Welder - Body Shop

City of Lincoln; Moreno Valley (CA); On-site; USD 52,000 - 73,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical Plan

401(K) with Employer Match

Sick Time

Job summary

Karma Automotive, Inc. is seeking a Body Shop Welder in Moreno Valley, CA to perform aluminum MIG welding and, when required, TIG welding on vehicle body structures, reading engineering drawings and following process documentation.

This is a temporary assignment through March 2027 with potential conversion to full-time, a Monday-Thursday and Friday-Saturday schedule, overtime possible, and a focus on Lean manufacturing and quality.

Qualifications

• HS diploma or GED required.
• 1–3 years MIG welding experience in automotive/manufacturing.
• Aluminum MIG welding experience required.
• TIG welding experience preferred.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, weld symbols, blueprints, and instructions.
• Experience assembling structural components using welding, riveting, adhesives, and fasteners.
• Ability to safely operate welding equipment and related tools.
• Strong mechanical aptitude and troubleshooting skills.
• Lean Manufacturing knowledge preferred.
• Familiarity with ISO 9001:2015 and ISO 14001:2015 as applicable.

Responsibilities

• Perform aluminum MIG welding and TIG welding on vehicle body structures and components.
• Read, interpret, and follow drawings, weld symbols, blueprints, and process docs.
• Assemble, position, align, and secure body panels using welding, rivets, adhesives, SPRs, and fasteners.
• Verify fit and alignment with measuring devices and inspection tools; inspect welds for quality.
• Troubleshoot fit-up, welding, and assembly issues with teams to resolve concerns.
• Safely operate MIG/TIG welding equipment and related tools.
• Perform routine maintenance and inspections of welding equipment.
• Maintain clean, safe work area following 5S and safety standards.
• Support Lean and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Follow OSHA requirements and PPE rules.

Skills

Aluminum MIG welding

TIG welding

Read engineering drawings

Lean Manufacturing knowledge

Quality standards

Read weld symbols

Team environment

Safety procedures

5S principles

ISO 9001/ISO 14001 familiarity

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

Robotic welding cells

Automated manufacturing equipment

Job description

• Job Category Manufacturing
• Employee Type Non-Exempt

Body Shop Welder is responsible for performing high-quality aluminum MIG welding and, when required, TIG welding to fabricate, assemble, and repair vehicle body structures and components in a low-volume luxury automotive manufacturing environment. This position requires the ability to read engineering drawings and standardized work instructions, accurately assemble vehicle body structures, and ensure all welds meet established safety and quality standards.

The ideal candidate has experience working with aluminum structures, demonstrates excellent attention to detail, understands Lean Manufacturing principles, and is committed to producing exceptional craftsmanship in a team-oriented environment.

This is a temporary assignment anticipated to continue through March 2027, with the opportunity to convert to a regular full-time position based on business needs, individual performance, and attendance.

Work Schedule

Monday through Thursday, 6:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and Friday through Saturday, 6:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., as scheduled. Overtime may be required, with shifts not exceeding 12 hours.

Responsibilities (include, but are not limited to)

• Perform aluminum MIG welding and, when required, TIG welding on vehicle body structures, assemblies, and components in accordance with engineering specifications and quality standards.


• Read, interpret, and follow engineering drawings, weld symbols, blueprints, standardized work instructions (VSOPs), and process documentation.


• Assemble, position, align, and secure body panels, assemblies, subassemblies, and structural components using welding, riveting, adhesives, self-piercing rivets (SPR), and mechanical fasteners.


• Verify proper fit, alignment, and accuracy of components before and after welding using measuring devices, fixtures, gauges, and inspection tools. Inspect completed welds and assemblies to ensure compliance with quality, cosmetic, and specifications.


• Troubleshoot fit-up, welding, and assembly issues and collaborate with Team Leaders, Quality, Manufacturing Engineering, and other departments to resolve production concerns.


• Utilize escalation processes when quality, safety, or production issues cannot be resolved at the workstation.


• Safely operate MIG/TIG welding equipment, grinders, drills, pneumatic tools, rivet guns, sanders, impacts, and other body shop equipment.


• Perform routine preventive maintenance and daily inspections of welding equipment and tooling.


• Inspect materials, equipment, fixtures, and tools prior to use to ensure proper operating condition.


• Support Lean Manufacturing and continuous improvement initiatives by identifying opportunities to improve safety, quality, efficiency, and standardized work.


• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work area in accordance with 5S principles and company safety standards.


• Follow all OSHA requirements, company safety procedures, and personal protective equipment (PPE) requirements.


• Support Safety, Quality, Delivery, Cost, and Morale (SQDCM) objectives.


• Other duties, as assigned.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• A high school diploma or GED equivalent education is preferred.


• High school diploma or GED required.


• One (1) to three (3) years of professional MIG welding experience in an automotive, aerospace, manufacturing, or metal fabrication environment.


• Experience performing aluminum MIG welding required.


• TIG welding experience preferred.


• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, weld symbols, blueprints, and standardized work instructions.


• Experience assembling structural components using welding, riveting, adhesives, and mechanical fastening methods.


• Ability to safely operate welding equipment, pneumatic tools, grinders, drills, rivet tools, and related fabrication equipment.


• Strong mechanical aptitude and troubleshooting skills.


• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced manufacturing environment while maintaining exceptional quality standards.


• Strong communication skills and the ability to work collaboratively in a team environment.


• Basic knowledge of Lean Manufacturing principles is preferred.


• Basic knowledge of Quality Management Systems (ISO 9001:2015) and Environmental Management Systems (ISO 14001:2015), as applicable.

Preferred Qualifications

• Current American Welding Society (AWS) Certification preferred (or ability to obtain certification within six months of hire).


• Experience welding aluminum vehicle structures or body-in-white assemblies.


• Experience in an automotive OEM, Tier 1 supplier, aerospace, or custom fabrication environment.


• Experience working in a low-volume manufacturing environment.


• Familiarity with robotic welding cells and automated manufacturing equipment.


• Experience supporting continuous improvement or Kaizen initiatives.

Physical Requirements

While performing the duties of this job, the employee should have the:

• Ability to frequently use or operate a computer, mouse, and/or other office productivity machinery, such as a calculator, copy machine, computer printer, etc.


• While performing the duties of this job, the employee should have the:


• Ability to use or operate assembly tools, i.e., electric powered dynamic torque tools.


• Ability to walk or move – to regularly move about inside the office or onto the facility.


• Ability to see or detect, identify, recognize, or assess surroundings while in the office or warehouse areas.


• Ability to bend, turn, and stoop occasionally.


• Ability to sit or be stationary for brief periods of time.


• Ability to stand for prolonged periods of time.


• Ability to stand and walk for prolonged periods of time, duration of the shift.


• Ability to constantly lift and/or move up to 25 lbs. and periodically 50 lbs.

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing their job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee will spend approximately 100% (excluding breaks and meal periods) of time in a manufacturing/ warehouse environment. When working in the facility, it requires the use of personal protective equipment, including (but not limited to) steel toe shoes, bump caps, and safety goggles. Reflective colored vest and ear protection is required in certain areas.

Total Rewards (Benefits, Perks & Compensation)

Benefits & Perks:

• Medical Plan


• 401(K) with Employer Match


• Sick Time

Compensation

$25.00/per hour - $35.00/per hour. Compensation will vary DOE.
At Karma, our base pay is one part of our total rewards package.
Compensation offered may vary on multiple factors, including market location, education, skills and experience. The total compensation package for this position may also include other elements dependent on the position being offered.

Karma Automotive, Inc. is an equal employment opportunity (EEO) employer.We do not discriminate on the basis of age, race, gender identity and expression, color, sexual orientation, marital status, pregnancy or related conditions (including breastfeeding), national origin/ancestry, religion, military/veteran status, genetic information, citizenship status, intersectionality or any other characteristic and group protected by applicable law. Karma Automotive, Inc complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act to ensure equal access to all qualified individuals with a physical or mental disability.Valid driver’s license may be required based on essential duties.