Welding Instructor Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

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.