MIG Welder - 1st, 2nd & 3rd Shift

Alianza; Gastonia (NC); On-site; USD 23,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

Alianza in Gastonia, NC is seeking experienced MIG welders for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd shifts to fabricate, assemble, and repair metal components. You will read blueprints, interpret AWS symbols, set up welding equipment, and ensure quality per specifications.

Ideal candidates have hands-on MIG welding experience in a manufacturing setting, strong attention to detail, and the ability to work independently on a busy shop floor.

Qualifications

• Must have hands-on MIG welding experience in manufacturing or fabrication.
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints and welding symbols.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality.
• Proficiency with welding equipment setup and parameter adjustment.
• Experience interpreting drawings and welding specifications.
• Ability to work safely around welding equipment and follow procedures.

Responsibilities

• Perform MIG welding to fabricate, assemble, and repair metal components.
• Weld according to procedures, specifications, and quality standards.
• Set up and operate MIG welding equipment based on material and job needs.
• Select wires, shielding gas, and consumables; adjust settings as required.
• Inspect welds visually and measure components for accuracy.
• Read blueprints and AWS welding symbols; verify dimensions and tolerances.
• Maintain equipment and report malfunctions; keep work area clean.
• Collaborate with production and quality teams to meet timelines.

Skills

MIG welding

Blueprint reading

AWS welding symbols

Attention to detail

Safety conscious

Reading drawings

Education

Technical or vocational welding training

Tools

Welding gauges

Inspection tools

Job description

MIG Welder - 1st, 2nd & 3rd Shift

Location: Gastonia, NC 28056
Pay: Starting at $17.00 per hour or higher, based on experience
Job Type: Full-Time

Available Shifts

• 1st Shift: Monday through Thursday, 7:00 AM to 5:30 PM
• 2nd Shift: Monday through Thursday, 5:30 PM to 4:00 AM
• 3rd Shift: Friday through Sunday, 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM

Position Summary

We are seeking experienced and dependable MIG Welders to join a fast-paced manufacturing operation in Gastonia, NC. This position is responsible for fabricating, assembling, and repairing metal components using MIG welding processes while maintaining established quality, production, and safety standards.

The ideal candidate has previous welding or metal fabrication experience, strong attention to detail, and the ability to accurately interpret blueprints, technical drawings, and welding symbols.

Candidates must be able to read and interpret blueprints and AWS welding symbols and have hands‑on MIG welding experience.

Candidates should be comfortable working independently with welding equipment, fabricated metal components, inspection tools, and established production requirements.

Essential Job Responsibilities

MIG Welding & Fabrication

• Perform MIG welding operations to fabricate, assemble, and repair metal components according to production requirements.
• Weld metal components using established procedures, specifications, and quality standards.
• Set up and operate MIG welding equipment based on material type, thickness, and job requirements.
• Select appropriate welding wire, shielding gas, settings, tools, and consumables.
• Adjust voltage, wire‑feed speed, gas flow, and other welding parameters as required.
• Clean, prepare, align, fit, and position metal components before welding.
• Tack weld components as required before completing final welds.
• Maintain proper weld size, penetration, appearance, and consistency.
• Perform weld repairs or rework when required and authorized.

Blueprint & Welding Symbol Interpretation

• Read and interpret blueprints, technical drawings, fabrication drawings, and work instructions.
• Read and understand AWS welding symbols and welding specifications.
• Identify weld locations, weld types, sizes, lengths, positions, and other fabrication requirements from drawings.
• Verify dimensions, material requirements, and component orientation before welding.
• Follow applicable production specifications and welding procedures.
• Confirm completed assemblies match blueprint and work-order requirements.

Quality Inspection

• Inspect raw materials and components before welding to verify they meet production requirements.
• Visually inspect completed welds for quality, consistency, and workmanship.
• Identify common welding defects such as porosity, undercut, incomplete fusion, excessive spatter, cracks, or improper weld size.
• Verify completed components meet required specifications and tolerances.
• Use tape measures, gauges, squares, calipers, and other inspection tools as required.
• Perform adjustments or rework when necessary to meet established quality standards.
• Report nonconforming materials or weld quality concerns according to established procedures.

Equipment Care & Maintenance

• Perform routine cleaning and basic operator‑level maintenance of welding equipment.
• Inspect welding guns, cables, ground connections, nozzles, contact tips, and consumables.
• Replace welding consumables as required and within the scope of training.
• Maintain welding equipment in clean and safe operating condition.
• Promptly report equipment malfunctions or maintenance concerns to supervision.

Production Support

• Follow work orders, production schedules, and daily manufacturing priorities.
• Complete assigned welding work accurately and within expected production timelines.
• Work efficiently while maintaining required quality and safety standards.
• Communicate material shortages, equipment concerns, quality problems, or production delays to supervision.
• Work collaboratively with production, fabrication, quality, and manufacturing team members.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work area.
• Perform other job‑related duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• Previous hands‑on MIG welding experience in a manufacturing, fabrication, or industrial environment.
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints and technical drawings.
• Ability to read and understand AWS welding symbols.
• Understanding of basic welding procedures, joint configurations, and fabrication requirements.
• Ability to properly set up and operate MIG welding equipment.
• Ability to adjust welding settings based on material and job specifications.
• Experience preparing, fitting, and positioning metal components for welding.
• Ability to visually inspect welds and identify common welding defects.
• Ability to use basic measuring and inspection tools.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to producing quality work.
• Ability to follow written and verbal work instructions.
• Ability to work safely around welding equipment and industrial machinery.
• Reliable attendance and punctuality.
• Ability to work the complete assigned shift.

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous MIG welding experience in a production manufacturing environment.
• Experience welding sheet metal, structural components, fabricated metal parts, or mechanical assemblies.
• Technical or vocational training in welding or metal fabrication.
• AWS welding training or certification is a plus.
• Experience interpreting detailed welding and fabrication drawings.
• Familiarity with AWS welding symbols and welding standards.
• Experience using welding gauges and precision measuring equipment.
• Experience with weld inspection and quality‑control requirements.
• Familiarity with welding equipment, consumables, nozzles, tips, wire, and shielding gases.
• Experience with basic welding equipment maintenance and troubleshooting.

Skills & Competencies

• MIG welding.
• Blueprint reading.
• AWS welding symbol interpretation.
• Metal fabrication and assembly.
• Welding equipment setup.
• Weld parameter adjustment.
• Component fitting and positioning.
• Weld inspection and defect identification.
• Measurement and dimensional verification.
• Strong hand-eye coordination.
• Attention to detail and accuracy.
• Mechanical aptitude.
• Ability to follow production specifications and work instructions.
• Strong safety awareness.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a manufacturing team.

Safety Responsibilities

Safety is an essential responsibility of this position. MIG Welders are expected to:

• Follow all workplace welding and manufacturing safety procedures.
• Properly use required Personal Protective Equipment.
• Follow applicable hot-work and fire‑prevention procedures.
• Inspect welding equipment before use.
• Safely handle welding equipment, fabricated metal, tools, and materials.
• Maintain awareness of sparks, heat, welding fumes, sharp metal, and other workplace hazards.
• Report unsafe conditions, damaged equipment, injuries, near misses, or hazards promptly.
• Maintain a clean and organized work area.
• Operate welding and manufacturing equipment only when properly trained and authorized.

Physical Requirements

To perform the essential functions of this position, with or without reasonable accommodation, employees may be required to:

• Stand and walk for extended periods throughout the shift.
• Frequently bend, stoop, kneel, reach, squat, and perform repetitive hand and arm movements.
• Lift, carry, push, or pull materials weighing up to 50 pounds, with team assistance or mechanical equipment when appropriate.
• Position and handle metal components during fabrication and welding.
• Safely use welding equipment, hand tools, power tools, and measuring instruments.
• Maintain sufficient visual attention and hand‑eye coordination to perform welding and inspection tasks.
• Work the complete scheduled shift.

Work Environment

This position is performed on an active manufacturing production floor and may involve exposure to:

• Welding fumes and smoke.
• Sparks and hot metal.
• Industrial machinery and moving equipment.
• Manufacturing noise.
• Sharp metal edges and fabricated components.
• Dust and typical manufacturing conditions.
• Changing temperatures.

The facility is not climate-controlled and does not have air conditioning, so candidates must be comfortable working in varying temperatures throughout the scheduled shift.

Employees must follow all established safety requirements and wear appropriate Personal Protective Equipment while performing assigned duties.

Personal Protective Equipment

Required Personal Protective Equipment may include:

• Welding helmet with appropriate lens protection.
• Safety glasses.
• Welding gloves.
• Steel‑toe or composite‑toe safety footwear.
• Hearing protection.
• Protective welding clothing or sleeves.
• Additional protective equipment appropriate to the assigned work area.

What We Are Looking For

Successful candidates will be dependable, safety‑conscious welding professionals who are comfortable working in a fast‑paced manufacturing environment.

The strongest candidates will have demonstrated experience performing MIG welding, reading blueprints, interpreting AWS welding symbols, setting up welding equipment, fitting and positioning metal components, inspecting completed welds, and producing quality work according to established specifications and tolerances.