Hands-On Welding Trainer & Coach

Wabash; Elroy (WI); On-site; USD 45,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Vacation

Paid Holidays

Excellent Medical, Dental, and Vision

401(k) with Company Match

Tuition Reimbursement Program

Job summary

Wabash is seeking a Welder Trainer to develop and coach welders on carbon, stainless, and aluminum techniques. You will guide qualification testing, reinforce best practices, and lead safety initiatives on the production floor.

The role emphasizes hands-on instruction, mentoring, and documentation of training records, with a focus on quality and productivity in a manufacturing environment.

Qualifications

• Requires clear instruction and strong communication with trainees.
• Experience leading welders or training preferred.
• Ability to read blueprints, weld symbols, and SOPs.
• Must operate and demonstrate major welding processes used at Wabash.
• Proficient in basic math for measurements and documentation.
• Willingness to mentor and coach trainees for safety and quality.

Responsibilities

• Conduct hands-on welding training sessions on standards, techniques, and safety.
• Evaluate trainee skills through tests and visual inspections for compliance.
• Prepare and document qualification tests for various product lines.
• Provide coaching to improve technique, quality, and efficiency.
• Collaborate with supervisors to identify training needs and gaps.

Skills

Communication

Leadership

Mentoring

Blueprint reading

Math skills

Problem solving

Welding processes

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Tools

Oxy/Acetylene Torch

MIG Welder (GMAW)

TIG Welder (GTAW)

Stick Welder (SMAW)

Plasma Cutter

Grinder

Respirator / PAPR Hood

Job description

Job Title: Welder Trainer

Revision Date: 11/13/2024
Department: Varies FLSA: Hourly Non-Exempt

Position Description

At Wabash, Welder Trainers play a vital role in developing the skills and knowledge of both new and existing welders. This position focuses on hands-on instruction, technical coaching, and safety leadership to ensure all welders are trained to meet Wabash's high standards for quality, safety, and performance.

The Welder Trainer supports the company's mission by providing structured training on carbon steel, stainless steel, and aluminum welding techniques, guiding welders through qualification testing, and reinforcing best practices in workmanship and productivity.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

- Conduct hands-on training sessions for new hires and current employees on Wabash welding standards, techniques, and safety procedures.
- Evaluate welders' skills through visual inspection and testing to ensure compliance with company and customer specifications.
- Prepare, administer, and document qualification and certification weld tests as required for various product lines.
- Provide individualized coaching and feedback to welders to improve technique, quality, and efficiency.
- Collaborate with supervisors, coordinators, and the quality team to identify training needs and skill gaps.
- Maintain accurate training records and ensure all employees meet qualification requirements before placement on the production floor.
- Reinforce company safety policies and ensure trainees understand and follow proper PPE and safe work practices.
- Assist in updating training materials, weld procedures, and instructional resources as standards evolve.
- Demonstrate professional conduct and serve as a positive role model for all welders.
- May perform other duties as assigned to support plant operations and workforce development.

Tools & Equipment

- Oxy / Acetylene Torch
- Engineering Prints
- Work Instructions
- Hand Tools and Tape Measure
- Hoist / Crane
- MIG Welder (GMAW - including Pulse Transfer)
- TIG Welder (GTAW)
- Stick Welder (SMAW - limited use)
- Plasma Cutter / Gouging
- Grinder / Sander
- Respirator / ADF or PAPR Hood

Qualifications

- Strong written and verbal communication skills; ability to give clear instruction.
- High School diploma or GED equivalent preferred.
- Excellent interpersonal and leadership skills required.
- Must be able to operate and demonstrate all major welding processes used at Wabash.
- Must be a Level 3 or higher qualified welder with thorough knowledge of company welding standards.
- Ability to read and interpret blueprints, weld symbols, change orders, and SOPs.
- Proficient in basic math and measurements (addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, fractions, decimals).
- Strong problem-solving and mentoring abilities.
- Must be able to use or learn required computer applications for training records and documentation.

Knowledge, Training, Skills and/or Experience

Previous experience as a welder, welding instructor, or lead is highly desirable. At Wabash, we provide structured onboarding for new trainers to ensure confidence in both our teaching methods and company standards.

Upon hire, Welder Trainers will complete orientation and specific trainer preparation to become effective technical coaches on the production floor.

Benefits

- Vacation
- Paid Holidays
- Excellent Medical, Dental, and Vision Coverage
- 401(k) with Company Match
- Tuition Reimbursement Program

Working Conditions / Environment

The work environment includes exposure to heat, fumes, moving mechanical parts, and vibration typical of a manufacturing plant. Safety and PPE compliance are critical. The noise level can be high at times, and temperatures may vary.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

All employees on the production floor must wear required personal protective equipment (PPE).

Physical Demands

As a Welder Trainer, you'll regularly stand, walk, lean, push, climb, bend, kneel, stoop, and handle welding tools throughout the shift. You must be able to lift and/or carry up to 50 pounds and work in confined spaces when necessary. Strong hand-eye coordination, dexterity, and visual focus are required for weld demonstration and evaluation.

Behavioral Attributes

- Identifies training needs and provides constructive feedback to improve performance.
- Takes initiative, follows through on tasks, and promotes a culture of learning.
- Communicates clearly and confidently with welders and leadership.
- Shares knowledge openly to help others work safer and more efficiently.
- Adapts well to changing production and training priorities.
- Plans and organizes training sessions to meet departmental goals.

Leadership Attributes

- Embrace Diversity and Inclusion - Solicit and respect the input of others, celebrate differences, and strive for transparency and inclusiveness.
- Seek to Listen - Actively listen to reach the best solution and make the strongest decisions.
- Always Learn - Strive to improve; never quit or settle for the status quo.
- Be Authentic - Demonstrate honesty, energy, and grit in everything you do.
- Win Together - Collaborate, seek alignment, and excel at cross-group communication to succeed as one team and One Wabash.

Affirmative Action / EEO Statement

Wabash is committed to providing equal employment opportunity for its associates and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, veteran status, disability, or any other protected status under applicable law.

All employment decisions are based on legitimate, neutral criteria, and all policies are applied equally to similarly situated associates.