Welder (Level I, II, III)

Job Title: Welder (Level I, II, III)
Location: Skokie, IL
Shift: 1st Shift (6:00 AM Start) or 2nd Shift (2:00 PM Start)
Compensation: $28–$38/hour (flexible for highly experienced welders)
Overview:

Sterling Engineering is partnering with a new client in the North Chicagoland suburbs to hire experienced Welders (Levels I–III) for their growing team in Skokie, IL. This organization is part of a global industrial manufacturing group and produces highly engineered products used in demanding industrial applications.

The Welder will be responsible for performing TIG and MIG welding on a variety of components while ensuring high standards of quality, safety, and productivity. This position requires the ability to interpret blueprints, follow welding specifications, and perform welds in multiple positions while maintaining strict quality standards
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Key Responsibilities:
• Perform TIG and MIG welding on various metal components, including setup, cleaning, and finishing welds.
• Weld components in flat, vertical, and overhead positions according to specifications.
• Monitor welding processes to prevent overheating, distortion, or material defects.
• Inspect completed welds and workpieces to ensure they meet quality and dimensional specifications.
• Read and interpret blueprints, welding process specifications, and welding symbols.
• Layout, align, and secure parts and assemblies using measuring tools such as straightedges, combination squares, calipers, and rulers.
• Identify and report non-conforming materials or defects to supervisors.
• Maintain compliance with quality systems and regulatory standards, including ISO 9001:2015 and AAR M-1003.
• Complete assigned work according to project timelines and specifications.
• Maintain clean and organized work areas while supporting 5S and general housekeeping standards.
• Complete required documentation and job-related paperwork.
• Reorder raw materials for Kanban safety stock levels as needed.
• Participate in team meetings related to safety, problem-solving, and production improvements.
• Support additional production activities as assigned.

Qualifications
• High school diploma, GED, or equivalent required.
• 2–3+ years of MIG and TIG welding experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Experience welding components for pressurized systems such as tanks or valves preferred.
• Hands-on experience welding Stainless Steel, Carbon Steel, Monel, and Hastelloy (B & C).
• Strong understanding of welding equipment, tools, and accessories.
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints, welding symbols, and welding procedures.
• Experience operating manual or semi-automatic welding equipment.
• Ability to perform high-quality welds in all positions with strong penetration and consistency.

Desired Skills & Attributes
• Strong manual dexterity and hand–eye coordination.
• Ability to work independently while following established procedures.
• Comfortable working in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
• Strong problem-solving ability and attention to detail.
• Ability to collaborate with teammates and share knowledge across the team.
• Commitment to continuous improvement and skill development.