Welder II (Certified)

Progressive Recovery, Inc.; Dupo (IL); On-site; USD 34,000 - 43,000; Full time

Job summary

Progressive Recovery, Inc. is seeking a certified welder to support 1st or 2nd shift in Illinois. The role performs MIG, TIG, and FCAW welding on carbon steel and stainless steel per blueprints and work orders, while maintaining WPQs and contributing to quality production.

The welder will set up equipment, read weld symbols, inspect finished welds, and mentor less-experienced teammates as part of a structured career ladder, with overtime and occasional weekend work as required.

Qualifications

• 3-5 years of welding experience in manufacturing or fabrication.
• MIG, TIG, and/or FCAW on carbon steel, stainless steel, or alloys.
• Reads blueprints and weld symbols; works from written instructions.

Responsibilities

• Perform MIG, TIG, and FCAW welding on carbon steel and stainless steel per blueprints and work orders.
• Maintain WPQs and pursue additional certifications as required by the shop ladder.
• Set up, adjust, and operate welding machines and related fabrication equipment.
• Read blueprints and AWS weld symbols to determine welding sequence and methods.
• Inspect welds for defects and perform rework as needed.
• Mentor less experienced welders as part of the career ladder.

Skills

MIG welding

TIG welding

Flux-core welding

Read blueprints

WPQ maintenance

AWS certification

Quality inspection

Mentor welders

Education

High school diploma or GED

Welding certificate/training

AWS certification preferred

Tools

Grinders

Cutting torches

Plasma cutters

Drills

Job description

Description

Reports To: Welding Supervisor

Shift: 1st Shift, 6:00 AM - 2:30 PM, or 2nd Shift, 3:00 PM - 11:30 PM ( $2/hr shift differential), Monday through Friday (overtime and occasional weekends as required by production needs).

Compensation: $25.00 - $31.00 per hour, based on experience and certifications

The Certified Welder works independently on standard fabrications and piping isometrics using MIG, TIG, and/or flux-core processes, holding current Welder Performance Qualifications (WPQs) under ASME Section IX. This role fabricates, assembles, and repairs metal components and structures to support daily production and maintenance operations, consistently meets the shop’s productivity and quality standards, and begins mentoring newer welders as part of our structured career ladder.

Key Responsibilities & Functions

• Perform MIG (GMAW), TIG (GTAW), and/or flux-core (FCAW) welding on carbon steel, stainless steel, and/or other alloy components per blueprints, weld symbols, and work orders.
• Maintain current Welder Performance Qualifications (WPQs) and pursue additional process/position certifications as required by the shop’s career ladder.
• Set up, adjust, and operate welding machines, plasma cutters, and related fabrication equipment, including grinders, cutting torches, band saws, and presses.
• Read and interpret blueprints, engineering drawings, AWS weld symbols, and job specifications to determine proper welding sequence, joint design, and methods.
• Fit piping per isometric drawings and fit up standard equipment independently, using jigs, fixtures, clamps, and precision measuring tools.
• Inspect completed welds for defects such as porosity, undercut, cracking, and warping; perform visual and dimensional quality checks and rework as needed.
• Build standard shop equipment and fabrications independently to specification.
• Select appropriate filler metals, shielding gases, and welding parameters (amperage, voltage, travel speed) based on WPS specification, material type, and thickness.
• Perform routine care and basic preventive maintenance on welding equipment; report malfunctions to Maintenance.
• Maintain accurate production records, weld logs, and documentation of completed work.
• Follow all safety protocols, including PPE use, hot work/fire prevention procedures, ventilation practices, confined space procedures, and safe handling of compressed gases.
• Cross-train in an additional welding process family as part of ongoing skill development.
• Begin mentoring and supporting less experienced (Welder I) team members under supervisor guidance.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work area.

Requirements

Experience

• 3-5 years of hands-on welding experience in a manufacturing, fabrication, or industrial maintenance environment.
• Demonstrated experience with MIG, TIG, and/or Stick welding on steel, stainless steel, and/or other alloys.
• Experience fabricating, assembling, and repairing metal components, structures, or equipment independently.
• Experience working from blueprints, weld symbols, and written work instructions.
• Current Welder Performance Qualifications (WPQs) in at least two processes/positions, or ability to obtain them during onboarding.
• AWS certification or equivalent welding certification preferred.

Technical Skills

• Proficient in MIG (GMAW), TIG (GTAW), and/or Flux-Core (FCAW) welding processes.
• Ability to weld carbon steel, stainless steel, and/or other alloys in multiple positions (flat, horizontal, vertical, overhead).
• Skilled in reading blueprints, engineering drawings, and AWS welding symbols.
• Knowledge of proper filler metal, shielding gas, and parameter selection for varying materials and thicknesses.
• Proficient with hand and power tools, including grinders, cutting torches, plasma cutters, and drills.
• Ability to use precision measuring tools to verify fit and dimensional accuracy.
• Working knowledge of basic metallurgy, heat distortion control, and weld quality standards.

Leadership & Professional Skills

• Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality workmanship.
• Effective troubleshooting and problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to work independently and manage time to meet production schedules.
• Strong communication skills with supervisors and teammates.
• Willingness to mentor and support less experienced welders.

Education

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Completion of a welding certificate or training program (technical school, apprenticeship, or equivalent) preferred.
• AWS certification or equivalent industry credential is a plus.
• Equivalent combination of education and hands-on welding experience will be considered.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to work safely in an industrial manufacturing environment.
• Ability to stand, bend, kneel, and work in awkward positions for extended periods.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds occasionally.
• Ability to work with exposure to heat, sparks, fumes, bright arc flash/light, and noise.
• Ability to wear required PPE, including welding helmet, gloves, safety-toe boots, and protective clothing, for extended periods.
• Ability to work in varying environmental conditions, including heat, cold, and around energized production equipment.

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.