Job Summary
The Welding Kitter / Material Handler is responsible for supporting welding and fabrication operations by accurately pulling, staging, and delivering materials, components, and consumables to production workstations. This role ensures welders have the correct materials needed to meet production schedules by interpreting blueprints, reviewing bills of materials (BOMs), maintaining inventory accuracy, and coordinating material flow throughout the facility. The Welding Kitter plays a critical role in supporting productivity, quality, and safety within the manufacturing environment.
Key Responsibilities
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Pull, kit, and stage materials for welding jobs based on production schedules, work orders, blueprints, and bills of materials (BOMs).
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Read and interpret blueprints, work instructions, and manufacturing documentation to identify required materials and components.
- Review and verify BOMs to ensure all required materials are available and accurately issued to production.
- Deliver materials, fabricated components, and welding consumables to welding workstations in a timely manner.
- Monitor inventory levels of raw materials, weld wire, gas cylinders, hardware, and other production supplies and report shortages.
- Perform inventory transactions and maintain accurate inventory records within company systems.
- Conduct cycle counts and assist with physical inventory activities.
- Verify material quantities and parts numbers using counting, measuring, and identification processes.
- Communicate material shortages, inventory discrepancies, and production concerns to supervisors and production teams.
- Follow all safety rules, including proper lifting techniques and equipment operation procedures.
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Support 5S and continuous improvement initiatives within kitting, storage, and production areas.
- Perform other duties as assigned to support production and logistics.
Qualifications
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High school diploma or equivalent required.
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1–3 years of experience in material handling, warehousing, or manufacturing preferred.
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Forklift certification or ability to obtain certification required.
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Experience in a metal fabrication or industrial environment is highly desirable.
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Knowledge of material handling practices in a manufacturing or fabrication environment.
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Proficiency with forklifts, pallet jacks, and (if applicable) overhead cranes or hoists.
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Ability to read and interpret work orders, shipping documents, and material tags.
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Ability to read and interpret manufacturing blueprints and drawings.
- Ability to read, understand, and work from Bills of Material (BOMs).
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Basic math and counting skills required for inventory verification and material transactions.
- Experience maintaining accurate inventory records in a manufacturing environment preferred.
- Knowledge of metal fabrication and welding processes preferred.
- Strong organizational skills for efficient material storage and staging.
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Attention to detail and accuracy in handling inventory.
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Ability to work independently and as part of a team in a fast-paced environment.
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Understanding of shop safety rules and PPE requirements.
Key Competencies:
Technical Competencies
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Equipment Operation – Safe and efficient use of forklifts, pallet jacks, and overhead cranes/hoists.
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Inventory Control – Ability to track, count, and verify material usage and stock levels accurately.
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Documentation Skills – Reading and interpreting work orders, shipping documents, and material tags.
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Material Identification – Knowledge of different metals, sizes, and stock types used in fabrication.
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Staging & Organization – Efficiently staging materials for production while maintaining orderly storage.
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Safety Compliance – Knowledge of OSHA and company safety standards for lifting, stacking, and handling.
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Packaging & Shipping – Ability to prepare materials and finished goods for shipment securely.
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Material Kitting – Efficiently gathers, organizes, and stages materials to support welding production schedules.
- Basic Math & Counting – Accurately counts, verifies, and records materials and inventory quantities.
Workplace Competencies
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Attention to Detail – Ensures correct materials are pulled, delivered, and recorded with accuracy.
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Time Management – Prioritizes and stages materials to keep production flowing without delays.
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Communication – Provides clear updates to supervisors and coworkers about material availability/issues.
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Problem-Solving – Identifies shortages, damaged materials, or inventory discrepancies and takes corrective action.
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Teamwork – Works closely with production, purchasing, and shipping teams to support operations.
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Adaptability – Adjusts to changing schedules, priorities, or material requirements.
Behavioral Competencies
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Reliability – Consistently shows up on time and completes tasks as scheduled.
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Safety Mindset – Always prioritizes safe material movement and equipment operation.
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Work Ethic – Maintains productivity standards and supports the overall flow of the shop.
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Initiative – Takes proactive steps to organize materials, prevent shortages, and maintain workflow.
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Quality Focus – Ensures materials and finished goods are handled without damage.
Physical Demands
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made in accordance with the ADA.
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Standing/Walking: Required to stand and walk on concrete floors for 8–10 hours per shift.
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Lifting/Carrying: Regularly lift, carry, push, and pull materials weighing up to 75 lbs; heavier materials may require team lifting or mechanical lifting devices.
- Pushing/Pulling: Move sheet metal stacks, scrap bins, or finished part racks weighing up to 300 lbs using carts or material handling equipment.
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Reaching/Handling: Frequent reaching at or below shoulder level to load/unload material; occasional overhead reaching.
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Manual Dexterity: Frequent use of hands for feeding parts, operating control panels, changing dies, and handling small components.
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Climbing/Balancing: Occasionally step onto platforms or ladders less than 3 ft in height.
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Stooping/Kneeling/Crouching: Occasional bending or kneeling when aligning material, removing scrap, or performing cleaning/maintenance tasks.
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Vision: Must have close vision, depth perception, and ability to distinguish part details for inspection and quality checks.
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Hearing/Speaking: Must be able to hear machine alarms, communicate with team members, and follow verbal instructions in a noisy environment.
Work Environment
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Noise: High noise levels from punch presses and fabrication equipment; hearing protection required.
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Temperature: Exposure to fluctuating seasonal shop temperatures.
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Other: Exposure to sharp edges, lubricants, and metal scrap; personal protective equipment (PPE) required at all times.
