Welder Helper

POSITION SUMMARY

The Welder Helper supports Blaze Equipment's welding and fabrication operations by preparing materials, staging tools and equipment, positioning components, and assisting welders with the fabrication, repair, and modification of metal structures, parts, and equipment. This position performs measuring, marking, cutting, grinding, drilling, deburring, cleaning, material handling, equipment setup, and basic quality checks under the direction of experienced welding personnel. This is a hands-on developmental position intended to build the safety practices, technical skills, and work habits necessary to progress into a welding role.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Material Preparation & Fabrication Support

• Assist welders with the fabrication, repair, and modification of metal structures, components, and equipment in accordance with work instructions and supervisor direction.
• Measure, mark, cut, drill, grind, bevel, deburr, and otherwise prepare metal materials and workpieces for fit-up and welding.
• Clean workpieces and remove slag, rust, grease, paint, and other contaminants using approved tools and cleaning methods.
• Hold, align, clamp, and secure components while welders complete fit-up, welding, bolting, or assembly work.
• Stage materials, fixtures, consumables, tools, and equipment so assigned fabrication work can proceed efficiently.

Tool, Equipment & Material Handling

• Safely operate hand tools, grinders, drills, saws, cutting equipment, and other fabrication tools after receiving appropriate training and authorization.
• Assist with setting up welding machines, leads, grounds, welding tables, jigs, fixtures, gas cylinders, and related equipment as directed.

Tool, Equipment & Material Handling (Continued)

• Move and position materials manually or with forklifts, hoists, overhead cranes, carts, and approved rigging equipment when trained and authorized.
• Inspect tools and equipment before use, perform routine operator-level cleaning and maintenance, and promptly report unsafe or defective equipment.

Welding Support & Skill Development

• Observe and learn proper welding preparation, fit-up, sequencing, and finishing practices from experienced welders and supervisors.
• Perform basic tack welding, stick welding, or other welding tasks only when trained, qualified, authorized, and working under appropriate supervision.
• Develop proficiency in reading tape measures, using basic fabrication math, and understanding welding symbols, drawings, and work instructions.

QUALIFICATIONS

• High school diploma or equivalent preferred; welding, fabrication, manufacturing, construction, or vocational training is a plus.
• Previous experience as a welder helper, fabrication helper, shop helper, or in a related industrial environment preferred but not required.
• Ability to accurately read a tape measure and perform basic math using whole numbers, fractions, and decimals.
• Basic mechanical aptitude and the ability to safely use common hand and power tools while following drawings, work instructions, safety rules, and verbal direction.
• Forklift, overhead-crane, hoist, or rigging experience preferred; ability to complete required company training and certification.
• Dependable attendance, strong work ethic, willingness to learn, and ability to work effectively as part of a team in a fast-paced fabrication environment.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS / WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Work is performed in a welding and fabrication shop with exposure to sparks, welding arc, fumes, metal dust, heat, noise, moving equipment, and changing temperatures.
• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods and frequently bend, stoop, kneel, crouch, reach, climb, and work in varied positions.
• Ability to lift and move up to 50 lbs independently and handle heavier materials with team assistance or approved mechanical lifting devices.
• Manual dexterity, hand-eye coordination, and visual ability necessary to measure materials, operate tools, and safely assist with fabrication work while wearing required personal protective equipment.

TRAVEL AND SCHEDULE EXPECTATIONS

• Standard Monday-Friday schedule with flexibility for occasional overtime, extended hours, or weekend work to support production and business needs.
• Occasional travel may be required for training or business support.