Welding Technician

CAF (Construcciones y Auxiliar de Ferrocarriles); City of Elmira (NY); On-site; USD 30,307 - 38,572; Full time

Job summary

CAF (Construcciones y Auxiliar de Ferrocarriles) is seeking an experienced welder specialized in GMAW to assemble and weld metal components at our Elmira Heights, NY facility. You will interpret drawings, follow WPS, verify parameters, and ensure weld quality through inspection and repair as needed.

Applicants should have a high school diploma or technical training, 10–15 years in GMAW/GTAW, and AWS experience. Safety, teamwork, and documenting tasks are essential for success.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or graduation from a certified technical school.
• Associates or certificate from accredited welding school is preferred.
• 10 to 15 years of experience with GMAW, GTAW, and/or Resistance Spot Welding.
• Previous experience with American Welding Society (AWS) standards is preferred.
• Must be able to pass multiple in-house weld certification tests.

Responsibilities

• Assemble and weld metal components, including carbon steel and stainless steel, adhering to specs.
• Prepare joints before fit-up and welding, using grinders and other tools to remove contaminants.
• Follow Welding Procedure Specifications (WPS) for assigned workstations and verify parameters.
• Demonstrate proficiency in plasma arc or air carbon arc gouging for back-gouging.
• Position and clamp workpieces, tack components, and weld in various positions.
• Inspect welds with measurement tools and ensure conformance to acceptance criteria.
• Repair improperly welded components per procedures and communicate issues to leadership.
• Participate in process improvements and maintain a clean, safe work area.

Skills

GMAW

GTAW

Resistance welding

Blueprint reading

Education

High school diploma

Associates degree preferred

Tools

Welding equipment

Job description

CAF is an international market leader for the design, manufacture, maintenance and supply of equipment and components for integrated transport systems at the forefront of technology that provides high value added sustainable mobility for its customers. We are proud to be recognized for our versatility, flexibility and for our capacity to constantly adapt and innovate.

CAF USA is located in Elmira Heights, New York which is part of the Southern Finger Lakes areas. The area is ideally situated for those who want to be in proximity to large metropolitan areas, but live a life made far richer by connecting to nature and community, making a difference in the lives of their neighbors and taking advantage of the opportunity to develop a fulfilling work life balance that ideally suits who they are.

OVERVIEW

The ideal candidate will possess proficiency in various welding techniques, with a strong focus on GMAW. Responsibilities will include interpreting assembly drawings, following work instruction sequences, application of WPS’s, ensuring the quality and integrity of welded components, and completing tasks within specified timelines. Attention to detail, a commitment to safety protocols, and the ability to work both independently and collaboratively are essential for success in this role.

FUNCTIONAL DESCRIPTION

• Assemble and weld metal components, including carbon steel, carbon steel to stainless steel, and stainless steel, ensuring precision and adherence to specifications.
• Prepare joints before fit-up and welding, utilizing power tools such as grinders, sanders, and die grinders, or approved solvents to remove contaminants.
• Follow approved Welding Procedure Specifications (WPS) for assigned workstations, verifying welding parameters, wire (electrode) size and type, and required shielding gas.
• Demonstrate proficiency in plasma arc or air carbon arc gouging systems for back-gouging welded root prior to completing full penetration joints.
• Position and clamp workpieces accurately, following detailed sequence procedure instructions, and tack components using appropriate tacks based on material thicknesses and joint types.
• Weld proficiently in flat, horizontal, and vertical positions as required.
• Utilize weld inspection tools, tape measures, calipers, etc., to confirm fit-up dimensions, part and joint alignment, and finished weld sizes.
• Clean and inspect completed welds for correct size and adherence to specified acceptance criteria.
• Repair improperly welded components or defective welds according to specified repair procedures.
• Effectively communicate assembly issues to management and engineering, contributing to continuous improvement initiatives.
• Participate actively in Process Improvement activities to enhance productivity and quality standards.
• Maintain cleanliness and organization of the work area on a daily basis, ensuring a safe and efficient workspace.
• Ensure proper maintenance and upkeep of assigned Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), including welding hood and Powered Air–Purifying Respirator (PAPR) system.
• Complete and submit accurate work documentation daily or upon completion of work tasks, maintaining clear records of activities.
• Perform basic maintenance tasks on equipment, as necessary, to support operational requirements.
• Adhere to established work schedules, attending work punctually and minimizing absenteeism, while following all safe work practices to ensure personal and team safety.
• Perform other duties as assigned by supervisor or manager.

TRAINING/EDUCATION REQUIRED

• High school diploma or graduation from a certified technical school.
• Associates or certificate from accredited welding school is preferred.
• 10 to 15 years of experience with GMAW, GTAW, and/or Resistance Spot Welding.
• Previous experience with American Welding Society (AWS) standards is preferred.
• Must be able to pass multiple in‑house weld certification tests.

INITIAL TRAINING

• Quality System
• Occupational Hazards Prevention System
• Environmental System
• Information/Cyber Security
• Railway Safety Management System
• Human Resources Policies

QUALIFICATIONS/REQUIREMENTS

• Must have normal eyesight either with or without corrective eyeglasses and should be able to distinguish colors.
• Must be medically qualified to work.
• Work may require standing, stooping, bending, kneeling, walking, climbing and welding in hard to reach places.
• May handle objects in excess of 50 pounds and must have reasonable use of fingers and hands.
• Understanding oral and written Spanish highly desirable.

This position does not support immigration sponsorship.

We prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, color, gender, age, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, veteran status or any other legally protected status.

We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.

The wage range for this role takes into account the wide range of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions including but not limited to skill sets; experience and training; licensure and certifications; and other business and organizational needs. The disclosed range estimate has not been adjusted for the applicable geographic differential associated with the location at which the position may be filled. A reasonable estimate of the current range is $22 to $28 per hour.