Body Shop Welder
The Body Shop Welder is responsible for performing high-quality aluminum MIG welding and, when required, TIG welding to fabricate, assemble, and repair vehicle body structures and components in a low-volume luxury automotive manufacturing environment. This position requires the ability to read engineering drawings and standardized work instructions, accurately assemble vehicle body structures, and ensure all welds meet established safety and quality standards.
The ideal candidate has experience working with aluminum structures, demonstrates excellent attention to detail, understands Lean Manufacturing principles, and is committed to producing exceptional craftsmanship in a team-oriented environment.
This is a temporary assignment anticipated to continue through March 2027, with the opportunity to convert to a regular full-time position based on business needs, individual performance, and attendance.
Work Schedule: Monday through Thursday, 6:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and Friday through Saturday, 6:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., as scheduled. Overtime may be required, with shifts not exceeding 12 hours.
Responsibilities (include, but are not limited to):
-
Perform aluminum MIG welding and, when required, TIG welding on vehicle body structures, assemblies, and components in accordance with engineering specifications and quality standards.
- Read, interpret, and follow engineering drawings, weld symbols, blueprints, standardized work instructions (VSOPs), and process documentation.
- Assemble, position, align, and secure body panels, assemblies, subassemblies, and structural components using welding, riveting, adhesives, self-piercing rivets (SPR), and mechanical fasteners.
- Verify proper fit, alignment, and accuracy of components before and after welding using measuring devices, fixtures, gauges, and inspection tools. Inspect completed welds and assemblies to ensure compliance with quality, cosmetic, and specifications.
-
Troubleshoot fit-up, welding, and assembly issues and collaborate with Team Leaders, Quality, Manufacturing Engineering, and other departments to resolve production concerns.
- Utilize escalation processes when quality, safety, or production issues cannot be resolved at the workstation.
- Safely operate MIG/TIG welding equipment, grinders, drills, pneumatic tools, rivet guns, sanders, impacts, and other body shop equipment.
- Perform routine preventive maintenance and daily inspections of welding equipment and tooling.
- Inspect materials, equipment, fixtures, and tools prior to use to ensure proper operating condition.
- Support Lean Manufacturing and continuous improvement initiatives by identifying opportunities to improve safety, quality, efficiency, and standardized work.
- Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work area in accordance with 5S principles and company safety standards.
- Follow all OSHA requirements, company safety procedures, and personal protective equipment (PPE) requirements.
- Support Safety, Quality, Delivery, Cost, and Morale (SQDCM) objectives.
-
Other duties, as assigned.
Qualifications:
Required Qualifications
-
A high school diploma or GED equivalent education is preferred.
-
High school diploma or GED required.
- One (1) to three (3) years of professional MIG welding experience in an automotive, aerospace, manufacturing, or metal fabrication environment.
- Experience performing aluminum MIG welding required.
- TIG welding experience preferred.
- Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, weld symbols, blueprints, and standardized work instructions.
- Experience assembling structural components using welding, riveting, adhesives, and mechanical fastening methods.
- Ability to safely operate welding equipment, pneumatic tools, grinders, drills, rivet tools, and related fabrication equipment.
- Strong mechanical aptitude and troubleshooting skills.
- Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced manufacturing environment while maintaining exceptional quality standards.
- Strong communication skills and the ability to work collaboratively in a team environment.
- Basic knowledge of Lean Manufacturing principles is preferred.
- Basic knowledge of Quality Management Systems (ISO 9001:2015) and Environmental Management Systems (ISO 14001:2015), as applicable.
Preferred Qualifications
-
Current American Welding Society (AWS) Certification preferred (or ability to obtain certification within six months of hire).
- Experience welding aluminum vehicle structures or body-in-white assemblies.
- Experience in an automotive OEM, Tier 1 supplier, aerospace, or custom fabrication environment.
- Experience working in a low-volume manufacturing environment.
- Familiarity with robotic welding cells and automated manufacturing equipment.
- Experience supporting continuous improvement or Kaizen initiatives.
Physical Requirements
Note: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee should have the:
-
Ability to frequently use or operate a computer, mouse, and/or other office productivity machinery, such as a calculator, copy machine, computer printer, etc.
-
While performing the duties of this job, the employee should have the:
-
Ability to use or operate assembly tools, i.e., electric powered dynamic torque tools.
-
Ability to walk or move – to regularly move about inside the office or onto the facility.
-
Ability to see or detect, identify, recognize, or assess surroundings while in the office or
warehouse areas. -
Ability to bend, turn, and stoop occasionally.
-
Ability to sit or be stationary for brief periods of time.
-
Ability to stand for prolonged periods of time.
-
Ability to stand and walk for prolonged periods of time, duration of the shift.
-
Ability to constantly lift and/or move up to 25 lbs. and periodically 50 lbs.
Work Environment The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing their job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee will spend approximately 100% (excluding breaks and meal periods) of time in a manufacturing/ warehouse environment. When working in the facility, it requires the use of personal protective equipment, including (but not limited to) steel toe shoes, bump caps, and safety goggles. Reflective colored vest and ear protection is required in certain areas.
Total Rewards (Benefits, Perks & Compensation)
Benefits & Perks:
In addition to your competitive compensation, you will also be eligible for the following at Karma:
-
Medical Plan
-
401(K) with Employer Match
-
Sick Time
Compensation:
$25.00/per hour - $35.00/per hour. Compensation will vary DOE.
At Karma, our base pay is one part of our total rewards package.
Compensation offered may vary on multiple factors, including market location, education, skills and experience. The total compensation package for this position may also include other elements dependent on the position being offered.
Karma Automotive, Inc. is an equal employment opportunity (EEO) employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of age, race, gender identity and expression, color, sexual orientation, marital status, pregnancy or related conditions (including breastfeeding), national origin/ancestry, religion, military/veteran status, genetic information, citizenship status, intersectionality or any other characteristic and group protected by applicable law. Karma Automotive, Inc complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act to ensure equal access to all qualified individuals with a physical or mental disability. Valid driver’s license may be required based on essential duties.
