Job Description
Job DescriptionDescription:
The Welder is responsible for performing high-quality welds and fabrications used in the manufacturing of trailers, including frames, axles, ramps, structural supports, and custom components. This role ensures all welds meet company specifications, safety standards, and DOT compliance requirements. The Welder contributes to meeting production timelines while maintaining a clean, safe, and efficient work environment.
Requirements:Safety Expectations
- Wear required PPE at all times, including welding hood, flame-resistant clothing, gloves, steel-toe boots, and hearing/eye protection (OSHA 1910.132–138).
- Ensure proper ventilation while welding to avoid exposure to fumes (OSHA 1910.252).
- Keep work area free of flammables; use fire-retardant screens where needed.
- Inspect welding machines, leads, torches, and gas cylinders at the start of each shift.
- Ensure compressed gas cylinders are properly labeled, capped, and secured (OSHA 1910.253).
- Report damaged equipment immediately and tag out if unsafe.
- Follow lockout/tagout procedures when working on powered equipment (OSHA 1910.147).
- Maintain awareness around overhead cranes, forklifts, and moving assemblies.
- Use proper lifting techniques when handling trailer frames and heavy components.
- Know the location of fire extinguishers and hot-work permits.
- Maintain a fire watch after completing welds near combustible materials.
- Immediately remove slag, spent rods, and scrap metal from walkways.
- Participate in safety meetings, toolbox talks, and required training.
- Report all near-misses, hazards, and injuries immediately.
- Maintain clean and organized workstations to prevent trips, falls, and equipment damage.
Responsibilities
- Perform MIG welding (and TIG if required) on steel components for trailer frames and assemblies.
- Read and interpret blueprints, shop drawings, and measurement specifications.
- Fabricate parts, components, and assemblies with accuracy and minimal rework.
- Fit, tack, and weld components together following manufacturing processes.
- Inspect welds for accuracy, structural integrity, and compliance with specifications.
- Operate grinders, torches, plasma cutters, drills, and other fabrication tools.
- Ensure all work meets quality standards and passes internal inspections.
- Maintain production deadlines and communicate delays to the supervisor.
- Report any design or specification issues to management for correction.
- Work closely with team members to assemble full trailer units.
- Maintain welding equipment, leads, gas cylinders, and tools in safe operating condition.
- Perform basic troubleshooting and adjustments to welding machines.
- Report damaged or unsafe equipment immediately.
Education & Experience
- 1–3 years of welding experience preferred (manufacturing or metal fabrication environment).
- Previous MIG welding experience required; TIG and stick welding a plus.
- Ability to pass a welding test at time of interview.
Knowledge & Skills
- Ability to read and interpret blueprints and measurements.
- Strong understanding of welding techniques, materials, and symbols.
- Familiarity with basic trailer manufacturing components a plus.
- Ability to lift 50–75 lbs, work on feet for long periods, and work in varying shop conditions.
- Fast-paced manufacturing setting with exposure to welding fumes, sparks, noise, and moving machinery.
- Required use of PPE (welding hood, gloves, steel-toed boots, safety glasses, hearing protection, etc.).
- May require overtime based on production needs.
Physical Requirements
- Ability to lift and carry up to 75 lbs.
- Ability to climb, kneel, bend, twist, stoop, and stand for extended periods.
- Ability to work in hot, cold, or noisy environments.
Benefits
- Medical
- Health's Savings Account (HSA)
- Dental
- Vision
- 401k
- Paid Time Off
- Holiday Pay
Pay Range: $20.00 USD to $25 USD Hourly
Applicants must be able to pass a pre-employment drug test, background check and physical. Higley Group is an Equal Opportunity Employer and provides opportunity to all employees and applicants and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training
Disclaimer: The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees assigned to this classification. It is not intended be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of employees in this classification.