Welder

Peteresen Industries is accepting applications to fill a Welder position at its facility in Lake Wales, FL.

The MIG Welder is responsible for fabricating and welding steel components used in the assembly of grapple trucks, grapple loaders, and knuckle boom loaders. This role performs production welding using Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW/MIG) processes on structural components, frames, subassemblies, and hydraulic equipment structures. The position requires the ability to read engineering drawings, follow welding specifications, and ensure weld quality meets internal and industry standards. 

• →Perform MIG (GMAW) welding on carbon steel and structural components used in heavy equipment manufacturing. 
• →Weld structural assemblies including truck frames, loader arms, mounting plates, outriggers, and grapple support structures. 
• →Interpret and follow engineering drawings, blueprints, fractions, decimals, welding symbols, and work instructions. 
• →Prepare materials for welding by cutting, grinding, beveling, and cleaning metal surfaces. 
• →Set up and operate welding machines and related fabrication equipment. 
• →Inspect welds visually and with measuring tools to verify compliance with specifications. 
• →Maintain proper weld penetration, bead consistency, and structural integrity of assemblies. 
• →Operate shop tools such as grinders, torches, saws, clamps, and fixtures. 
• →Follow all safety procedures, PPE requirements, and welding safety standards. 
• →Fit, tack and align parts prior to final welding. 
• →Perform rework, grinding, and finishing of welds as required. 
• →Maintain a clean and organized work area consistent with 5S and lean manufacturing practices. 
• →Work collaboratively with fitters, assemblers, and quality personnel. 
• →Meet production schedules and quality standards. 

• High school diploma or GED. 
• Minimum 3 years of MIG welding experience in a manufacturing or heavy equipment environment. 
• Demonstrated ability to read and follow engineering drawings, blueprints, fractions, decimals, welding symbols, and work instructions. 
• Minimum 3 years of experience welding structural steel components. 
• Ability to operate welding equipment safely and effectively. 
• Basic math skills for measurements and layout. 
• Ability to pass a AWS D1.1 Weld Test in the Flat (1G), Horizontal (2G), Vertical (3G), or Overhead (4G) position.  

• 5-10 years of MIG welding experience in a manufacturing or heavy equipment environment. 
• Experience welding heavy equipment, truck bodies, cranes, loaders, or hydraulic equipment. 
• Prior experience with knuckle boom loaders, grapple trucks, or similar equipment manufacturing. 
• Experience with Flux-Cored Arc Welding (FCAW) in addition to MIG. 
• Vocational or technical training in welding or metal fabrication. 

• Ability to lift and carry up to 30 pounds regularly.  
• Frequent standing for extended periods (8–10 hours per shift). 
• Ability to bend, stoop, kneel, crouch, and climb ladders. 
• Frequent use of hands for gripping, holding, and operating welding equipment and tools. 
• Ability to work in awkward positions or confined spaces when welding assemblies. 
• Visual acuity to inspect welds and read measuring devices. 
• Ability to tolerate exposure to bright welding arcs, sparks, and metal particulates while wearing required PPE. 

Depending on company policy and production requirements, the following may be required or preferred: 

• AWS Certified Welder (CW) through the American Welding Society. 
• OSHA 10-Hour General Industry Safety Certification. 
• Forklift certification (or ability to obtain after hire). 
• Overhead crane or hoist operation certification (or ability to obtain). 

• Industrial manufacturing environment with exposure to welding fumes, noise, heat, and metal dust. 
• Work is performed near moving mechanical equipment and heavy steel components. 
• Required use of personal protective equipment (PPE) including welding helmet, gloves, safety glasses, steel-toe boots, hearing protection, and flame-resistant clothing. 
• May involve operating or working near overhead cranes, forklifts, and fabrication machinery.