps, and precision measuring tools.
• Inspect completed welds for defects such as porosity, undercut, cracking, and warping; perform visual and dimensional quality checks and rework as needed.
• Build standard shop equipment and fabrications independently to specification.
• Select appropriate filler metals, shielding gases, and welding parameters (amperage, voltage, travel speed) based on WPS specification, material type, and thickness.
• Perform routine care and basic preventive maintenance on welding equipment; report malfunctions to Maintenance.
• Maintain accurate production records, weld logs, and documentation of completed work.
• Follow all safety protocols, including PPE use, hot work/fire prevention procedures, ventilation practices, confined space procedures, and safe handling of compressed gases.
• Cross-train in an additional welding process family as part of ongoing skill development.
• Begin mentoring and supporting less experienced (Welder I) team members under supervisor guidance.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work area.

Requirements

Experience

• 3–5 years of hands-on welding experience in a manufacturing, fabrication, or industrial maintenance environment.
• Demonstrated experience with MIG, TIG, and/or Stick welding on steel, stainless steel, and/or other alloys.
• Experience fabricating, assembling, and repairing metal components, structures, or equipment independently.
• Experience working from blueprints, weld symbols, and written work instructions.
• Current Welder Performance Qualifications (WPQs) in at least two processes/positions, or ability to obtain them during onboarding.
• AWS certification or equivalent welding certification preferred.

Technical Skills

• Proficient in MIG (GMAW), TIG (GTAW), and/or Flux-Core (FCAW) welding processes.
• Ability to weld carbon steel, stainless steel, and/or other alloys in multiple positions (flat, horizontal, vertical, overhead).
• Skilled in reading blueprints, engineering drawings, and AWS welding symbols.
• Knowledge of proper filler metal, shielding gas, and parameter selection for varying materials and thicknesses.
• Proficient with hand and power tools, including grinders, cutting torches, plasma cutters, and drills.
• Ability to use precision measuring tools to verify fit and dimensional accuracy.
• Working knowledge of basic metallurgy, heat distortion control, and weld quality standards.

Leadership & Professional Skills

• Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality workmanship.
• Effective troubleshooting and problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to work independently and manage time to meet production schedules.
• Strong communication skills with supervisors and teammates.
• Willingness to mentor and support less experienced welders.

Education

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Completion of a welding certificate or training program (technical school, apprenticeship, or equivalent) preferred.
• AWS certification or equivalent industry credential is a plus.
• Equivalent combination of education and hands-on welding experience will be considered.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to work safely in an industrial manufacturing environment.
• Ability to stand, bend, kneel, and work in awkward positions for extended periods.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds occasionally.
• Ability to work with exposure to heat, sparks, fumes, bright arc flash/light, and noise.
• Ability to wear required PPE, including welding helmet, gloves, safety-toe boots, and protective clothing, for extended periods.
• Ability to work in varying environmental conditions, including heat, cold, and around energized production equipment.

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.