Position Summary:
The Welder is a skilled production technician responsible for joining, fabricating, and repairing plastic components and assemblies using various plastic welding techniques. This position requires proficiency in multiple welding methods, ability to interpret blueprints and specifications, and advanced knowledge of plastic materials and welding processes. The Plastic Welder Level 2 works under moderate supervision, performs quality inspections, trains junior welders, and ensures all work meets quality standards and safety requirements.
Key Responsibilities (but not limited to):
- Perform advanced plastic welding using multiple techniques including:
- Hot gas welding (nitrogen and air)
- Extrusion welding
- Hot plate welding
- Ultrasonic welding
- Spin welding
- Vibration welding
- Infrared welding
- Laser welding (if applicable)
- Join, fabricate, and repair plastic components made from various thermoplastic materials including:
- Polypropylene (PP)
- Polyethylene (PE, HDPE, LDPE)
- PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride)
- ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene)
- Polycarbonate (PC)
- PVDF (Polyvinylidene Fluoride)
- Other engineered thermoplastics
- Select appropriate welding technique based on material type, joint design, and application requirements
- Prepare welding surfaces by cleaning, beveling, and fitting components properly
- Set welding parameters including temperature, pressure, speed, and cooling time
- Perform complex welds on thick-walled components, large assemblies, and critical applications
Blueprint Reading & Interpretation
- Read and interpret engineering drawings, blueprints, work orders, and specifications
- Understand geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T) symbols
- Determine appropriate welding processes based on drawing requirements
- Identify weld joint types, weld symbols, and dimensional requirements
- Follow written work instructions and welding procedures
Quality Control & Inspection
- Inspect completed welds for structural soundness, appearance, and dimensional accuracy
- Perform visual inspection for defects including:
- Cracks, voids, or porosity
- Incomplete fusion
- Burn-through or excessive melting
- Misalignment or warping
- Surface contamination
- Use measuring tools (calipers, micrometers, gauges) to verify dimensions
- Conduct pressure testing or leak testing on welded assemblies (when required)
- Identify and reject defective welds; perform rework as needed
- Document inspection results and maintain quality records
- Report quality issues to supervisor or quality department
Setup & Equipment Operation
- Set up welding equipment including hot gas welders, extrusion welders, and automated welding machines
- Adjust welding parameters for different materials and joint configurations
- Perform routine maintenance on welding equipment (clean tips, replace heating elements, check calibration)
- Troubleshoot equipment malfunctions and perform minor repairs
- Maintain welding equipment in clean and operational condition
Material Preparation & Fabrication
- Cut, trim, and prepare plastic materials using hand tools and power tools
- Grind, bevel, or v-groove plastic edges for welding preparation
- Fit and align components using clamps, jigs, and fixtures
- Pre-heat materials when required for specific applications
- Handle and store plastic materials properly to prevent contamination or damage
Safety & Compliance
- Follow all safety protocols and wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE)
- Comply with hazard communication standards for chemicals and materials
- Maintain clean and organized work area to prevent trip hazards and contamination
- Properly ventilate work areas when welding to avoid fume exposure
- Report safety hazards and near-miss incidents immediately
- Participate in safety training and meetings
Training & Mentoring
- Train and mentor Plastic Welder Level 1 and entry-level welders
- Demonstrate proper welding techniques and best practices
- Provide guidance on material selection and welding process selection
- Review work performed by junior welders and provide feedback
Documentation & Communication
- Complete production paperwork, time cards, and quality records accurately
- Record welding parameters and process information for traceability
- Communicate with production supervisors, quality inspectors, and engineering staff
- Report production issues, material shortages, or equipment problems promptly
- Participate in shift meetings and continuous improvement activities
Additional Responsibilities
- Assist with prototyping and testing of new welding processes
- Support new product launches and welding trials
- Maintain inventory of welding consumables (welding rods, tips, nozzles)
- Perform other duties as assigned by supervisor
Essential Skills:
Technical Skills
- Proficiency in multiple plastic welding techniques (hot gas, extrusion, hot plate)
- Ability to read and interpret blueprints, drawings, and specifications
- Knowledge of thermoplastic materials and their welding characteristics
- Understanding of weld joint design and preparation
- Skilled in using hand tools and power tools for plastic fabrication
- Ability to set up and operate welding equipment independently
- Proficient in using measuring instruments (calipers, micrometers, tape measures)
- Basic troubleshooting and problem-solving skills
Skills & Abilities
- Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality workmanship
- Good hand-eye coordination and manual dexterity
- Ability to work from blueprints and technical drawings
- Ability to perform precise work with tight tolerances
- Good mathematical skills for measurements and calculations
- Ability to work independently with moderate supervision
- Strong work ethic and reliability
- Ability to stand for extended periods and perform repetitive motions
- Good communication skills for team collaboration
- Willingness to learn new techniques and processes
- Ability to train and mentor less experienced welders
Physical Requirements
- Ability to stand, walk, bend, kneel, and reach for extended periods (up to 10 hours per shift)
- Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds regularly
- Ability to work with hands in repetitive motions for extended periods
- Manual dexterity to manipulate small parts and welding equipment
- Visual acuity to inspect weld quality and read blueprints
- Ability to work in manufacturing environment with exposure to:
- Heat from welding equipment
- Fumes from plastic welding (with proper ventilation)
- Noise from production equipment
- Standing on concrete floors
- Ability to wear required PPE including safety glasses, gloves, and respirator (when needed)
Qualifications:
Education & Experience
- High school diploma or GED required
- Completion of plastic welding training program or apprenticeship preferred
- 1-3 years of plastic welding experience in manufacturing environment required
- Experience in plastic fabrication, pipe welding, or tank fabrication preferred
Other:
This position operates in a plastic manufacturing facility environment with exposure to:
- Welding fumes and heat from plastic welding equipment
- Moderate to loud noise levels from production machinery
- Temperature variations (heat from welding equipment)
- Standing on concrete floors for extended periods
- Moving machinery and material handling equipment
Work schedule includes various shifts (day, swing, night) and may require overtime to meet production demands. Standard shifts are 8-10 hours with potential for weekend work during peak production periods.
Pay: $19.00 - $27.00 per hour
Work Location: In person
