Skilled - Welder III

QPS Employment Group; Goerke's Corners (WI); On-site; USD 52,000 - 77,000; Full time

Job summary

QPS Employment Group in Waukesha, WI is seeking a Welder III on 1st or 2nd shift to lead advanced welding and fabrication projects.

You will read engineering drawings, select welding methods, set up and operate TIG, MIG, orbital welding, and plasma cutting equipment; mentor junior welders; and collaborate with engineering, production and quality teams to ensure high‑quality weldments.

Direct-hire opportunity with competitive pay of $52,000-$76,960 per year.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• 10+ years of professional welding and fabrication experience preferred.
• Experience with TIG, MIG, orbital welding.
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints and welding procedures.
• Experience producing welded assemblies meeting welding standards.

Responsibilities

• Layout, fit, align, fabricate, and weld large, heavy, and complex structural assemblies.
• Interpret blueprints and specifications to determine fabrication methods and setup.
• Set up and operate TIG, MIG, orbital welding, plasma cutting equipment.
• Lead critical welding projects and mentor junior welders.
• Collaborate with engineering, production and quality teams to resolve issues.

Skills

Welding

Fabrication

Blueprint reading

Leadership/mentoring

Quality inspection

Education

High school diploma or GED

Technical certificate in welding

Tools

TIG welding equipment

MIG welding equipment

Orbital welding equipment

Plasma cutting

Cranes/hoists operation

Job description

Position Title: Welder III

Wage: $52,000-$76,960/year

Shift: 1st, 2nd

Hours: 6:00am-2:30pm, 2:30pm-10:30pm, 12:00pm-8:00pm

Location: Waukesha, WI

Company: QPS Employment Group is hiring a senior-level welding and fabrication professional for a company in Waukesha, WI. This is a direct hire opportunity for a Welder III on 1st or 2nd shift.

Welder III Responsibilities

• Layout, fit, align, fabricate, and weld large, heavy, and complex structural assemblies and weldments
• Perform advanced welding and fabrication projects independently with minimal or no supervision
• Interpret blueprints, engineering drawings, specifications, and sample parts to determine dimensions, tolerances, fabrication methods, sequencing, and setup requirements
• Select appropriate materials and determine bracing and fixturing methods to minimize distortion during fabrication and welding
• Create layouts using templates, drawings, and measuring instruments
• Measure, mark, fit, and align components and assemblies prior to welding
• Select, position, and secure fixtures, tools, attachments, and materials on welding and fabrication equipment
• Establish and adjust welding parameters to ensure compliance with engineering and quality requirements
• Preheat materials as required by approved welding procedures and specifications
• Set up and operate TIG (GTAW), MIG (GMAW), orbital welding, plasma cutting, sheet metal fabrication, and forming equipment
• Perform welding using short-circuit, spray-transfer, pulsed-transfer, and orbital welding processes
• Produce cylindrical weldments using rotary positioners, turntables, and specialized equipment
• Utilize heat straightening methods and oxy-fuel equipment when required to correct distortion
• Perform fit-up and tack welding activities while accounting for material movement, shrinkage, and distortion
• Conduct in-process inspections to verify dimensions, weld quality, and specification compliance
• Inspect and evaluate completed work independently before final quality review
• Make necessary corrections and adjustments to ensure quality standards are met
• Perform routine maintenance and upkeep of welding and fabrication equipment
• Collaborate with engineering, production, and quality teams to resolve manufacturing and fabrication issues
• Operate powered industrial trucks, forklifts, cranes, and hoists to move materials and assemblies safely
• Travel to customer locations, when required, to support installations, maintenance, repairs, or field modifications
• Lead critical welding projects and support the successful completion of high-priority manufacturing orders
• Train, mentor, and develop less experienced welders and fabrication personnel
• May serve as a department lead or technical lead on assigned projects
• Provide training, mentorship, technical guidance, and work direction to junior welders
• Assist with evaluating welding methods, procedures, and workmanship standards

Welder III Requirements

• High school diploma or GED required
• Technical certificate in welding, fabrication, manufacturing technology, or a related field preferred
• 10+ years of professional welding and fabrication experience preferred
• Significant experience performing advanced structural welding, pipe welding, fabrication, and assembly work
• Equivalent combinations of education, certifications, and experience may be considered
• Ability to successfully complete advanced welding qualification and certification tests applicable to assigned work
• Demonstrated expertise in multiple welding processes, including TIG, MIG, orbital, and structural welding applications
• Experience producing welded assemblies requiring adherence to industry-recognized welding standards and procedures
• Ability to evaluate weld quality, mentor other welders, and support welding qualification activities
• Ability to safely operate forklifts, cranes, hoists, and other material-handling equipment
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints, engineering drawings, welding procedures, specifications, work instructions, schedules, and maintenance manuals
• Ability to prepare routine reports, documentation, and production records
• Ability to effectively communicate technical information to welders, engineers, supervisors, and quality personnel
• Ability to perform arithmetic calculations, including addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division
• Ability to perform fabrication layouts, dimensional calculations, and measurements accurately
• Ability to interpret dimensions, tolerances, and geometric requirements
• Ability to apply practical judgment and technical expertise to complex fabrication and welding challenges
• Ability to interpret written, verbal, and diagram-based instructions
• Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills related to welding, fabrication, and assembly processes
• Ability to access engineering drawings, welding procedures, and technical documentation through electronic systems
• Ability to utilize labor-reporting, production-tracking, and manufacturing software
• Basic computer skills for documentation and operational reporting
• Frequent use of hands, fingers, and arms for welding, fabrication, grinding, measuring, and material handling
• Frequent standing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, talking, and hearing
• Occasional walking, sitting, climbing, and balancing
• Frequently lift and move up to 25 pounds
• Occasionally lift and move up to 50 pounds
• Ability to wear welding PPE and work in fabrication environments for extended periods
• Ability to safely perform welding and fabrication activities around large structures, equipment, and machinery
• Manufacturing and fabrication environment involving welding, cutting, forming, and assembly operations
• Regular exposure to moving mechanical equipment, cranes, lifting devices, sharp edges, heated materials, and fabrication machinery
• Occasional exposure to welding fumes, airborne particles, sparks, heat, and electrical hazards
• Moderate noise levels are typical; hearing protection may be required in designated work areas
• Required use of personal protective equipment (PPE), including welding helmets, gloves, safety glasses, flame-resistant clothing, and additional respiratory protection when required
• May occasionally work at customer facilities supporting equipment installation, repairs, and field service activities

We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer.