Welder - 1st shift

Vermeer Corporation; Freeman (SD); On-site; USD 36,000 - 39,000; Full time

Job summary

Vermeer Corporation in Freeman, SD seeks a Welder I to produce high-quality equipment and develop foundational welding skills in a collaborative, safety‑driven environment.

You will learn Vermeer standards, read blueprints, and work with digital instructions to ensure precise welds and continuous improvement. The role focuses on safety, teamwork, and quality across multiple weld positions.

Qualifications

• Entry-level welding experience or formal training (technical school, apprenticeship, or equivalent) preferred.
• Ability to read blueprints, interpret welding symbols, and apply decimal-based measurements for precision and quality.
• Ability to access and interpret digital work instructions and drawings using computer systems.

Responsibilities

• Complete weldments in various positions according to blueprints and welding procedure specifications, following Vermeer Welding Standards and supporting our commitment to innovation and excellence.
• Prepare, position, and align components using fixtures; bolt, clamp, and tack weld parts to secure them for final welding, demonstrating our culture of collaboration and continuous improvement.
• Safely and efficiently operate an oxyfuel cutting (OFC) torch for preheating and perform routine maintenance on welding equipment to ensure optimal performance and safety.
• Read and interpret blueprints, welding symbols, and work instructions; apply decimal-based measurements to ensure precision and quality.
• Access digital drawings and work instructions via computer systems to support accurate weld execution.
• Identify welding defects, assist in root cause analysis, and support corrective actions to maintain product quality and exceed customer expectations.
• Support 5S and workplace organization goals by maintaining a clean and efficient work area, contributing to continuous improvement and department performance metrics.

Skills

Welding

Blueprint reading

Problem solving

Teamwork

Safety compliance

Education

Technical school or apprenticeship

Job description

Who We Are

Vermeer equips customers doing important work around the world. We are global, driven by innovation and growing. The equipment we make manages natural resources, connects people and feeds and fuels communities. We live out a caring culture, we demonstrate agility, we keep a focus on customers and are stewards of our resources. These beliefs drive our culture, determine how we treat others and steer our business.

Who We Are

Vermeer equips customers doing important work around the world. We are global, driven by innovation and growing. The equipment we make manages natural resources, connects people and feeds and fuels communities. We live out a caring culture, we demonstrate agility, we keep a focus on customers and are stewards of our resources. These beliefs drive our culture, determine how we treat others and steer our business.

Work Shift

1 - First Shift

Hourly Wage Range

$26.74 - $28.06

Job Summary

Are you passionate about hands‑on work and eager to build your skills in a collaborative, innovative environment? As a Welder I at Vermeer, you’ll play a vital role in producing high‑quality equipment that makes a difference worldwide. You’ll develop foundational welding expertise while contributing to our culture of safety, excellence, and continuous improvement.

What You’ll Do

• Complete weldments in various positions according to blueprints and welding procedure specifications, following Vermeer Welding Standards and supporting our commitment to innovation and excellence.
• Prepare, position, and align components using fixtures; bolt, clamp, and tack weld parts to secure them for final welding, demonstrating our culture of collaboration and continuous improvement.
• Safely and efficiently operate an oxyfuel cutting (OFC) torch for preheating and perform routine maintenance on welding equipment to ensure optimal performance and safety.
• Read and interpret blueprints, welding symbols, and work instructions; apply decimal‑based measurements to ensure precision and quality.
• Access digital drawings and work instructions via computer systems to support accurate weld execution.
• Identify welding defects, assist in root cause analysis, and support corrective actions to maintain product quality and exceed customer expectations.
• Support 5S and workplace organization goals by maintaining a clean and efficient work area, contributing to continuous improvement and department performance metrics.

What We’re Looking For

• Entry‑level welding experience or formal training (technical school, apprenticeship, or equivalent) preferred.
• Ability to successfully complete Vermeer’s Weld Training Program, including American Welding Society (AWS) Gas Metal Arc Welding – Pulsed (GMAW‑P) certification to the D14.0 standard with qualification in the flat (1G‑UL) position, and willingness to learn and qualify in Flux‑Cored Arc Welding (FCAW) for vertical fillet (3F) and overhead fillet (4F) positions.
• Ability to read blueprints, interpret welding symbols, and apply decimal‑based measurements for precision and quality.
• Ability to access and interpret digital work instructions and drawings using computer systems.
• Demonstrated problem‑solving skills, including the ability to identify welding defects, participating in root cause analysis, and recommending corrective actions.
• Ability to adapt, assess situations quickly, and carry out appropriate actions to maintain safety, quality, and productivity.
• Strong communication skills to collaborate with team members, supervisors, and other departments.

Travel

• No travel is expected of this position.

Essential Functions

Standing: Frequently

Sitting: Frequently

Walking: Frequently

Hand Coordination: At least average/bilateral

Twisting: Rarely (up to 1 minute in position)

Bending - Trunk: Rarely (up to 1 minute in position)

Bending - Neck: Occasionally (up to 25 degree flex & 30 degree extension for up to 2 minutes)

Elevated Work/Reach: Rarely (up to 1 minute in position)

Squatting/Kneeling: Rarely (up to 1 minute in position)

Climbing: Rarely

Pulling: Rarely (up to 80 lbs) Occasionally (up to 20 lbs) Frequently (up to 10 lbs)

Pushing: Rarely (up to 80 lbs) Occasionally (up to 20 lbs) Frequently (up to 10 lbs)

RH Grip: Rarely (up to 80 lbs) Occasionally (up to 20 lbs) Frequently (up to 10 lbs)

LH Grip: Rarely (up to 80 lbs) Occasionally (up to 20 lbs) Frequently (up to 10 lbs)

RH Pinch: Rarely (up to 15 lbs) Occasionally (up to 5 lbs) Frequently (up to 2 lbs)

LH Pinch: Rarely (up to 15 lbs) Occasionally (up to 5 lbs) Frequently (up to 2 lbs)

Floor to Waist Lift: Rarely (up to 50 lbs) Occasionally (up to 20 lbs)

Horizontal Lift: (up to 50 lbs) Occasionally (up to 20 lbs) Frequently (up to 10 lbs)

Waist to Crown Lift: Rarely (up to 40 lbs) Occasionally (up to 5 lbs)

Work Location

ONSITE: A team member’s day‑to‑day work is best done on a Vermeer campus. If work content can be occasionally completed at an offsite location, discuss potential arrangements with your manager.

Equal Opportunity Employer

At Vermeer Corporation, we believe in the value of your unique identity, background, and experiences. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, genetic information, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status or any other status protected by the law. Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation due to a disability at any stage of the employment application process should contact Team Member Solutions at [phone] or at [e-mail].