Trainee Welding Jobs in Decatur, IL (NOW HIRING)

Weld Trainer

Mason Manufacturing, LLC – Decatur, Illinois

Position Summary

Mason Manufacturing is seeking an experienced Weld Trainer to develop, train, and mentor welders involved in the fabrication of industrial heat exchangers, pressure vessels, and related welded assemblies. The Weld Trainer will be responsible for improving welding skills, ensuring compliance with company quality standards, promoting safe work practices, and supporting the qualification of welders for production operations.

This hands-on position works closely with Operations, Quality Assurance, Engineering, and Production Management to ensure employees possess the skills and knowledge necessary to produce high-quality heat exchanger products safely and efficiently.

Essential Responsibilities

• Conduct hands-on welding training for new hires and existing employees.
• Develop and deliver training programs covering welding techniques, fabrication practices, and company procedures.
• Train employees in GTAW (TIG), GMAW (MIG), FCAW, and SMAW processes as required.
• Evaluate welder performance and provide coaching to improve welding quality and productivity.
• Assist in administering and documenting welder qualification tests.
• Support implementation and adherence to Welding Procedure Specifications (WPS).
• Train employees on blueprint reading, weld symbols, fabrication drawings, and work instructions.
• Ensure compliance with applicable quality standards and customer requirements.
• Work with Quality and Production teams to identify skill gaps and develop corrective training plans.
• Monitor trainee progress and maintain training records.
• Promote a culture of safety and ensure compliance with OSHA and company safety policies.
• Participate in root cause investigations related to weld defects and provide training solutions.
• Assist supervisors in developing workforce skill improvement initiatives.
• Support continuous improvement efforts focused on quality, efficiency, and employee development.

Required Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years of welding and fabrication experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Demonstrated proficiency in multiple welding processes, particularly TIG and MIG welding.
• Experience reading and interpreting fabrication drawings, weld symbols, and engineering documentation.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to effectively teach, mentor, and coach employees with varying skill levels.
• Working knowledge of welding inspection criteria and quality requirements.
• Ability to work in a shop environment and perform hands-on demonstrations.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in heat exchanger, pressure vessel, heavy fabrication, or code welding environments.
• Familiarity with ASME Section IX welder qualification requirements.
• Previous training, lead welder, supervisor, or mentorship experience.
• Technical training certification, vocational education, or related manufacturing training experience.
• Knowledge of stainless steel, carbon steel, and exotic alloy welding applications.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Strong welding troubleshooting and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to assess welding technique and provide constructive feedback.
• Excellent organizational and documentation skills.
• Ability to communicate effectively with employees, management, engineering, and quality personnel.
• Commitment to safety, quality, and continuous improvement.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and training documentation systems.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand, walk, bend, stoop, and lift up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to work in a manufacturing environment with exposure to noise, heat, and welding fumes.
• Ability to wear required personal protective equipment (PPE).

Work Environment

This position is based in a manufacturing facility producing industrial heat exchangers and related welded products. The Weld Trainer will spend significant time on the production floor conducting hands-on training and supporting production teams.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• New hire qualification success rate.
• Welding quality and defect reduction.
• Training completion metrics.
• Welder certification/qualification pass rates.
• Employee skill progression.
• Safety compliance and incident reduction.

Position Type: Full-Time

Location: Decatur, Illinois

Department: Operations / Manufacturing

Reports To: VP Operations

Pay Range: $30–$40 per hour, depending on experience and qualifications.

You should be proficient in:

• Leadership / People Management
• Lean Manufacturing Principles
• Welding Setups for Production

Machines & technologies you'll use:

• MIG Welder
• TIG Welder
• GTAW Welder
• SMAW Welder
• Flux-Cored Arc Welder