Welding Quality Trainer - 2nd Shift

Piedmont Metals is seeking an experienced Weld Trainer to develop employee welding skills, conduct welder qualification testing, and support quality improvement across manufacturing operations. This position works closely with Quality and Production teams to train new and existing welders, ensure employees follow welding procedures and quality standards, and reduce defects and rework.

The ideal candidate has strong welding and fabrication experience, can read blueprints and welding procedure specifications, and is comfortable providing hands-on training, evaluating employee skills, and maintaining welder qualification records.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and deliver hands-on welding and fabrication training for new and existing employees.
• Train employees on welding processes, including FCAW, SMAW, GMAW, and other applicable methods.
• Train welders on blueprints, weld symbols, Welding Procedure Specifications (WPS), fabrication techniques, and inspection requirements.
• Conduct new-hire skill assessments and determine when employees are ready for production.
• Perform welder qualification testing in accordance with AWS D1.1, ASME Section IX, and applicable customer requirements.
• Prepare and maintain Welder Performance Qualification (WPQ) records, qualification logs, continuity records, and certification documentation.
• Track welder qualification expirations and ensure records remain current and audit-ready.
• Work with Production supervisors to identify weld quality issues, determine root causes, provide coaching, and verify improvement.
• Review defect and rework trends to identify training needs and improve welding quality.
• Develop and maintain training materials, work instructions, and employee training records.
• Conduct refresher training and requalification activities as needed.
• Support quality inspections, equipment calibration, and other Quality Program activities as needed.
• Promote safe welding practices and compliance with company procedures and quality standards.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Required:

• High School Diploma or GED.
• 5+ years of welding and fabrication experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Strong knowledge of welding processes and fabrication techniques.
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints, weld symbols, and welding procedures.
• Strong communication skills and the ability to train employees with varying experience levels.
• Ability to evaluate welding skills, identify performance gaps, and provide effective coaching.
• Strong attention to detail and documentation skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaborate with Quality and Production teams.

Preferred:

• 7+ years of welding, fabrication, quality, or training experience.
• Associate degree or technical training in Welding Technology, Manufacturing Technology, or a related field.
• Experience conducting welder qualification tests and maintaining WPQ records.
• Knowledge of AWS D1.1, ASME Section IX, and customer-specific welding requirements.
• Experience with Welding Procedure Specifications (WPS), welder continuity tracking, and certification management.
• Experience identifying weld defects and implementing corrective training.
• Experience in structural steel fabrication or heavy manufacturing.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand and walk throughout the manufacturing facility for extended periods.
• Ability to bend, stoop, reach, and work in various positions during hands-on training.
• Ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials as required.
• Ability to work around welding equipment, steel materials, fumes, dust, and industrial noise.
• Ability to work in varying temperatures, including heat and cold.
• Ability to wear required PPE and follow applicable welding and shop safety procedures.

Piedmont Metals is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to creating a safe, productive, and team-oriented workplace.

Pay: From $30.00 per hour

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person