About this role
The Welder Helper supports the Aluminum TIG Welders by preparing materials, setting up work, and finishing and assembling welded parts for American Access's accessibility products, including wheelchair ramps, platforms, landings, and handrails. This is an entry-level role that keeps welders productive and offers hands-on exposure to aluminum fabrication.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
- Receive, sort, stage, and move aluminum stock (tube, extrusion, sheet, plate) and components to welding stations.
- Measure, mark, and cut material to length with saws and other cutting equipment, following cut lists and drawings.
- Deburr, degrease, and clean parts before welding, using dedicated stainless brushes and approved solvents.
- Load parts into jigs and fixtures, and hold or clamp parts during fit-up and tacking as directed.
- Grind, sand, and finish welds and surfaces to the required cosmetic standard.
- Assemble ramp sections, landings, handrails, and platforms with hand and power tools.
- Label, package, and stage finished products for shipping.
- Check parts against drawings with tape measures and squares; report defects or shortages to the welder or supervisor.
- Keep welding stations supplied with filler rod, tungsten, consumables, and shielding gas cylinders, following safe cylinder-handling rules.
- Keep the shop clean and organized, and keep aluminum separate from steel to prevent contamination.
- Follow all safety rules, OSHA requirements, and company policies.
- Perform other related duties as assigned.
Required Qualifications
- No welding experience required; prior manufacturing, construction, or shop experience is a plus.
- Ability to read a tape measure accurately to 1/16 inch.
- Basic math, including fractions.
- Ability to follow verbal and written instructions and work closely with a team.
- Safe use of hand tools and basic power tools such as grinders and drills, or willingness to be trained.
- High school diploma or GED preferred.
- Reliable attendance and a strong work ethic.
Preferred Qualifications
- Enrollment in, or completion of, a welding or machine-tool program at a technical college such as TCAT.
- Basic exposure to TIG or MIG welding.
- Forklift certification, or willingness to obtain it.
- Physical Demands and Work Environment
The physical demands below are representative of those needed to perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these functions.
- Stand and walk for most of a shift; frequently bend, stoop, kneel, and reach.
- Lift and carry materials up to 50 lbs regularly, and up to 75 lbs with assistance or lifting aids.
- Push, pull, and maneuver long aluminum stock and assembled ramp sections.
- Perform repetitive hand and arm motions when grinding, sanding, and assembling.
- Work in a manufacturing shop with noise, heat, UV light from nearby welding, metal dust, and fumes.
- Wear required PPE at all times: safety glasses, gloves, steel-toe boots, hearing protection where posted, and face shields and welding screens or helmets near active welding.