What are the responsibilities and job description for the MIG Welder position at VDL Industries Gainesville?
Position Summary
The MIG (Metal Inert Gas) Welder supports a job shop manufacturing environment focused on high mix, low volume production and pilot builds. This role requires a highly skilled, adaptable welder capable of producing consistent, high-quality welds across a wide variety of custom parts, materials, and configurations using MIG welding techniques. The MIG Welder will work closely with engineering, fabrication, and production teams to support prototype development, first article builds, and short-run manufacturing while maintaining exceptional quality, efficiency, and safety standards.
Essential Duties And Responsibilities
The MIG (Metal Inert Gas) Welder supports a job shop manufacturing environment focused on high mix, low volume production and pilot builds. This role requires a highly skilled, adaptable welder capable of producing consistent, high-quality welds across a wide variety of custom parts, materials, and configurations using MIG welding techniques. The MIG Welder will work closely with engineering, fabrication, and production teams to support prototype development, first article builds, and short-run manufacturing while maintaining exceptional quality, efficiency, and safety standards.
Essential Duties And Responsibilities
- Perform high‑quality MIG welding on custom and low‑volume components, frequently switching between part types, materials, and weld configurations.
- Perform MIG welding on sheet metal components (non‑pipe welding), adapting efficiently to changing work priorities and build requirements.
- Weld thin‑gauge stainless steel and aluminum sheet metal (20 gauge and thinner) as well as specialty alloys, using the correct techniques, settings, and parameters for each material.
- Read and interpret detailed blueprints, weld symbols, engineering drawings, and work instructions; collaborate with engineering on prototype and first‑article builds.
- Independently set up, adjust, and operate MIG welding equipment (machines, torches, foot pedals, gas systems) for short‑run and custom jobs.
- Inspect welds for appearance, dimensional accuracy, and defects such as porosity, cracks, or lack of fusion. Support first‑article inspections and continuous quality improvements.
- Troubleshoot welding challenges related to fit‑up, material variation, or print ambiguity. Communicate issues and improvement opportunities to the team lead, engineers, or supervisors.
- Follow all OSHA and company safety procedures, including proper PPE use, ventilation, and safe handling of equipment and materials.
- Support process improvements, fixture development, and best practices. Stay current on MIG welding methods, tools, and industry standards relevant to prototype and short‑run manufacturing.
- Advanced MIG welding skills for precision and thin‑gauge applications.
- Strong ability to work in a fast‑changing, high‑mix, low‑volume manufacturing environment.
- Proficient in reading and interpreting blueprints, weld symbols, and work instructions.
- Solid understanding of weld quality standards and inspection requirements.
- Effective troubleshooting and problem‑solving skills.
- Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
- Strong attention to detail and craftsmanship.
- Ability to manage multiple custom jobs and shift priorities.
- Clear communication and teamwork skills.
- Ability to read, write, speak, and understand English sufficiently to follow safety procedures, work instructions, and communicate effectively with supervisors and team members.
- High school diploma or equivalent required.
- Minimum 2 years of MIG welding experience required
- 5 years of welding and fabrication experience preferred
- Experience in job shop, prototype, or pilot production manufacturing strongly preferred
- MIG welding certification preferred
- Ability to stand, walk, and move about the shop floor for extended periods during a work shift.
- Ability to bend, stoop, kneel, crouch, and work in confined or awkward positions as required by custom weld assemblies.
- Ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and tools weighing up to 50 pounds, with or without reasonable accommodation.
- Ability to perform repetitive hand and arm movements, including gripping, reaching, and precise manual positioning.
- Ability to use personal protective equipment (PPE) such as welding helmets, gloves, face shields, respirators, and protective clothing.
- Ability to work safely around welding arcs, sparks, heat, noise, and industrial equipment.
- Visual acuity sufficient to inspect weld quality and read drawings, gauges, and measuring tools (with or without corrective lenses)