Weld Trainer / Technician - Nights

About the role

This individual will lead training through Valmont’s welder training program, provide on‑the‑job coaching, and administer welder qualifications per applicable AWS standards. The role also supports the improvement, maintenance, and troubleshooting of welding processes within the plant and, when required, in the field. The Weld Trainer / Technician collaborates closely with operations, quality, safety, and engineering teams to ensure process excellence, workforce development, and code compliance.

Responsibilities

• Execute the welding training program and maintain applicable records.
• Perform process audits, report findings, and correct deficiencies.
• Identify and implement opportunities to improve training.
• Complete root‑cause analysis and deploy corrective actions.
• Identify and implement improvements related to compliance, quality, productivity, throughput, and cost reduction.
• Coach and train new and existing welding operators.
• Conduct welder qualification testing per applicable AWS standards.
• Order and track materials, PPE, and tools needed for welder training.
• Coordinate with the site welding team and quality department.
• Recognize safety hazards and provide a safe working environment for trainees.

Training Topics

• Shop safety
• Welding essential variables and techniques
• Engineering drawings and welding symbols
• Welding operational cost & productivity
• Valmont specifications & procedures
• Quality standards & inspection test methods
• Defect types, causes, and repair
• Metal cutting & gouging
• Valmont‑specific processes and equipment

Hands‑On Training Provided

• Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW), including Metal‑Cored & Pulse (GMAW‑C, GMAW‑P)
• Flux‑Cored Arc Welding (FCAW‑G)
• Submerged Arc Welding (SAW)
• Plasma/Oxy‑fuel Cutting
• Carbon Arc Gouging (CAG)
• Grinding/Sanding

Required Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED
• Minimum five years of experience in a weld manufacturing environment
• Working knowledge of the following welding processes:
  • Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW)
  • Metal‑Cored Arc Welding (GMAW‑C)
  • Pulsed Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW‑P)
  • Flux‑Core Arc Welding (FCAW‑G)
  • Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW)
  • Submerged Arc Welding (SAW)
• Knowledge of oxy‑fuel and plasma cutting operations
• Commitment to supplying a safe working environment for trainees and operators
• Ability to obtain Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) and Certified Welding Educator (CWE) accreditations within 12 months
• Working knowledge of applicable codes and standards (e.g., AWS D1.1)
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, Access)
• Familiarity with Valmont’s quality system and standards

Preferred Qualifications

• Associate’s degree in Welding Technology
• Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) accreditation from the American Welding Society (AWS)
• Certified Welding Educator (CWE) accreditation from AWS
• Certified Associate Welding Inspector (CAWI) accreditation from AWS

Working Environment & Physical Demands

The role is performed in a combination of industrial shops, dedicated training areas, classrooms, and office settings. The incumbent must stand for extended periods, attend production and team meetings (both in‑person and remote), and work in an environment with seasonal temperature changes, overhead crane traffic, loud noise, and other job‑related hazards. The work can be fast‑paced and stressful; the candidate must regulate emotions, de‑escalate conflict, and patiently educate trainees with little or no prior welding experience. All applicable personal protective equipment (PPE) and safety safeguards must be used at all times.

Pay

Hourly pay range: $25.82 – $32.31 – $40.38, depending on education, certifications, and relevant experience. Eligible for an annual discretionary bonus.

Schedule

Standard shift: 3rd shift (nights) – Monday through Friday, 11 PM – 7 AM. Additional hours may be required outside the standard schedule. Travel up to 20 % of the time within the United States.

Benefits

• Healthcare (medical, prescription drugs, dental, vision)
• 401(k) retirement plan with company match
• Paid time off
• Employer‑paid life insurance
• Employer‑paid short‑term and long‑term disability, including maternity leave
• Work‑life support programs
• Tuition reimbursement up to $5,250 per year
• Voluntary programs such as tobacco cessation, Type 2 diabetes reversal, one‑on‑one health coaching, mortgage services, and more