Welder/Sub Arc Helper

Valmont Industries; Claremore (OK); On-site; USD 22,000 - 33,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Healthcare

401k with company match

Paid time off

Life insurance

Disability

Tuition Reimbursement

Job summary

Valmont Industries in Claremore, OK invites applicants for a temporary nine-month developmental position as Sub Arc Base Welder Helper. You will assist with machine setup, material preparation, and weld support while gaining hands‑on SAW experience toward certification.

You will learn welding controls, procedures, and safety, with potential path to a Sub Arc Base Welder role. The role emphasizes teamwork, attention to quality, and readiness to grow in a manufacturing environment.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent preferred.
• Ability to read a tape measure and perform basic mathematical calculations.
• Ability to learn welding processes, equipment operation, and manufacturing procedures.
• Ability to safely lift up to 50 pounds.
• Able to work in a manufacturing environment and remain on feet for extended periods.
• Willingness to learn and accept coaching from certified welders and supervisors.
• Strong attendance and work performance record.
• Commitment to workplace safety and quality standards.

Responsibilities

• Assist the Base Welder with setting up welding equipment, fixtures, and pole sections prior to welding operations.
• Support the loading, positioning, and alignment of pole shafts and base plates using approved material handling equipment.
• Assist with machine setup and preparation to ensure production readiness.
• Chip slag and clean weld areas as required to maintain quality standards.
• Prepare and stage materials, consumables, and tooling needed for upcoming jobs.
• Set up the next welding station or workpiece while the current pole is being welded to maximize production efficiency.
• Perform daily preventive maintenance on welding equipment and workstations.
• Maintain housekeeping standards within the work area and ensure all tools and equipment are properly stored.
• Assist with weld preparation activities, including grinding, cleaning, and inspection support.
• Observe welding operations and learn machine controls, welding parameters, and welding procedures.
• Support quality inspections and corrective actions as directed by the Base Welder or Supervisor.
• Follow all safety procedures, work instructions, welding procedures, and quality requirements.
• Participate in LEAN initiatives and continuous improvement activities.

Skills

Tape measure reading

Learn welding processes

Manufacturing procedures

Lifting up to 50 pounds

Teamwork and communication

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

Forklift operation

Overhead crane experience

Hand tools and grinders

Job description

25010 Alliance Dr Claremore Oklahoma 74017 Why Valmont We’re Here to Move the World Forward.

Valmont impacts millions of people around the world every day, yet they might not realize the many ways. Our technology is helping feed the growing population, supplying the world with more reliable energy and access to renewables, enhancing connectivity in remote and urban locations to create a sustainable future and so much more. Simply put, Valmont is advancing agricultural productivity and reimagining vital infrastructure to make life better. Join a Fortune 1000 company that respects hard work, honors diversity and invests in our employees as we focus on creating the world of tomorrow, today. We are the modern workforce. Are you ready to move the world forward?

A Brief Summary of This Position

The Sub Arc Base Welder Helper is a temporary nine-month developmental position designed to support the Sub Arc Base Welder in the production of steel utility poles and structures. The helper assists with machine setup, material preparation, workstation organization, preventive maintenance activities, and weld support functions while gaining hands‑on experience in submerged arc welding operations. During the assignment, the employee will receive training on Sub Arc Base Welder equipment, welding processes, quality requirements, and safe operating procedures. The goal is for the employee to develop the knowledge and skills necessary to obtain SAW (Submerged Arc Welding) certification and become qualified to operate the Base Welder station independently.

Essential Functions

• Assist the Base Welder with setting up welding equipment, fixtures, and pole sections prior to welding operations.
• Support the loading, positioning, and alignment of pole shafts and base plates using approved material handling equipment.
• Assist with machine setup and preparation to ensure production readiness.
• Chip slag and clean weld areas as required to maintain quality standards.
• Prepare and stage materials, consumables, and tooling needed for upcoming jobs.
• Set up the next welding station or workpiece while the current pole is being welded to maximize production efficiency.
• Perform daily preventive maintenance (PM) activities on welding equipment and workstations.
• Maintain housekeeping standards within the work area and ensure all tools and equipment are properly stored.
• Assist with weld preparation activities, including grinding, cleaning, and inspection support.
• Observe welding operations and learn machine controls, welding parameters, and welding procedures.
• Support quality inspections and corrective actions as directed by the Base Welder or Supervisor.
• Follow all safety procedures, work instructions, welding procedures, and quality requirements.
• Participate in LEAN initiatives and continuous improvement activities.
• Perform other duties as assigned to support production requirements.

Developmental Expectations

• Learn the operation and setup of Sub Arc Base Welder equipment.
• Develop an understanding of welding procedures, WPS requirements, and quality standards.
• Learn proper material handling and workstation setup techniques.
• Demonstrate safe operation of equipment and adherence to company policies.
• Successfully complete required training programs.
• Progress toward obtaining Submerged Arc Welding (SAW) certification.
• Demonstrate readiness for future advancement into a Sub Arc Base Welder position.

Required Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent preferred.
• Ability to read a tape measure and perform basic mathematical calculations.
• Ability to learn welding processes, equipment operation, and manufacturing procedures.
• Ability to safely lift up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to work in a manufacturing environment and remain on feet for extended periods.
• Willingness to learn and accept coaching from certified welders and supervisors.
• Strong attendance and work performance record.
• Commitment to workplace safety and quality standards.

Highly Qualified Candidates Will Also Possess These Qualifications

• Previous manufacturing or welding experience.
• Experience using hand tools, grinders, and material handling equipment.
• Ability to read blueprints and work instructions.
• Forklift and overhead crane experience.
• Strong teamwork and communication skills.

Success Criteria

• Independently prepare and set up a Base Welder workstation.
• Complete daily PM requirements without assistance.
• Safely support welding production while maintaining quality standards.
• Demonstrate proficiency in Sub Arc Base Welder machine operation.
• Obtain or be qualified to obtain SAW certification.
• Be considered for progression into a Sub Arc Base Welder role based on business needs, qualifications, and performance.

Benefits

Valmont offers employees and their families a comprehensive Total Wellbeing benefit package to ensure their individual and family’s overall wellness needs are met. Some offerings are dependent upon the role, work schedule, or location and can include the following:

• Healthcare (medical, prescription drugs, dental and vision)
• 401k retirement plan with company match
• Paid time off
• Employer paid life insurance
• Employer paid short‑term and long‑term disability including maternity leave
• Work Life Support
• Tuition Reimbursement up to $5,250 per year
• Voluntary programs like tobacco cessation, Type 2 diabetes reversal, one‑on‑one health coaching, mortgage services and more

Valmont does not discriminate against any employee or applicant in employment opportunities or practices on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, genetic information, veteran status, disability or any other characteristic protected by law. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. If you have a disability and require any assistance in filling out the application for employment email [e-mail].

Valmont is here to modernize vital infrastructure and increase agricultural productivity, sustainably and reliably. We galvanize steel to last a century with minimal environmental impact. We modernize irrigation to feed a growing population by utilizing the latest technology. We harden the electrical grid to enable the delivery of reliable power to millions of homes around the world. And we help make communities everywhere safer, cleaner and more connected through our smart infrastructure technology. Valmont serves two primary markets — agriculture and infrastructure — and seven diverse product lines: Utility, Lighting and Transportation, Telecom, Solar, Coatings, Irrigation and Ag Tech. We manufacture products in 85 facilities spread across six continents, and we do business in 100 different countries. That’s what Valmont does. We conserve resources and improve life, finding ways to make innovation and technology beneficial in the real world.

That’s the value we add.