Position Summary

The Set-up Welder lays out, fits, aligns, clamps, and tack-welds components to prepare structural assemblies and weldments for final welding. This position works from blueprints, welding symbols, bills of materials, and job specifications to ensure proper material selection, joint preparation, dimensions, and fit-up. Work includes carbon steel and some stainless steel in various thicknesses up to approximately 2–3 inches. The Set-up Welder must work safely, maintain close tolerances, and identify fit-up or drawing issues before assemblies move to final welding.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Set up welding equipment, workstations, fixtures, and components according to blueprints, drawings, welding symbols, and job specifications.
• Lay out, fit, align, clamp, and tack-weld components to prepare assemblies and weldments for final MIG welding.
• Verify material type, dimensions, joint preparation, fit-up, weld locations, and assembly orientation before welding begins.
• Work with carbon steel and some stainless steel in a variety of thicknesses up to approximately 2–3 inches.
• Select appropriate welding settings, wire, shielding gas, tools, and equipment based on material type, thickness, and job requirements.
• Use tape measures, squares, levels, fixtures, gauges, and other measuring tools to ensure assemblies meet required dimensions and tolerances.
• Plan tack-weld sequence, bracing, and restraint to minimize shrinkage, movement, and distortion during final welding.
• Identify and correct fit-up, alignment, distortion, material, or drawing discrepancies before releasing work for final welding.
• Preheat material when required and regularly check work for compliance with drawings, specifications, and quality requirements.
• Safely move and position large steel components using overhead cranes, forklifts, rigging, and lifting equipment.
• Maintain welding equipment, tools, fixtures, and work areas in a clean, organized, and safe condition.
• Complete work under limited supervision while meeting production, quality, and customer requirements.
• Perform MIG welding and weld repair as assigned and within demonstrated skill level.
• Perform mechanical assembly, grinding, cutting, drilling, bending, and other fabrication or assembly operations as needed.
• Assist with assembly and erection of large or complex machines, equipment, and structural components requiring close tolerances.
• Follow specific and general direction from the Plant Manager or other authorized shop leadership.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent required.
• 3+ years of experience in structural fabrication, weldment fit-up, or MIG welding.
• Previous experience with structural fabrication, weldment fit-up, tack welding, or MIG welding in a manufacturing environment.
• Ability to read and understand blueprints, welding symbols, mechanical drawings, bills of materials, and other job specifications.
• Ability to accurately use measuring tools and perform basic shop math, including fractions and decimals.
• Ability to read, write, and speak English sufficiently to understand safety instructions, job documentation, and workplace communication.
• Ability to use, or willingness and ability to learn to use, overhead cranes, forklifts, rigging, and lifting equipment safely.
• Experience using air, electric, and manual hand tools; must have a basic set of hand tools.
• Organized self-starter with the ability to work efficiently, independently, and as part of a team.
• Reliable transportation and the ability to report to work as scheduled.
• Flexibility to work overtime as needed.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Mechanical assembly knowledge and experience.
• Technical, vocational, or trade school training in welding or a related field.
• Experience in general manufacturing, heavy equipment, or custom fabrication.

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this position.

• Work is performed primarily in a manufacturing and welding environment with regular exposure to welding arc, sparks, fumes, heat, noise, moving equipment, sharp edges, and heavy steel.
• The position requires work near overhead cranes, forklifts, rigging, welding equipment, grinders, saws, and other powered machinery.
• Required personal protective equipment must be worn and all company safety procedures must be followed at all times.
• Work areas and temperatures may vary based on production activity and seasonal conditions.  

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Regularly stand and walk for extended periods and frequently bend, stoop, reach, kneel, crouch, climb, push, and pull while performing shop work.
• Use hands and arms to handle welding leads, tools, fixtures, clamps, measuring devices, and materials with the manual dexterity required for accurate fit-up and tack welding.
• Ability to independently lift and carry up to 50 pounds and to push, pull, position, and maneuver tools and materials. Team lifting or material-handling equipment must be used for heavier or oversized loads.
• Maintain the visual acuity necessary to read drawings and welding symbols, take accurate measurements, align components, and inspect work for quality and conformance.

Mental Demands

• Read, interpret, and apply information from blueprints, welding symbols, bills of materials, job specifications, and written or verbal instructions.
• Maintain attention to detail and concentration while performing precise layout, measurement, fit-up, tack welding, and inspection activities.
• Use sound judgment and problem-solving skills to identify and correct dimensional, alignment, material, distortion, or drawing discrepancies.
• Organize and prioritize work, adapt to changing production needs, and complete assignments safely and accurately under limited supervision.
• Communicate effectively with coworkers, supervisors, Engineering, and Quality personnel regarding work requirements, questions, and identified issues.

Why You’ll Love Working At Mixer Systems: At Mixer Systems, you’ll join a collaborative and down-to-earth team that treats each other like family. We combine the stability of a long-standing, well-respected company with the energy of a team that values innovation, continuous improvement, and genuine connection. Enjoy competitive pay, great benefits, and the opportunity to grow your career in an environment where your contributions truly make an impact.

Apply today and be part of a company that’s been shaping concrete solutions for over 46 years!

Mixer Systems, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

Employment with Mixer Systems, Inc. is on an at-will basis. Nothing in this job posting or any related materials should be construed as a guarantee of employment for any specific duration.

Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States. Mixer Systems, Inc. participates in E-Verify to confirm employment eligibility.

Notice to Recruiters: Mixer Systems, Inc. does not accept unsolicited resumes from agencies. Submissions without a signed agreement will become the property of Mixer Systems, Inc., and no placement fees will be paid.