If you’re looking for a welding job in Minnesota, you’ve come to the right place. In this post, we give a quick rundown of what a welding career path looks like, followed by 10 welding jobs in Minnesota.
Welding Career Path Overview
If you’re new to the world of welding, welcome. If you’re already an old hand, skip right ahead to our Minnesota Welding Jobs Roundup.
Welders or fabricators/fitters work on metal structures and need stamina, focus and good hand-eye coordination. Welding salaries typically range from $44,000 to $62,000.
There are a variety of welding technologies, but arc welding is the most common type. Welding work takes place both indoors and outdoors, depending on the project. Welders commonly build structures like bridges, buildings, ships, stadia, power plants, trucks, cars, and much more.
Most welding jobs require technical training, which teaches individuals about the properties of various metals as well as different welding techniques. Check out our training and scholarships pages to find out more about technical training opportunities for welders.
Welding is a highly in-demand career path in the U.S. due to the fact that welding is involved during all stages of industrial operations.
The American Welding Society (AWS) projects that by 2023, there will be a shortage of over 375,000 welders, so now is a great time to get into welding. In 2018, more than 60 percent of welding jobs in the United States were in manufacturing.
There are a variety of certifications welders can get to advance their careers. These include certified welder (CW), certified welding supervisor (CWS), certified welding inspector (CWI), certified welding educator (CWE), certified welding engineer (CWEng), certified welding sales representative (CWSR), certified radiographic interpreter (CRI) and certified robotic arc welder (CRAW).
The welding field offers many exciting and non-traditional work opportunities. For instance, pipe welders may travel to interesting and remote locations to install or maintain pipelines, whereas welders specializing in metal fabrication might travel with NASCAR crews to fabricate and repair custom racing parts.
Welding Jobs in Minnesota
Below, we’ve rounded up a collection of welding jobs in Minnesota.
1. Fitter/Welder I at LeJeune Steel Company, Minneapolis, MN
Job Description
LeJeune Steel Company in Minneapolis, Minnesota is looking for a Fitter/Welder I to lay out, fit, and fabricate metal components to assemble structural forms, such as building and bridge parts, using knowledge of welding techniques, metallurgy, and engineering requirements.
Salary or Hourly Rate
Dependent on experience. $18 per hour with no professional experience.
LeJeune is a leading steel fabricator committed to building better communities through excellence, quality, and value in its structural solutions and ongoing growth and opportunity for its employees.
With LeJeune, you’ll have the opportunity to be part of a team working on exciting projects (like US Bank Stadium). LeJeune is committed to Building Great Leaders and offers personal and professional development opportunities, both in-person and online.
Education
Technical degree required.
Required Skills and Experience
Equipment selection capabilities – Being able to determine the kind of tools and equipment needed to do a job.
Quality control analysis skills – Conducting tests and inspections of products to evaluate quality.
Equipment maintenance experience – Performing routine maintenance on equipment and determining when and what kind of maintenance is needed.
Repairing capabilities – Repairing machines or systems using the needed tools.
Operation and control skills – Controlling operations of equipment or systems. Mathematics – Being able to use mathematics to solve problems.
Day-to-Day Responsibilities
Lays out, positions, and secures parts and assemblies according to specifications, using straightedge, combination square, calipers, and ruler.
Tack-welds or welds components and assemblies using electric, gas, arc, or other welding equipment.
Observes tests on welded surfaces, such as ultrasonic, magnetic particle, and dimension tolerance to evaluate weld quality and conformance to specifications.
Inspects grooves, angles, or gap allowances using measuring instruments.
Welds components in flat, vertical, or overhead positions.
Heats, forms, and dresses metal parts using hand tools, torch, or arc welding equipment.
Ignites torch and adjusts valves, amperage, or voltage to obtain desired flame or arc.
Analyzes engineering drawings and specifications to plan layout, assembly, and welding operations.
Develops templates and other work aids to hold and align parts.
Benefits
Tuition reimbursement is available when applicable following pre-approval by an employee's manager.
2. Fitter/Welder II at LeJeune Steel Company, Minneapolis, MN
Job Description
LeJeune Steel Company in Minneapolis, Minnesota is looking for a Fitter/Welder II to lay out, fit, and fabricate metal components to assemble structural forms, such as building and bridge parts using knowledge of welding techniques, metallurgy, and engineering requirements.
LeJeune is a leading steel fabricator committed to building better communities through excellence, quality, and value in its structural solutions and ongoing growth and opportunity for its employees.
With LeJeune, you’ll have the opportunity to be part of a team working on exciting projects (like US Bank Stadium). LeJeune is committed to Building Great Leaders and offers personal and professional development opportunities, both in-person and online.
Education
Technical degree required.
Required Skills and Experience
Building and construction experience – Knowledge of materials, methods, and the appropriate tools to construct objects, structures, and buildings.
Production and processing skills – Knowledge of inputs, outputs, raw materials, waste, quality control, costs, and techniques for maximizing the manufacture and distribution of goods.
Mathematics – Knowledge of numbers, their operations, and interrelationships including arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
Day-to-Day Responsibilities
Lays out, positions, and secures parts and assemblies according to specifications using straightedge, combination square, calipers, and ruler.
Analyzes engineering drawings and specifications to plan layout, assembly, and welding operations.
Determines required equipment and welding method, applying knowledge of metallurgy, geometry, and welding techniques.
Develops templates and other work aids to hold and align parts.
Ignites torch and adjusts valves, amperage, or voltage to obtain desired flame or arc.
Tack-welds or welds components and assemblies using electric, gas, arc, or other welding equipment.
Heats, forms, and dresses metal parts using hand tools, torch, or arc welding equipment.
Welds components in flat, vertical, or overhead positions.
Removes rough spots from the workpiece using portable grinder, hand file, or scraper.
Inspects grooves, angles, or gap allowances, using micrometer, caliper, and precision measuring instruments.
Observes tests on welded surfaces, such as hydrostatic, x-ray, and dimension tolerance to evaluate weld quality and conformance to specifications.
Benefits
Tuition reimbursement is available when applicable following pre-approval by an employee's manager.
WestRock in Fridley, Minnesota is looking for a Maintenance Mechanic to perform routine and extensive preventative maintenance and repair procedures on electrical and mechanical systems involving production equipment and plant systems.
Salary or Hourly Rate
$19.71-$26.87 per hour depending on experience and boiler license.
WestRock partners with its customers to provide differentiated paper and packaging solutions that help them win in the market. The company supports its customers from more than 320 locations globally.
WestRock's values are the foundation for Winning Together and Connecting People to Products.
Education
Technical degree required – Boiler license.
Required Skills and Experience
Two years in industrial machine repair, or maintenance/mechanical schooling may be considered.
Day-to-Day Responsibilities
Safely make general mechanical repairs to production equipment; general electrical troubleshooting; general electrical motor maintenance.
Contribute to a collaborative safety culture that drives results.
Utilize problem-solving skills to maintain seamless production.
Provide quality products to ensure an exceptional customer service experience.
Work independently and as part of a crew in making repairs.
Fulfill work order and preventative maintenance assignments.
Troubleshoot electrical control circuits to power source, i.e. fuse or disconnect.
Maintain a clean work environment.
Benefits
Company-provided technical training.
Tuition reimbursement after one year of employment.
Spectro Alloys operates one of the highest-efficiency aluminum recycling plants in the United States. Since 1973, the company has provided foundries and die casters with high quality aluminum alloys.
High quality employees are the backbone of Spectro Alloys. Across the company – from manufacturing to quality assurance to customer service, Spectro Alloys employees have an average of 15 years of experience. Good people stick around when they’re treated right.
Spectro offers competitive salaries, profit sharing, tuition reimbursement, ongoing training programs, and even grants for education for its employees’ family members. Spectro also offers in-depth on-the-job training programs and a career track for everyone who aspires to go further.
Aluminum recycling at Spectro saves enough energy to power over 200,000 homes and reduces greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to taking over 80,000 cars off the road.
Education
Technical degree required.
Required Skills and Experience
Entry level – no prior experience required, but a strong work ethic and a commitment to Spectro’s Core Values is essential.
Physical Requirements
Be able to manually stack aluminum ingots weighing up to 35 pounds each with a snub nose shovel up to 4 hours/day in total throughout rotations (In rotations of approximately 10-15 minutes).
Day-to-Day Responsibilities
Manually stack aluminum ingots weighing up to 35 pounds each with a snub nose shovel up to 4 hours/day in total throughout rotations (In rotations of approximately 10-15 minutes).
Safely operate a forklift to transport finished products to trailers or warehouse.
Accurately weigh, record, mark, and band finished product to customer specifications.
Perform routine maintenance and inspection of production equipment.
Assist maintenance personnel as directed during upset conditions or line malfunctions.
Wear all required personal protective equipment and clothing.
Work safely around moving equipment and hot metal.
Maintain a clean and safe work environment at all times.
Safely make general mechanical repairs to production equipment; general electrical troubleshooting; general electrical motor maintenance.
Contribute to a collaborative safety culture that drives results.
Utilize problem-solving skills to maintain seamless production.
Provide quality products to ensure an exceptional customer service experience.
Work independently and as part of a crew in making repairs.
Fulfill work order and preventative maintenance assignments.
Troubleshoot electrical control circuits to power source, i.e. fuse or disconnect.
Maintain a clean work environment.
Inspect finished product to ensure quality standards are met.
Perform other job duties as required or requested.
Benefits
Tuition reimbursement.
Ongoing training.
Education grants.
Profit sharing.
Dental, short, and long-term disability insurance.
Award Staffing is a leading job placement firm in the Minneapolis metro area, operating through six offices across the region. For three years, Award has been recognized as a Star Tribune top place to work.
Award Staffing offers career seekers a variety of work opportunities, including temporary placements, seasonal jobs, temporary-to-hire jobs, and direct-hire placements. Award Staffing provides attractive benefits packages.
Education
Graduation from high school or equivalent.
Prefer Section 8 certification.
Required Skills and Experience
Must be able to use a tape measure and read blueprints.
Must pass a welding test.
Day-to-Day Responsibilities
Fabricate stairs, rails, structural components, and fabricated metal parts from shop prints and verbal inputs.
Proficient in reading shop prints.
Benefits
Medical insurance.
Individuals working at least 30 hours per week are eligible for the Minimum Essential Coverage Group Health Plan. New associates are eligible on the 1st of the month following 60 days from their date of hire.
Following one year and 1,000 hours of employment, individuals are eligible to participate in our 401K retirement savings plan. Award Staffing matches contributions up to 4%.
Award associates are eligible for 40 hours of paid vacation after 1,600 hours of work in a calendar year.
All Award associates are eligible to be paid for five national holidays upon completing 500 hours of work within one employment anniversary year while working an average of 35 hours per week between each holiday.
BTD in Detroit Lakes, Minnesota has an opening as a Production Operator to operate welding, assembly, or machining equipment or various types of presses under general supervision in the manufacturing area.
Salary or Hourly Rate
$15.38-$20+ per hour depending on job experience and education. Starting on an off shift (2nd or 3rd shift) you get a 12% premium on your base pay. Hourly employees are paid weekly!
BTD is a fast-growing company providing custom metalwork services for some of the world’s top brands from facilities in the Midwest and Southeast. BTD invests heavily in their people and facilities.
BTD is committed to helping their employees learn and grow. If you possess the desire to learn the metal fabrication trade, BTD will guide and train you to work both safely and smartly in a dynamic and fast-paced environment that encourages innovation and job ownership while rewarding those who succeed with future opportunities.
Education
Graduation from high school or equivalent and over 18 years of age.
Required Skills and Experience
Six months of recent manufacturing, mechanical or shop experience.
Recent mechanical and shop experience that includes the following skills and abilities would be beneficial:
Some knowledge of the equipment, materials, methods and practices used in the production process.
Some knowledge of related safety requirements pertaining to the proper use of safety equipment and proper safety precautions.
Ability to understand and follow routine verbal and written instructions.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others.
Must have basic math skills and mechanical ability.
Day-to-Day Responsibilities
Stack parts, clean machines or perform other duties as assigned.
Operate various types and sizes of stamping presses in a safe and efficient manner or some machines including milling machines, CNC machines, spot welders, turret machines, rivet machines and others as instructed.
Read and understand simple blueprints and sketches.
Manufacture parts to blue prints and/or sketches using Operator Inspection Instructions (OII) as guide.
Inspect parts produced as instructed by Operator Inspection Instructions (OII), teacher, set-up person, lead-person or supervisor using tools such as tape measure, caliper, micrometer, protractor and document findings.
Upon completion of production operation, return pattern, check fixture and any documentation forms to proper location.
Use software programs to enter time/payroll information, job information, etc.
Perform those duties as specified on the Daily Maintenance/Safety Checklist for equipment being operated.
Safety is #1. BTD expects that every employee:
Strictly follows safety policies, rules and safe work methods.
Promptly corrects or reports safety hazards or unsafe conditions. Promptly reports injuries for prompt diagnosis and treatment.
Makes regular suggestions for safety process improvements to support continuous improvement in safety.
Benefits
Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
HSA/FSA accounts.
401(k) contributions.
Every employee gets a $50,000 life insurance policy paid for by BTD.
Short-term & long-term disability coverage.
Additional benefits such as accident and critical illness insurance are offered.
BTD in Lakeville, Minnesota is offering a position as a Welder under general supervision to operate a manual welder and inspect/ensure the production of quality parts and help with the design of jigs and fixtures for safe and efficient operation.
BTD is a fast-growing company providing custom metalwork services for some of the world’s top brands from facilities in the Midwest and Southeast. BTD invests heavily in their people and facilities.
BTD is committed to helping their employees learn and grow. If you possess the desire to learn the metal fabrication trade, BTD will guide and train you to work both safely and smartly in a dynamic and fast-paced environment that encourages innovation and job ownership while rewarding those who succeed with future opportunities.
Education
Graduation from high school or equivalent.
Required Skills and Experience
At least two years of wire welding and other related mechanical and shop experience which includes the following skills and abilities:
Ability to understand, follow and issue routine oral and written instructions.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others.
Knowledge of basic welding.
Basic knowledge of a welder #2.
Day-to-Day Responsibilities
Visualize and interpret blueprints and sketches.
Manufacture quality parts by referring to the pattern, and paperwork.
Use the basic inspection equipment (calipers, height gauge, etc.) to be able to inspect parts being produced by the individual.
Produce quality welds with the settings the cell was set up with.
Adjust to changes in production requirements.
Acknowledge problems with the welder and get the correct individual involved.
Maintain a clean and safe work area by following the clean-up schedule.
Must be able to use the computer software to clock in and out of work and in/out of jobs along with checking job count.
Safety is #1. BTD expects that every employee:
Strictly follows safety policies, rules and safe work methods.
Promptly corrects or reports safety hazards or unsafe conditions. Promptly reports injuries for prompt diagnosis and treatment.
Makes regular suggestions for safety process improvements to support continuous improvement in safety.
Benefits
Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
HSA/FSA accounts.
401(k).
Every employee gets a $50,000 life insurance policy paid for by BTD.
Short-term & long-term disability coverage.
Additional benefits such as accident and critical illness insurance are offered.
8. 2nd Shift Welder at Safety Rail Company, Orono, MN
Job Description
Safety Rail Company in Orono, Minnesota is seeking to fill a position of 2nd Shift Welder to perform welding tasks in the manufacturing of Safety Rail Company products to conform with specifications and certification requirements.
Salary or Hourly Rate
$20-26 per hour depending on skill level.
Working Hours
2nd Shift.
This is a full-time position with a minimum of 40 hours per week. Based on production demands, employees will be requested to work overtime. During peak season, mandatory 10-hour work days may occasionally be enforced during the week. No mandatory weekend hours will be requested. Historically, significant overtime hours have been available to earn additional compensation.
Established in 2011, Safety Rail Company is an American manufacturer of fall protection systems for a wide-range of dealers and distributors, commercial contractors, and Fortune 500 companies. Its products are designed to keep personnel safe in complex environments, and include products such as guardrails, access ladders, hatch guards, catwalks/working platforms, etc.
Safety Rail Company is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer and encourages veterans to apply. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, race, color, religion, national origin, age, marital status, political affiliation, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, disability or protected veteran status. Safety Rail is committed to providing a workplace free of any discrimination or harassment.
Education
Complete necessary training requirements provided by SRC (AWS D1.1 & D1.3, Forklift Certification, etc.). Must be able to pass and maintain individual AWS D1.1 and D1.3 welding certifications. Candidates must work diligently and be competent.
Required Skills and Experience
Option #1: 24 months of welding experience and a high school diploma or General Equivalency Degree (GED), or
Option #2: Zero (0) years of welding experience and verified completion of a welding certificate program.
Day-to-Day Responsibilities
MIG welding.
Must be capable of reading blueprints.
Use of fixtures, jigs and clamps to lay out work.
Ability to work independently and use quality inspection tools to inspect work.
As directed by the Head of Manufacturing (supervisor), maintain cleanliness and a professional appearance throughout the facility.
Conduct oneself in a professional and safe manner. This includes stringent adherence to SRC and customer corporate policies. Advocate that peers conduct themselves in the same professional manner.
9. Shift Lead – Robot Welder at BTD, Lakeville, MN
Job Description
BTD in Lakeville, Minnesota is looking for a Shift Lead – Robot Welder to assist the supervisor in managing and directing co-workers in daily operations ensuring that jobs assigned are being done correctly and in a timely manner. Ensure that all employees on the shift have work and are performing the work according to company standards.
BTD is a fast-growing company providing custom metalwork services for some of the world’s top brands from facilities in the Midwest and Southeast. BTD invests heavily in their people and facilities.
BTD is committed to helping their employees learn and grow. If you possess the desire to learn the metal fabrication trade, BTD will guide and train you to work both safely and smartly in a dynamic and fast-paced environment that encourages innovation and job ownership while rewarding those who succeed with future opportunities.
Education
Graduation from high school (or equivalent) plus two years of technical training or equivalent experience.
Required Skills and Experience
At least three years of recent related mechanical and shop experience which includes the following skills and abilities:
Excellent working knowledge of the production process and metal fabrication machines.
Excellent working knowledge of the equipment, materials, methods and practices used in production operations.
Excellent working knowledge of related safety requirements to include proper use of safety equipment and proper safety precautions such as lights, guards, switches, etc.
Must be able to understand, follow and issue routine oral and written instructions.
Must be able to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others.
Must be able to lead by example and be a good example for co-workers.
Must be able to plan, organize and direct work in a safe and orderly manner.
Must be able to maintain a high level of work performance and morale with co-workers.
Must be able to resolve issues and make corrections in software programs, such as labor transactions, material substitutions, etc. Should also have an understanding of and be able to use other computer software such as Access when required.
Day-to-Day Responsibilities
Inspect work to insure that it meets Company standards.
Assist in the setup of machinery to be used and ensure that the machinery is in good working condition.
Respond to questions and concerns and advise employees on resolving related problems.
With direction from the supervisor, assign daily work in order of priority.
Communicate and consult with other shift leaders or shift supervisors throughout the company to plan work schedules and to make sure that the work is progressing on time.
Assist in the training and evaluations of employees.
Monitor work habits of employees and make suggestions/corrections when needed.
Set an example for co-workers to follow by maintaining standards of work performance, good housekeeping and safety awareness.
Communicate employee concerns to the appropriate supervisor.
Promote and enforce company policies as they relate to ISO standards, safety, housekeeping, etc.
Required to perform rounds to insure performance expectations are being met throughout the shift.
Assist supervisor to insure that department materials and supplies are controlled and accurate.
Safety is #1. BTD expects that every employee:
Strictly follows safety policies, rules and safe work methods.
Promptly corrects or reports safety hazards or unsafe conditions. Promptly reports injuries for prompt diagnosis and treatment.
Makes regular suggestions for safety process improvements to support continuous improvement in safety.
Benefits
Medical, dental, and vision insurance
HSA/FSA accounts
401K
Every employee gets a $50,000 life insurance policy paid for by BTD
Short-term & long-term disability coverage
Additional benefits such as accident and critical illness insurance are offered
10. Part-Time Student Robot Welder at BTD, Lakeville, MN
Job Description
BTD in Lakeville, Minnesota is seeking a Part-time Student Robot Welder under general supervision, operating the manual welder and inspecting/ensuring the production of quality parts.
Salary or Hourly Rate
Competitive.
Working Hours
Working 1st, 2nd, 3rd, or Weekend Shift. BTD is willing to work with school schedules. Must work 20+ hours a week.
BTD is a fast-growing company providing custom metalwork services for some of the world’s top brands from facilities in the Midwest and Southeast. BTD invests heavily in their people and facilities.
BTD is committed to helping their employees learn and grow. If you possess the desire to learn the metal fabrication trade, BTD will guide and train you to work both safely and smartly in a dynamic and fast-paced environment that encourages innovation and job ownership while rewarding those who succeed with future opportunities.
Education
Graduation from high school or equivalent and a welding certificate preferred.
Required Skills and Experience
Must have 1 year experience in recent mechanical or shop work.
Must be currently enrolled in a school program.
Ability to understand the basic functions of the robot.
Ability to organize and run work in a timely and effective manner.
Strong working knowledge of the equipment, materials, methods and practices used in production welding operation.
Strong working knowledge of related safety requirements to include proper use of safety equipment and proper safety precautions such as lights, guards, switches, etc.
Ability to understand, follow and issue routine oral and written instructions.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others.
Day-to-Day Responsibilities
Run any robot while producing quality parts at an efficient rate.
Identify problems with the robot and get the right individual involved.
Maintain a clean and safe work area by following the clean-up schedule.
Use the computer software to clock in and out of work and in/out of jobs along with checking job count.
Safety is #1. BTD expects that every employee:
Strictly follows safety policies, rules and safe work methods.
Promptly corrects or reports safety hazards or unsafe conditions. Promptly reports injuries for prompt diagnosis and treatment.
Makes regular suggestions for safety process improvements to support continuous improvement in safety.
Benefits
Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
HSA/FSA accounts.
401 (k).
Every employee gets a $50,000 life insurance policy paid for by BTD.
Short-term & long-term disability coverage.
Additional benefits such as accident and critical illness insurance are offered.
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