Welder

Western Precision Manufacturing LLC; Grand Junction (CO); On-site; USD 26,000 - 39,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

401(k) with employer match

Paid holidays and vacation

Job summary

Western Precision Manufacturing is seeking a General Welder to join our Colorado team. You will perform welding, fitting, and fabrication of structural steel in the shop and on field projects, with duties split based on project needs.

Responsibilities include reading blueprints, selecting appropriate processes (SMAW, FCAW, GMAW), and ensuring quality welds while maintaining strict safety standards. Expect varied schedules incl. overtime and occasional weekends.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Minimum two years of welding experience in structural steel fabrication or construction.
• Proficiency in SMAW and FCAW; GMAW experience preferred.
• Ability to obtain SMAW 3G & 4G Stick Welding Certification immediately upon hire, and Flux Core Welding Certification as required.
• Working knowledge of AWS D1.1 Structural Welding Code – Steel requirements.
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints, shop drawings, construction plans, and AWS weld symbols.

Responsibilities

• Weld structural and miscellaneous steel components using stick, flux core, and MIG processes in flat, horizontal, vertical, and overhead positions.
• Read and interpret blueprints, shop drawings, and weld symbols to determine dimensions, joint types, and weld requirements.
• Measure, lay out, cut, fit, drill, and prepare structural steel components as needed.
• Fit up and tack assemblies, checking for square, level, and dimensional accuracy before final welding.
• Prepare joints and material by grinding, beveling, and cleaning to remove mill scale, rust, and contaminants.
• Cut and shape steel using oxy-fuel torches, plasma cutters, band saws, and other fabrication equipment.

Skills

Welding

Blueprint reading

SMAW

FCAW

GMAW

Safety compliance

Education

High School Diploma/GED

Tools

Oxy-fuel torch

Plasma cutter

Band saw

Overhead crane

Job description

Job Title: Welder

Location: Colorado

Company: Western Precision Manufacturing

Job Type: Full-Time

Salary Range: $19.00 – 28.00 Per Hour

Position Summary

We are seeking a motivated and skilled General Welder to join our team. This position performs welding, fitting, and fabrication of structural and miscellaneous steel in our shop, and field welding and installation on commercial and industrial construction projects. Work is split between the shop and the field, and the welder may be assigned to either based on project needs. The ideal candidate produces sound, code-quality welds in multiple positions, reads blueprints and weld symbols accurately, and keeps a strong focus on safety and quality workmanship. Shop hours are Monday–Friday, 7:00 AM to 4:00 PM, with field schedules varying based on project needs.

Shop Work

• Weld structural and miscellaneous steel components using stick, flux core, and MIG processes in flat, horizontal, vertical, and overhead positions.
• Read and interpret blueprints, shop drawings, and weld symbols to determine dimensions, joint types, and weld requirements.
• Measure, lay out, cut, fit, drill, and prepare structural steel components as needed.
• Fit up and tack assemblies, checking for square, level, and dimensional accuracy before final welding.
• Prepare joints and material by grinding, beveling, and cleaning to remove mill scale, rust, and contaminants.
• Cut and shape steel using oxy-fuel torches, plasma cutters, band saws, and other fabrication equipment.
• Operate overhead cranes, hoists, and forklifts to move material safely, where trained and authorized.

Field Work

• Travel to job sites to perform field welding, fit-up, and installation of structural steel components.
• Perform field welds on beams, columns, connections, embeds, decking, stairs, and railings according to project plans and specifications.
• Set up and operate portable engine-driven welders, generators, and related equipment.
• Work at heights from aerial lifts, ladders, scaffolding, and steel structures using required fall protection.
• Assist with the installation, erection, and securing of structural steel components.
• Coordinate with field crews, superintendents, other trades, and customers on site as needed.
• Follow job site safety plans, hot work permit requirements, and fire watch procedures.

General Duties

• Inspect completed welds and work for defects and correct deficiencies to meet quality standards and project specifications.
• Perform and pass weld tests and obtain and maintain welding certifications as required.
• Operate hand tools, power tools, and welding equipment safely, and perform routine equipment maintenance.
• Load, unload, and handle structural steel materials safely.
• Maintain tools, equipment, and work areas in a clean, organized, and safe condition.
• Follow all company policies, OSHA regulations, and job site safety requirements, including proper use of PPE.
• Work varying schedules, including early starts, overtime, and occasional weekends, based on project needs.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Required Knowledge and Expertise

• High school diploma or GED, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Minimum two years of welding experience in structural steel fabrication or construction.
• Proficiency in SMAW and FCAW; GMAW experience preferred.
• Ability to obtain SMAW 3G & 4G Stick Welding Certification immediately upon hire, and Flux Core Welding Certification as required.
• Working knowledge of AWS D1.1 Structural Welding Code – Steel requirements.
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints, shop drawings, construction plans, and AWS weld symbols.
• Ability to use measuring and layout tools, including tape measures, squares, levels, and calipers.
• Experience with oxy-fuel and plasma cutting, grinding, and joint preparation.
• Understanding of construction safety practices and OSHA requirements, including hot work and fall protection.
• Ability to identify job site challenges and make sound decisions to keep work progressing.
• Ability to follow instructions, work safely, and contribute effectively as part of a team.
• Strong work ethic, dependability, and willingness to learn new skills.
• Valid driver's license with a clean driving record.
• Ability to work in both shop and field environments, including heights, weather, and varying schedules and job site conditions.

Preferred Qualifications

• Completion of a welding program from a technical school or apprenticeship.
• AWS Certified Welder credentials in additional positions or processes, including 6G pipe.
• OSHA 10 or OSHA 30 Construction certification.
• Aerial lift, forklift, rigging, or signal person training.
• Experience with structural steel installation and erection methods.

Physical Demands

• Regularly lift, carry, and move materials and equipment weighing up to [50] pounds, and assist with heavier loads using equipment or team lifts.
• Stand, walk, bend, stoop, kneel, crouch, and crawl for extended periods.
• Climb ladders, scaffolding, and steel structures, and work at heights using fall protection.
• Work in confined or awkward spaces and in all welding positions, including overhead.
• Maintain the hand-eye coordination, manual dexterity, and close vision needed to produce quality welds.
• Wear required PPE for full shifts, including welding helmet, respirator, gloves, safety glasses, hard hat, hearing protection, and steel-toed boots.

Work Environment

• Shop: Work is performed in a fabrication shop with exposure to welding fumes, sparks, arc flash, heat, loud noise, and moving equipment such as overhead cranes and forklifts.
• Field: Work is performed outdoors on active construction sites with exposure to weather and temperature extremes, uneven terrain, heights, heavy equipment, and other trades.
• Travel to job sites throughout Colorado is required; overnight travel may be required.
• Work schedules vary by assignment and may include early starts, overtime, and occasional weekends.

Benefits based upon eligibility:

• Medical and Dental insurance
• Medical clinic membership
• Paid holidays, vacation, and sick time
• 401(k) with employer match

**Pursuant to the Colorado Equal Pay for Equal Work Act and Equal Pay Transparency Rules, the salary range above represents the low and high end of the salary range for this position. Actual salaries will vary and may be above or below the range based on various factors including but not limited to location, experience, and performance. The range listed is just one component of the total compensation package for employees. In addition, Western Precision Manufacturing provides a variety of benefits to full time employees, including dental, vision, life and AD&D insurance, paid holidays (9 annually), paid time off following one year of employment, Colorado sick leave, and retirement plan participation.

Equal Employer Opportunity Statement

Western Precision Manufacturing prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. All job requirements in the job description provided indicate the minimum level of knowledge, skills, and/or abilities deemed necessary to perform the job competently. Job descriptions are an overview of the duties, responsibilities, and requirements of the position. Employees may be required to perform other job-related assignments as requested. OUR COMPANY ADHERES TO A POLICY OF EMPLOYMENT-AT-WILL, WHICH ALLOWS EITH