Weld Workforce Development Leader

Job Summary

The Weld Workforce Development Leader is responsible for owning, developing, and continuously improving the weld training program across all American Rheinmetall facilities. This role ensures the delivery of a structured, effective, and scalable weld training program that produces highly skilled, production-ready welders.

This position goes beyond training and is accountable for improving welder performance, engagement, and retention. The role partners cross‑functionally with Production, Quality, Engineering, and Human Resources to align training with operational needs and business objectives.

• Own and continuously improve the Welder Development Program (WDP) to meet production, quality, and business requirements
• Establish standardized training methods, skill progression criteria, and certification requirements across all locations
• Drive measurable improvements in welder retention, engagement, and long‑term development
• Ensure alignment between training outcomes and production expectations
• Partner with Production to ensure welders are prepared for real‑world job demands
• Collaborate with Quality to align training with weld standards and defect reduction goals
• Work with HR to support onboarding, development, and retention strategies
• Support internal and external audits, including responding to customer training‑related requirements
• Assist supervisors, as needed, with certification processes such as overhead crane and forklift training

• Deliver and oversee classroom and hands‑on welding training across all skill levels
• Train, test, and evaluate welders to ensure readiness for certification and production work
• Provide coaching, feedback, and individualized development plans
• Identify struggling welders early and implement targeted development plans
• Develop training materials, lesson plans, mock‑ups, and instructional aids
• Conduct make‑up sessions and supplemental training as needed
• Track and report key program metrics, including:
  • Welder progression and certification status
  • Time to competency
  • Retention rates
  • Training effectiveness and production readiness
• Maintain accurate training and certification records in Plex, Socrative, and related systems
• Provide monthly reporting and participate in bi‑weekly training meetings
• Identify performance gaps and implement corrective actions

• Maintain training equipment, tools, and supply inventory, including ordering as required
• Ensure training environments are clean, organized, and professional
• Store training aids and materials in approved locations
• Ensure all training activities comply with company policies, procedures, and safety standards
• Maintain required certifications (e.g., CWI) and program compliance requirements
• Promote and enforce safe work practices in both classroom and shop environments
• Ensure all trainees follow established policies, procedures, and safety expectations
• Conduct required evaluations, including annual welder eye exams

• High school diploma or G.E.D. required
• Minimum of 5 years of welding experience in a production and/or training environment
• Experience in training, coaching, or developing employees preferred

• Active Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) required
  • Lapsed certifications must be reinstated within 90 days of hire
• Certified Welding Educator (CWE) preferred; required within 12–18 months of hire
• Must maintain all required certifications in accordance with company and industry standards

Must undergo and meet company standards for background check, employment verification, reference checks, physical, and controlled substance testing.

• Certified Welding Educator (CWE) or demonstrated experience developing structured training programs
• Experience building, improving, or scaling a workforce development or training program in a manufacturing environment
• Strong understanding of production welding challenges, including variability, throughput, and real‑world application of weld standards
• Proven ability to coach, mentor, and develop employees across varying skill levels,…