Welder / Fabricator
Company
Achilles
Location
New York, NY
Job Type
Full-time
Salary
35–37 an hour
Via
via JobTarget
Apply On
Job Description
Welder / Fabricator
Position Summary
The Journey-Level Welder/Fabricator is a fully independent tradesperson responsible for executing complex welding and metal fabrication work to print, spec, and quality standard — with minimal supervision. This role requires deep proficiency across multiple weld processes, the ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, and the judgment to make real-time decisions about fit, technique, and quality. The right candidate takes ownership of their work from raw material to finished assembly and holds themselves to a standard before anyone else does.
Key Responsibilities
Perform structural and precision welding using MIG, TIG, and/or Stick processes on carbon steel, stainless steel, and aluminum
Read, interpret, and work directly from engineering drawings, weld symbols, GD&T callouts, and fabrication blueprints without supervision
Lay out, fit, and tack weld assemblies to dimensional tolerance prior to final weld
Operate fabrication equipment including plasma cutters, band saws, angle grinders, press brakes, and ironworkers as required
Perform in-process and final quality inspection of welds using visual inspection, gauges, and fillet weld gauges; identify and correct defects before they move downstream
Set up and adjust welding equipment parameters (amperage, voltage, wire speed, gas flow) for material type and thickness
Work from job travelers, routers, and work orders to sequence and complete fabrication tasks within cycle time expectations
Maintain a clean, organized work cell in accordance with 5S standards
Document work accurately including time tracking, material usage, and any non-conformances
Collaborate with engineering and quality on fit-up issues, drawing discrepancies, or process improvements
Required Qualifications
5+ years of hands-on welding and fabrication experience in a manufacturing or job shop environment
Journey-level proficiency in at least two of the following: MIG (GMAW), TIG (GTAW), Stick (SMAW)
Demonstrated ability to weld carbon steel, stainless steel, and/or aluminum to structural or precision tolerances
Proven ability to read and work independently from engineering drawings including weld symbols and basic GD&T
Experience with layout and fit-up of fabricated assemblies to dimensional tolerance
Strong understanding of weld quality standards and the ability to self-inspect and self-correct
Familiarity with common fabrication shop equipment and safe operating practices
Preferred Qualifications
AWS D1.1 (Structural Steel) or D1.2 (Aluminum) certification, or ability to certify upon hire
Experience with pipe welding (2G, 5G, or 6G positions)
Exposure to custom or low-volume, high-mix fabrication environments
Familiarity with weld procedure specifications (WPS) and qualification records (PQR)
Experience with robotic weld cell operation or fixturing
Performance Expectations
Produce welds that consistently pass visual and dimensional inspection with a first-pass acceptance rate of 95%+
Complete fabrication work orders within established cycle time targets with minimal rework
Maintain a safe, organized work area with zero recordable safety incidents
Operate with full independence — no need for supervision on routine assignments, proactive escalation when genuinely needed
Position Summary
The Journey-Level Welder/Fabricator is a fully independent tradesperson responsible for executing complex welding and metal fabrication work to print, spec, and quality standard — with minimal supervision. This role requires deep proficiency across multiple weld processes, the ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, and the judgment to make real-time decisions about fit, technique, and quality. The right candidate takes ownership of their work from raw material to finished assembly and holds themselves to a standard before anyone else does.
Key Responsibilities
Perform structural and precision welding using MIG, TIG, and/or Stick processes on carbon steel, stainless steel, and aluminum
Read, interpret, and work directly from engineering drawings, weld symbols, GD&T callouts, and fabrication blueprints without supervision
Lay out, fit, and tack weld assemblies to dimensional tolerance prior to final weld
Operate fabrication equipment including plasma cutters, band saws, angle grinders, press brakes, and ironworkers as required
Perform in-process and final quality inspection of welds using visual inspection, gauges, and fillet weld gauges; identify and correct defects before they move downstream
Set up and adjust welding equipment parameters (amperage, voltage, wire speed, gas flow) for material type and thickness
Work from job travelers, routers, and work orders to sequence and complete fabrication tasks within cycle time expectations
Maintain a clean, organized work cell in accordance with 5S standards
Document work accurately including time tracking, material usage, and any non-conformances
Collaborate with engineering and quality on fit-up issues, drawing discrepancies, or process improvements
Required Qualifications
5+ years of hands-on welding and fabrication experience in a manufacturing or job shop environment
Journey-level proficiency in at least two of the following: MIG (GMAW), TIG (GTAW), Stick (SMAW)
Demonstrated ability to weld carbon steel, stainless steel, and/or aluminum to structural or precision tolerances
Proven ability to read and work independently from engineering drawings including weld symbols and basic GD&T
Experience with layout and fit-up of fabricated assemblies to dimensional tolerance
Strong understanding of weld quality standards and the ability to self-inspect and self-correct
Familiarity with common fabrication shop equipment and safe operating practices
Preferred Qualifications
AWS D1.1 (Structural Steel) or D1.2 (Aluminum) certification, or ability to certify upon hire
Experience with pipe welding (2G, 5G, or 6G positions)
Exposure to custom or low-volume, high-mix fabrication environments
Familiarity with weld procedure specifications (WPS) and qualification records (PQR)
Experience with robotic weld cell operation or fixturing
Performance Expectations
Produce welds that consistently pass visual and dimensional inspection with a first-pass acceptance rate of 95%+
Complete fabrication work orders within established cycle time targets with minimal rework
Maintain a safe, organized work area with zero recordable safety incidents
Operate with full independence — no need for supervision on routine assignments, proactive escalation when genuinely needed
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers about Welder Jobs
What is the median hourly wage for welders in the United States as of 2026?
As per the U.S. Department of Labor, the median hourly wage for welders, cutters, solderers, and brazers is $25.22 as of May 2026 data. Welders in manufacturing earn $26.15 per hour on average while those in construction receive $24.80 per hour. Overtime pay at 1.5 times the regular rate applies after 40 hours per week under the Fair Labor Standards Act.
What certifications and experience are required to qualify for welder jobs in the United States?
As per the U.S. Department of Labor, welders must complete a high school diploma or equivalent plus a postsecondary welding program lasting 6 to 18 months. AWS Certified Welder credential and 2,000 hours of documented experience are required for most positions in structural welding. Employers in shipbuilding and aerospace require additional ASME Section IX qualifications.
What are the standard working hours and paid leave entitlements for welders in the United States?
As per the U.S. Department of Labor, full-time welders work 40 hours per week with overtime required after 40 hours. Workers receive at least 10 paid holidays and accrue 10 days of paid sick leave annually under the Families First Coronavirus Response Act extensions. Union contracts in construction add 15 days of paid vacation after one year.
How are federal income taxes calculated on welder wages in the United States for 2026?
As per the Internal Revenue Service, welders earning $52,500 annually in 2026 pay 12% federal income tax on income between $11,601 and $47,150 plus 22% on the amount above $47,150. Social Security tax is withheld at 6.2% up to the $168,600 wage base. Employers must issue Form W-2 by January 31 each year.
