Entry Level American Welding Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Position Type:
High School Teaching
Date Posted:
4/7/2026
Location:
Homewood-Flossmoor High Community High School
Date Available:
2026-2027 School Year
Closing Date:
Until filled
SALARY: Per the negotiated agreement
BENEFITS : TRS, health insurance and leave time (sick and personal)
REQUIREMENTS: Professional Educator License (PEL) with appropriate endorsement(s).
POSITION SUMMARY:
The High School Welding Technology Teacher is responsible for designing and delivering a
comprehensive, standards-aligned welding curriculum that prepares students for careers in
manufacturing, construction, fabrication, and related skilled trades. This position blends
technical theory with extensive hands-on shop experience, developing student proficiency
across multiple welding processes, blueprint reading, metallurgy, and fabrication techniques.
The teacher maintains a safe and professional shop environment, pursues active industry
partnerships, and supports students in earning nationally recognized welding certifications that
give them a competitive edge in the workforce.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:
Curriculum & Instruction:
• Plan and deliver engaging, standards-aligned lessons covering core welding processes
including Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW), Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW/MIG),
Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW/TIG), Flux-Cored Arc Welding (FCAW), and Oxyfuel
Cutting (OFC).
• Instruct students in blueprint reading, weld symbols, joint design, and basic metal
fabrication and layout.
• Teach foundational theory including metallurgy, heat transfer, weld quality inspection,
and properties of ferrous and non-ferrous metals.
• Develop project-based learning experiences that mirror real-world fabrication and
manufacturing scenarios.
• Align curriculum with AWS (American Welding Society) SENSE program standards and
applicable state CTE frameworks.
• Integrate academic content including mathematics (measurement, geometry,
trigonometry), science (chemistry of metals, physics of heat), and technical literacy
• Differentiate instruction to meet the needs of students at varying skill levels.
Shop Management & Safety
• Establish, model, and consistently enforce rigorous shop safety standards in compliance
with OSHA 1910 General Industry and 1926 Construction standards.
• Ensure proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE) including welding helmets,
gloves, respirators, and flame-resistant clothing by all students at all times.
• Manage and maintain welding equipment including power sources, wire feeders,
torches, grinders, plasma cutters, and hand tools.
• Oversee proper storage, handling, and disposal of compressed gases, welding
consumables, and hazardous materials per EPA and district regulations.
• Conduct regular equipment inspections and coordinate preventive maintenance and
repair as needed.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and ventilated shop environment consistent with industry
Standards.
• Manage parts and consumables inventory and submit budget requests for supplies and
equipment in a timely manner.
Student Assessment & Credentialing
• Assess student learning through written examinations, practical performance tests, and
portfolio-based evaluations.
• Prepare students to earn AWS SENSE Entry Level or AWS Certified Welder credentials.
• Administer and document student weld qualification tests in accordance with AWS D1.1
Structural Steel or applicable codes.
• Maintain accurate records of student grades, attendance, competency attainment, and
industry certifications earned.
• Provide individualized coaching, feedback, and academic interventions to support
student progress toward certification.
• Guide students in developing career plans and exploring post-secondary options in
welding and metal fabrication.
Career & Industry Engagement
• Advise the school's SkillsUSA chapter and coach students for participation in welding
competitions at regional, state, and national levels.
• Build and sustain relationships with local fabrication shops, manufacturing companies,
construction contractors, and pipeline employers.
• Coordinate student internships, job shadows, plant tours, and co-op placements with
industry partners.
• Connect students with apprenticeship opportunities through the Iron Workers,
Boilermakers, Pipefitters, or other applicable trade unions.
• Actively participate in the program's industry advisory committee to keep curriculum
current and responsive to workforce needs.
Professional Responsibilities
• Collaborate with counselors, administrators, and CTE colleagues to support student
achievement and program development.
• Pursue ongoing professional development through AWS events, industry externships,
CTE conferences, and welding technology training.
• Maintain current welding certifications and stay current on emerging technologies
including robotic welding, laser cutting, and advanced fabrication methods.
• Communicate proactively with parents and guardians regarding student progress,
certifications, and career opportunities.
• Complete required administrative duties including lesson plan documentation, equipment
logs, budget requests, safety inspection records, and program reports.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
• Valid state teaching license/certification in Welding Technology, Trade & Industrial
Education, or CTE (or eligibility to obtain within one year of hire).
• AWS Certified Welder (CW) or AWS Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) credential, or
demonstrated equivalent industry qualification; ability to obtain within 90 days of hire if
not currently held.
• Minimum of 3 years of professional welding, fabrication, or related skilled trades
Experience.
• Demonstrated proficiency in at least three of the following processes: SMAW, GMAW,
GTAW, FCAW, and OFC.
• Knowledge of OSHA shop safety standards, PPE requirements, and hazardous
materials regulations.
• Ability to read and interpret welding blueprints, symbols, and fabrication drawings.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
• AWS Certified Welding Educator (CWE) or AWS Certified Welding Inspector (CWI)
Designation.
• Experience with AWS SENSE program implementation and student certification testing.
• Proficiency with plasma cutting, CNC plasma tables, or robotic welding systems.
• Experience with pipe welding in multiple positions (1G-6G) and structural steel welding
to AWS D1.1.
• Prior secondary or post-secondary teaching, training, or apprenticeship instruction
Experience.
• Experience advising SkillsUSA or participating in welding competitions as a coach or
Competitor.
• Bachelor's degree in Welding Engineering Technology, Vocational/Technical Education,
or a closely related field.
WORK ENVIRONMENT & PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
This position requires frequent standing, bending, kneeling, and working in a commercial
welding shop environment. The teacher must be able to lift up to 50 pounds and work in close
proximity to high-heat processes, electrical equipment, compressed gases, and metal
fabrication machinery. Exposure to fumes, UV/IR radiation, noise, sparks, and varying
temperatures is an inherent part of the work environment; proper PPE is required at all times in
the shop. Some evening or weekend hours may be required for competitions, community
events, advisory meetings, or professional development activities.
SUPERVISOR: Courtney Alexander, Department Lead Career & Technical Education
Homewood-Flossmoor High School provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment 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, release, leaves of absence, compensation and training.