Manufacturing Trainee; Welding​/Fabrication​/Panel Assembly

Norchem is seeking a dependable, mechanically inclined Manufacturing Trainee to join our automated systems manufacturing team. This entry‑level position combines daily shop support with hands‑on training in metal fabrication, welding, and electrical control panel assembly for engineered water systems.

This individual will eventually develop into a Stainless Steel Welder/Fabricator or Electrical Panel Builder
, based on demonstrated skills, interests, and company needs. You will work alongside experienced shop personnel, learning safe work practices, quality standards, and the technical skills needed to take on increasingly independent work.

Location: Bell Gardens, CA

Schedule: Monday-Friday, 6:00 AM to 2:30 PM (overtime eligible as needed).

• Medical, Dental Vision and Life Insurance (
  94-100% of employee premiums covered on select plans)
• 401(k) pre‑tax/ROTH plans with Employer Safe Harbor Match
• PTO and STO
• Federal Holidays
• Company Work Uniforms
• Expense reimbursement for work boots

• Support fabricators and panel builders by preparing materials, staging components, and keeping tools and work areas organized.
• Measure, mark, cut, drill, grind, and deburr metal under supervision.
• Learn weld prep, fit-up, finishing, and welding techniques through hands‑on instruction and practice.
• Help assemble control panels: mount components, install wire duct and DIN rail, prepare labels, and route and terminate wires as your training progresses.
• Learn to read shop drawings, electrical schematics, bills of materials, and assembly instructions.
• Help with mechanical assembly of equipment, frames, enclosures, and related components.
• Receive, identify, organize, and track materials and parts, and flag shortages or discrepancies.
• Check your work for accuracy and quality, and report defects or mistakes right away.
• Keep the shop clean and organized, wear required PPE, and operate equipment safely.
• Perform only tasks you've been trained and authorized for. Electrical testing and energized work stay with qualified personnel.

• Interest in building a career in welding, metal fabrication, or electrical panel assembly
• Mechanical aptitude and comfort with hand tools
• Basic math skills and the ability to measure accurately
• Strong attention to detail and reliable attendance
• Willingness to follow instructions, take feedback, and ask questions
• Ability to work well as part of a team
• Ability to stand, bend, and handle materials throughout the shift, with reasonable accommodation as needed

Helpful but not required: previous shop experience, trade school coursework, or exposure to welding, automotive repair, construction, or electrical work.

Training starts with shop safety, tool use, material preparation, and basic assembly. As your skills develop, you'll take on more technical work in both fabrication and panel building.

From here, you can grow into one of two roles:

• Metal Fabricator: drawing interpretation, material layout, cutting, fit-up, welding, finishing, and dimensional inspection.
• Electrical Panel Builder: schematic interpretation, component layout and mounting, wire preparation and termination, labeling, and assembly quality checks.

Advancement depends on safe work habits, reliability, workmanship, demonstrated skill, and available opportunities.

You help keep the shop prepared and productive, complete your work carefully, and keep building new skills. Over time, you handle defined fabrication or panel assembly tasks with less supervision while keeping quality and safety consistent.