Welder

About the role

Petersen Industries LLC is seeking a skilled MIG Welder to join our team in Lake Wales, Florida. We offer competitive compensation, comprehensive benefits, and a supportive work environment.

Responsibilities

• Perform MIG (GMAW) welding on carbon steel and structural components used in heavy equipment manufacturing.
• Weld structural assemblies including truck frames, loader arms, mounting plates, outriggers, and grapple support structures.
• Interpret and follow engineering drawings, blueprints, fractions, decimals, welding symbols, and work instructions.
• Prepare materials for welding by cutting, grinding, beveling, and cleaning metal surfaces.
• Set up and operate welding machines and related fabrication equipment.
• Inspect welds visually and with measuring tools to verify compliance with specifications.
• Maintain proper weld penetration, bead consistency, and structural integrity of assemblies.
• Operate shop tools such as grinders, torches, saws, clamps, and fixtures.
• Follow all safety procedures, PPE requirements, and welding safety standards.
• Fit, tack and align parts prior to final welding.
• Perform rework, grinding, and finishing of welds as required.
• Maintain a clean and organized work area consistent with 5S and lean manufacturing practices.
• Work collaboratively with fitters, assemblers, and quality personnel.
• Meet production schedules and quality standards.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED.
• Minimum 3 years of MIG welding experience in a manufacturing or heavy equipment environment.
• Demonstrated ability to read and follow engineering drawings, blueprints, fractions, decimals, welding symbols, and work instructions.
• Minimum 3 years of experience welding structural steel components.
• Ability to operate welding equipment safely and effectively.
• Basic math skills for measurements and layout.
• Ability to pass a AWS D1.1 Weld Test in the Flat (1G), Horizontal (2G), Vertical (3G), or Overhead (4G) position.

Preferred Qualifications

• 5-10 years of MIG welding experience in a manufacturing or heavy equipment environment.
• Experience welding heavy equipment, truck bodies, cranes, loaders, or hydraulic equipment.
• Prior experience with knuckle boom loaders, grapple trucks, or similar equipment manufacturing.
• Experience with Flux-Cored Arc Welding (FCAW) in addition to MIG.
• Vocational or technical training in welding or metal fabrication.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to lift and carry up to 30 pounds regularly.
• Frequent standing for extended periods (8-10 hours per shift).
• Ability to bend, stoop, kneel, crouch, and climb ladders.
• Frequent use of hands for gripping, holding, and operating welding equipment and tools.
• Ability to work in awkward positions or confined spaces when welding assemblies.
• Visual acuity to inspect welds and read measuring devices.
• Ability to tolerate exposure to bright welding arcs, sparks, and metal particulates while wearing required PPE.
• Work near moving mechanical equipment and heavy steel components.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Minorities/Women/Protected Veterans/Disabled.