Industrial Welder and Setup Operator

Industrial Welder and Setup Operator

Laborup · Rockford, United States · Full-time · Posted 2026-10-26

Salary: USD 62,400–78,000

Workplace: on_site

Description

We're partnering with a well-established, industry-leading manufacturer seeking an experienced Industrial Welder / Setup Operator to join its second-shift team.

This is an excellent opportunity for welders who enjoy challenging setups, complex industrial components, precision fabrication, and taking ownership of their work. You'll join a stable, highly respected manufacturing operation offering competitive union wages, excellent benefits, and long-term career opportunities.

We're looking for skilled welders who can do more than simply run repetitive welds. You should be comfortable independently reading blueprints, preparing and fitting components, setting up welding equipment, selecting filler materials, and producing high-quality welds to demanding specifications.

Compensation & Schedule

• Starting Pay: $30–$38/hr (estimated based on tenure and experience)
• Shift: Monday–Friday, 3:00 PM–11:30 PM
• Training: Initial training completed on 1st shift
• Overtime: Opportunities may be available

Responsibilities:

• Set up and operate manual, semi-automatic, and automatic welding equipment.
• Perform arc and gas welding on complex industrial components and assemblies.
• Read and interpret blueprints, engineering drawings, welding symbols, and welding procedure specifications (WPS).
• Independently plan, lay out, fit, tack, and weld components.
• Perform welding in multiple positions as required.
• Select filler metals and adjust welding parameters to control distortion and shrinkage.
• Set up fixtures, jigs, positioning equipment, and workholding devices.
• Perform cutting, grinding, trimming, and finishing operations.
• Maintain tight dimensional tolerances and meet established welding quality standards.
• Inspect completed welds and identify potential defects.
• Troubleshoot welding setups, equipment, and fabrication challenges.
• Work with ferrous and non-ferrous materials.

Requirements

• Previous hands-on industrial welding experience.
• Strong experience with welding setups, fit-up, and fabrication.
• Ability to independently read blueprints and welding specifications.
• Experience performing welding in multiple positions.
• Understanding of welding procedures, filler metals, and distortion control.
• Comfortable using precision measuring instruments, including calipers and micrometers.
• Strong mechanical aptitude and troubleshooting ability.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
• High school diploma or GED required; technical welding training preferred.

Benefits

• Medical benefits beginning Day One
• 401(k) with company match
• Paid vacation and holidays
• Competitive union wages and job stability
• Opportunities for overtime
• Long-term advancement and skill development
• Stable, established manufacturing environment

Apply

Apply at Laborup

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