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