Welders

A welder’s main objective at Somerville Industries is to Mig-Weld a variety of metal structures from verbal directions, sketches, drawings, and blueprints. Below you will find specific qualifications for each “level”.

 Welder Level 1

Starting Wage - $16.00/HR

  • Entry-level welding role with opportunities to grow into higher skill levels

  • Perform MIG welding on structural steel (flat, vertical, and overhead positions)

  • Prepare materials properly (cleaning, grinding, beveling) before welding

  • Produce consistent, quality welds with proper bead profile and penetration

  • Learn to identify and correct common weld defects with supervisor guidance

  • Able to work independently with moderate supervision

  • Ability and desire to learn new tasks

  • Maintain a clean, organized workspace (5S standards)

  • Safely operate tools and equipment including grinders, torches, and cranes

  • Handle materials responsibly to reduce waste and prevent damage

  • Follow all safety policies and OSHA guidelines at all times

  • Pass AWS weld test and Somerville weld certs

  • Clear path to advance to higher welder levels

  • Eligible for advancement after ~6 months of consistent performance

  • Typically suited for individuals with 0–3 years of experience

Welder Level 2

Starting Wage - $19.00/HR

  • Mid-level welding position with increased responsibility and independence

  • Perform advanced MIG welding on structural steel in all positions

  • Produce high-quality welds free of defects (porosity, undercut, excess spatter, etc.)

  • Read and interpret shop drawings and weld symbols independently

  • Build on all Welder 1 skills with greater consistency and precision

  • Work independently with minimal supervision while meeting production goals

  • Collaborate with team members to solve problems and improve workflow

  • Maintain a clean, organized workspace (5S standards)

  • Operate MIG welding equipment and related tools independently

  • Use measuring and layout tools (tape measures, squares, fillet gauges) accurately

  • Perform basic maintenance and minor repairs on welding equipment

  • Cross-train to run key shop equipment when welding work is limited

  • Opportunity to advance to Welder 3 and leadership roles

  • Eligible for advancement after consistent performance (typically 6+ months)

  • Typically requires 3–7 years of welding experience

Welder Level 3

Starting Wage - $20.75/HR

  • Advanced-level welder role with high skill, independence, and leadership expectations

  • Perform all-position structural MIG welding to AWS standards

  • Execute multi-pass welds with precision, penetration, and consistency

  • Apply weld procedures (WPS), sequencing, and heat control to maintain quality and reduce distortion

  • Maintain tight tolerances on structural component

  • Weld advanced structural components

  • Read and interpret detailed blueprints, weld symbols, and specifications independently

  • Perform basic layout, fit-up, and assembly tasks with minimal supervision

  • Independently troubleshoot welding equipment

  • Perform maintenance and part replacement

  • Deliver top-tier weld quality with minimal rework

  • Meet production timelines while optimizing workflow and setup efficiency

  • Assist and support Welder 1 and Welder 2 employees

  • Help identify and resolve production or welding issues on the floor

  • Lead by example in quality, safety, and work ethic

  • Maintain excellent safety record and PPE compliance

  • Typically requires 7-10+ years experience

*Employee must show consistent progress of knowledge and skill
*Evaluation of class will be based off performance review, attendance, safety performance
*Years of experience are a general guideline, no guarantee for level increase