MIG Welding Trainer starting at $60k​/annually or more DOE

MIG Welding Trainer

Salary Range $60,000.00 Salary/year Position Type Full Time Education Level Not Specified Travel Percentage None Category Manufacturing

Position Summary:

The MIG Welding Trainer / Coach is responsible for developing and advancing the skills of entry-level welders (Level
1) to achieve Level 2 and Level 3 welding competency standards. This position combines hands-on welding expertise with coaching, mentoring, skills assessment, and performance development to improve weld quality, productivity, safety, and employee performance within a metal fabrication environment.

The successful candidate will deliver structured training, hands-on demonstrations, practical skills assessments, and ongoing coaching to ensure welders meet company quality standards, customer specifications, safety requirements, and industry best practices.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

None

Internal Relationships:
All Departments

External Relationships:
Occasional and incidental contact with customers or prospective customers

Training & Development

• Develop and deliver structured welding training programs for Level 1 welders.
• Provide classroom, demonstration, and hands-on welding instruction.
• Demonstrate proper welding techniques, machine setup, fixture use, material preparation, and weld inspection methods.
• Train employees on various welding positions, joint configurations, material types, and fabrication applications.
• Develop individual training and development plans to support progression from Level 1 to Level 2 and Level 3 competency.
• Identify skill gaps and provide targeted coaching, retraining, and corrective instruction.
• Maintain current knowledge of welding processes, equipment, techniques, and industry standards.

Coaching & Mentoring

• Provide one-on-one mentoring and hands-on coaching on the production floor.
• Observe welder performance and provide timely, constructive feedback.
• Build employee confidence, technical capability, and accountability.
• Support new-hire onboarding and initial welding skill development.
• Foster a positive learning environment focused on safety, craftsmanship, quality, and continuous improvement.
• Serve as a technical resource and role model for welding employees.

Skills Assessment & Progression

• Conduct welding tests, practical evaluations, and competency assessments.
• Evaluate weld quality against company standards, specifications, and applicable welding procedures.
• Maintain accurate training records, qualification results, skills matrices, and progression documentation.
• Track individual employee development and identify opportunities for continued improvement.
• Provide recommendations for advancement to higher welding levels based on demonstrated competency and performance.

Quality Improvement

• Train welders to identify, prevent, and correct common weld defects, including:
• Porosity
• Undercut
• Lack of fusion
• Burn-through
• Excessive spatter
• Incomplete penetration
• Partner with Quality and Production teams to reduce defects, rework, and scrap.
• Reinforce best practices for weld preparation, fit-up, machine settings, and inspection.
• Identify recurring quality issues and recommend training or process improvements.
• Support standardization of welding techniques and work practices across the team.

Safety Leadership

• Reinforce company safety policies, procedures, and OSHA requirements related to welding and fabrication.
• Train employees on proper PPE, equipment operation, ventilation, fire prevention, and safe welding practices.
• Promote hazard awareness, proper housekeeping, and safe work practices.
• Lead by example and immediately address unsafe behaviors or conditions.
• Participate in safety audits, investigations, and corrective actions as needed.

Production & Operational Support

• Partner with Production leadership to identify workforce development needs.
• Assist with workforce planning and welding skill assessments.
• Provide production support during peak workloads or staffing needs when necessary.
• Recommend process improvements that enhance productivity, efficiency, quality, and employee capability.
• Assist in developing and maintaining standardized welding procedures, work instructions, and training materials.
• Collaborate with supervisors, Quality, Engineering, and other departments to resolve technical or production-related issues.

Minimum Requirements:

• Minimum 5 years of MIG/GMAW welding experience in a manufacturing, fabrication, or industrial environment.
• Demonstrated ability to weld carbon steel, stainless steel, and other commonly used fabrication materials.
• Strong knowledge of welding symbols, blueprints, fabrication drawings, and welding specifications.
• Previous experience training, coaching, mentoring, or developing employees.
• Ability to evaluate weld quality and identify common welding defects.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong interpersonal and coaching skills with the ability to work effectively with employees at varying skill levels.
• Demonstrated commitment to safety, quality, productivity,…