Welder

CHawk Technology • Full-time • Hayward, California, United States • $19 - $27 / hour • 1m ago

Position Summary:

The Welder is a skilled production technician responsible for joining, fabricating, and repairing plastic components and assemblies using various plastic welding techniques. This position requires proficiency in multiple welding methods, ability to interpret blueprints and specifications, and advanced knowledge of plastic materials and welding processes. The Plastic Welder Level 2 works under moderate supervision, performs quality inspections, trains junior welders, and ensures all work meets quality standards and safety requirements.

Key Responsibilities (but not limited to):

Perform advanced plastic welding using multiple techniques including:
Hot gas welding (nitrogen and air)
Extrusion welding
Hot plate welding
Ultrasonic welding
Spin welding
Vibration welding
Infrared welding
Laser welding (if applicable)
Join, fabricate, and repair plastic components made from various thermoplastic materials including:
Polypropylene (PP)
Polyethylene (PE, HDPE, LDPE)
PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride)
ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene)
Polycarbonate (PC)
PVDF (Polyvinylidene Fluoride)
Other engineered thermoplastics
Select appropriate welding technique based on material type, joint design, and application requirements
Prepare welding surfaces by cleaning, beveling, and fitting components properly
Set welding parameters including temperature, pressure, speed, and cooling time
Perform complex welds on thick-walled components, large assemblies, and critical applications

Blueprint Reading & Interpretation

Read and interpret engineering drawings, blueprints, work orders, and specifications
Understand geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T) symbols
Determine appropriate welding processes based on drawing requirements
Identify weld joint types, weld symbols, and dimensional requirements
Follow written work instructions and welding procedures

Quality Control & Inspection

Inspect completed welds for structural soundness, appearance, and dimensional accuracy
Perform visual inspection for defects including:
Cracks, voids, or porosity
Incomplete fusion
Burn-through or excessive melting
Misalignment or warping
Surface contamination
Use measuring tools (calipers, micrometers, gauges) to verify dimensions
Conduct pressure testing or leak testing on welded assemblies (when required)
Identify and reject defective welds; perform rework as needed
Document inspection results and maintain quality records
Report quality issues to supervisor or quality department

Setup & Equipment Operation

Set up welding equipment including hot gas welders, extrusion welders, and automated welding machines
Adjust welding parameters for different materials and joint configurations
Perform routine maintenance on welding equipment (clean tips, replace heating elements, check calibration)
Troubleshoot equipment malfunctions and perform minor repairs
Maintain welding equipment in clean and operational condition

Material Preparation & Fabrication

Cut, trim, and prepare plastic materials using hand tools and power tools
Grind, bevel, or v-groove plastic edges for welding preparation
Fit and align components using clamps, jigs, and fixtures
Pre-heat materials when required for specific applications
Handle and store plastic materials properly to prevent contamination or damage

Safety & Compliance

Follow all safety protocols and wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE)
Comply with hazard communication standards for chemicals and materials
Maintain clean and organized work area to prevent trip hazards and contamination
Properly ventilate work areas when welding to avoid fume exposure
Report safety hazards and near-miss incidents immediately
Participate in safety training and meetings

Training & Mentoring

Train and mentor Plastic Welder Level 1 and entry-level welders
Demonstrate proper welding techniques and best practices
Provide guidance on material selection and welding process selection
Review work performed by junior welders and provide feedback

Documentation & Communication

Complete production paperwork, time cards, and quality records accurately
Record welding parameters and process information for traceability
Communicate with production supervisors, quality inspectors, and engineering staff
Report production issues, material shortages, or equipment problems promptly
Participate in shift meetings and continuous improvement activities

Additional Responsibilities

Assist with prototyping and testing of new welding processes
Support new product launches and welding trials
Maintain inventory of welding consumables (welding rods, tips, nozzles)
Perform other duties as assigned by supervisor

Essential Skills:

Technical Skills

Proficiency in multiple plastic welding techniques (hot gas, extrusion, hot plate)
Ability to read and interpret blueprints, drawings, and specifications
Knowledge of thermoplastic materials and their welding characteristics
Understanding of weld joint design and preparation
Skilled in using hand tools and power tools for plastic fabrication
Ability to set up and operate welding equipment independently
Proficient in using measuring instruments (calipers, micrometers, tape measures)
Basic troubleshooting and problem-solving skills

Skills & Abilities

Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality workmanship
Good hand-eye coordination and manual dexterity
Ability to work from blueprints and technical drawings
Ability to perform precise work with tight tolerances
Good mathematical skills for measurements and calculations
Ability to work independently with moderate supervision
Strong work ethic and reliability
Ability to stand for extended periods and perform repetitive motions
Good communication skills for team collaboration
Willingness to learn new techniques and processes
Ability to train and mentor less experienced welders

Physical Requirements

Ability to stand, walk, bend, kneel, and reach for extended periods (up to 10 hours per shift)
Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds regularly
Ability to work with hands in repetitive motions for extended periods
Manual dexterity to manipulate small parts and welding equipment
Visual acuity to inspect weld quality and read blueprints
Ability to work in manufacturing environment with exposure to:
Heat from welding equipment
Fumes from plastic welding (with proper ventilation)
Noise from production equipment
Standing on concrete floors
Ability to wear required PPE including safety glasses, gloves, and respirator (when needed)

Qualifications:

Education & Experience

High school diploma or GED required
Completion of plastic welding training program or apprenticeship preferred
1-3 years of plastic welding experience in manufacturing environment required
Experience in plastic fabrication, pipe welding, or tank fabrication preferred

Other:

This position operates in a plastic manufacturing facility environment with exposure to:

Welding fumes and heat from plastic welding equipment
Moderate to loud noise levels from production machinery
Temperature variations (heat from welding equipment)
Standing on concrete floors for extended periods
Moving machinery and material handling equipment

Work schedule includes various shifts (day, swing, night) and may require overtime to meet production demands. Standard shifts are 8-10 hours with potential for weekend work during peak production periods.

Pay: $19.00 - $27.00 per hour

Work Location: In person

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