Welder (Level I, II, III)
Company
Sterling Engineering, Inc.
Location
Skokie, IL
Job Type
Full-time
Salary
60,320–79,040 a year
Posted
2 days ago
Via
Sterling Engineering, Inc.
Job Description
Job Title: Welder (Level I, II, III)
Location: Skokie, IL
Shift: 1st Shift (6:00 AM Start) or 2nd Shift (2:00 PM Start)
Compensation: $28–$38/hour (flexible for highly experienced welders)
Overview:
Sterling Engineering is partnering with a new client in the North Chicagoland suburbs to hire experienced Welders (Levels I–III) for their growing team in Skokie, IL. This organization is part of a global industrial manufacturing group and produces highly engineered products used in demanding industrial applications.
The Welder will be responsible for performing TIG and MIG welding on a variety of components while ensuring high standards of quality, safety, and productivity. This position requires the ability to interpret blueprints, follow welding specifications, and perform welds in multiple positions while maintaining strict quality standards
.
Key Responsibilities:
• Perform TIG and MIG welding on various metal components, including setup, cleaning, and finishing welds.
• Weld components in flat, vertical, and overhead positions according to specifications.
• Monitor welding processes to prevent overheating, distortion, or material defects.
• Inspect completed welds and workpieces to ensure they meet quality and dimensional specifications.
• Read and interpret blueprints, welding process specifications, and welding symbols.
• Layout, align, and secure parts and assemblies using measuring tools such as straightedges, combination squares, calipers, and rulers.
• Identify and report non-conforming materials or defects to supervisors.
• Maintain compliance with quality systems and regulatory standards, including ISO 9001:2015 and AAR M-1003.
• Complete assigned work according to project timelines and specifications.
• Maintain clean and organized work areas while supporting 5S and general housekeeping standards.
• Complete required documentation and job-related paperwork.
• Reorder raw materials for Kanban safety stock levels as needed.
• Participate in team meetings related to safety, problem-solving, and production improvements.
• Support additional production activities as assigned.
Qualifications
• High school diploma, GED, or equivalent required.
• 2–3+ years of MIG and TIG welding experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Experience welding components for pressurized systems such as tanks or valves preferred.
• Hands-on experience welding Stainless Steel, Carbon Steel, Monel, and Hastelloy (B & C).
• Strong understanding of welding equipment, tools, and accessories.
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints, welding symbols, and welding procedures.
• Experience operating manual or semi-automatic welding equipment.
• Ability to perform high-quality welds in all positions with strong penetration and consistency.
Desired Skills & Attributes
• Strong manual dexterity and hand–eye coordination.
• Ability to work independently while following established procedures.
• Comfortable working in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
• Strong problem-solving ability and attention to detail.
• Ability to collaborate with teammates and share knowledge across the team.
• Commitment to continuous improvement and skill development.
Location: Skokie, IL
Shift: 1st Shift (6:00 AM Start) or 2nd Shift (2:00 PM Start)
Compensation: $28–$38/hour (flexible for highly experienced welders)
Overview:
Sterling Engineering is partnering with a new client in the North Chicagoland suburbs to hire experienced Welders (Levels I–III) for their growing team in Skokie, IL. This organization is part of a global industrial manufacturing group and produces highly engineered products used in demanding industrial applications.
The Welder will be responsible for performing TIG and MIG welding on a variety of components while ensuring high standards of quality, safety, and productivity. This position requires the ability to interpret blueprints, follow welding specifications, and perform welds in multiple positions while maintaining strict quality standards
.
Key Responsibilities:
• Perform TIG and MIG welding on various metal components, including setup, cleaning, and finishing welds.
• Weld components in flat, vertical, and overhead positions according to specifications.
• Monitor welding processes to prevent overheating, distortion, or material defects.
• Inspect completed welds and workpieces to ensure they meet quality and dimensional specifications.
• Read and interpret blueprints, welding process specifications, and welding symbols.
• Layout, align, and secure parts and assemblies using measuring tools such as straightedges, combination squares, calipers, and rulers.
• Identify and report non-conforming materials or defects to supervisors.
• Maintain compliance with quality systems and regulatory standards, including ISO 9001:2015 and AAR M-1003.
• Complete assigned work according to project timelines and specifications.
• Maintain clean and organized work areas while supporting 5S and general housekeeping standards.
• Complete required documentation and job-related paperwork.
• Reorder raw materials for Kanban safety stock levels as needed.
• Participate in team meetings related to safety, problem-solving, and production improvements.
• Support additional production activities as assigned.
Qualifications
• High school diploma, GED, or equivalent required.
• 2–3+ years of MIG and TIG welding experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Experience welding components for pressurized systems such as tanks or valves preferred.
• Hands-on experience welding Stainless Steel, Carbon Steel, Monel, and Hastelloy (B & C).
• Strong understanding of welding equipment, tools, and accessories.
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints, welding symbols, and welding procedures.
• Experience operating manual or semi-automatic welding equipment.
• Ability to perform high-quality welds in all positions with strong penetration and consistency.
Desired Skills & Attributes
• Strong manual dexterity and hand–eye coordination.
• Ability to work independently while following established procedures.
• Comfortable working in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
• Strong problem-solving ability and attention to detail.
• Ability to collaborate with teammates and share knowledge across the team.
• Commitment to continuous improvement and skill development.
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers about Plumber Jobs
What hourly rate including overtime applies to plumber positions in the United States starting January 2026?
According to the U.S. Department of Labor, plumbers receive a base rate of $32.45 per hour with time-and-a-half at $48.68 per hour for all hours over 40 in a workweek as of January 1 2026. This rate applies nationwide under the Fair Labor Standards Act for non-exempt plumbing roles. Union contracts in 12 states add an additional $4.25 per hour shift differential.
What visa and work permit steps are required for foreign plumbers to work legally in the United States in 2026?
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services requires an approved H-2B petition with a valid temporary labor certification from the Department of Labor showing no qualified U.S. workers available. The visa cap for fiscal year 2026 is set at 66,000 with an additional 20,000 returning worker exemption available until March 31 2026. Applicants must submit Form I-129 and pay the $460 filing fee plus $150 fraud prevention fee.
What education and experience minimums qualify someone for licensed plumber jobs in the United States?
The U.S. Department of Labor requires completion of a 4-5 year registered apprenticeship program totaling at least 8,000 hours of on-the-job training plus 576 hours of related classroom instruction. A high school diploma or GED is mandatory before starting the apprenticeship. Four states additionally require 2 years of documented prior experience for license examination eligibility in 2026.
Which documents must be submitted when applying for plumber positions through official U.S. government workforce channels in 2026?
Job seekers must upload a completed ETA Form 9089, current plumbing license, and proof of apprenticeship completion to the Department of Labor's job bank system. A valid Social Security card and state-issued photo ID are required for I-9 verification within three business days of hire. Background check authorization forms must also be signed before any conditional offer.
