Welding Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

AP Precision Metals, Inc. is San Diego's leading commercial sheet and plate metal fabricator. We are a valuable and long-term supplier to some of San Diego's biggest OEMs, providing a wide range of sheet metal components, weldments, and other metal assemblies. Our entire operation is located at our 40,000 sq. ft. factory located 10 minutes north of the Tijuana/San Diego border and a 5 minute walk from the Iris Trolley station. The company was founded in 1999 by Lane Litke and Victor Miller, and thanks to reliable and honest leadership and the hard work of our entire team, AP Precision has grown an average of 20% per year for the last 25 years. Over the last two decades, we have invested millions of dollars in cutting-edge manufacturing machines and made equally significant investments in employee training and advancement. Many of our employees have been with us for 5, 10, and even 15 years. A generous IRA program, healthcare, shift differentials for 2nd shift, and a focus on regular training have allowed us to take many employees from unskilled labor to high-paid technicians. We take pride in the customers we serve and just as much pride in the health and success of our team and their families.

The following pages contain job descriptions for key positions at AP Precision Metals. Each description includes purpose, responsibilities, qualifications, and pay ranges. General requirements across all positions include:

- Ability to work safely in a manufacturing environment

- Strong commitment to quality and ISO9001 compliance

- Ability to stand for extended periods and lift up to 25-50 pounds as needed

- Reliability, punctuality, and teamwork

- Adherence to company policies, safety standards, and 5S/housekeeping practices

Job Description – Welding Operator

Job Title: Welding Operator

Department: Production

Reports To: Production Supervisor

Pay Rate: $20-$25 per hour

Purpose

The Welding Operator is responsible for performing welding and related fabrication operations on sheet metal and structural components in accordance with work orders, blueprints, and company quality standards. This position ensures welded parts meet dimensional, structural, and cosmetic requirements while maintaining compliance with ISO9001 procedures, safety standards, and production schedules.

Primary Duties

• Read and interpret technical drawings, blueprints, and welding symbols prior to starting work.
• Perform MIG, TIG, and spot welding operations on steel, stainless steel, and aluminum materials.
• Weld components to tolerances specified by technical prints, with emphasis on sheet metal gauges (14GA, 10GA, .125, .250, and .500 steel, stainless and aluminum).
• Inspect welded parts to ensure compliance with tolerances, dimensions, and quality standards.
• Prepare, cut, fit, and position materials for welding.
• Complete weld documentation and production records in accordance with ISO9001 requirements.
• Maintain welding equipment, fixtures, and hand tools in proper working condition.
• Follow company safety rules, PPE requirements, and housekeeping/5S standards.

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Additional Duties (as required)

• Operate other light sheet metal fabrication machinery.
• Assist in fitting and assembly of welded or fabricated components.
• Operate or assist in programming robotic welding cells (Fanuc, UR, Cobot) when required.
• Support cross-training and other production operations as directed.
• Participate in continuous improvement initiatives and training programs.

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Qualifications

• Proven welding experience in a production or metal fabrication environment.
• Proficiency with MIG welding; TIG welding experience preferred.
• Ability to weld steel, stainless steel, and aluminum in multiple thicknesses (14GA to .500).
• Experience with spot welding operations.
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints, technical drawings, and welding symbols.
• Familiarity with welding inspection techniques, gauges, and measurement tools.
• Knowledge of weld quality requirements, material properties, and process standards.
• Robotic welding experience (Fanuc, UR, or Cobot) considered an asset.
• Certification in welding (AWS or equivalent) preferred.
• Strong attention to detail, accuracy, and adherence to quality standards.
• Forklift operation and material handling experience desirable.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to lift up to 25 pounds.
• Ability to stand for extended periods while performing inspections.
• Comfortable working in a manufacturing environment with exposure to noise, machinery, and sheet metal handling.