Welding & Assembly Operator

Welding & Assembly Operator Performs precise pre-welding assembly and fixturing of sheet metal components for energy storage cabinets, the first line of defense for weld quality.

Minth North America, Inc., Gadsden, AL Salary Range: $17.00 – $21.00 per hour Minth is looking for a Welding & Assembly Operator to join the Sheet Metal Welding Workshop of the Production Department. In this position, you will locate, assemble, clamp and pre-assemble sheet metal parts to drawing requirements before welding. Pre-welding assembly accuracy directly determines weld quality and cabinet dimensional accuracy, which makes this position the first line of defense for welding quality. Your daily duties involve operating welding fixtures, self-inspecting assemblies, managing materials at the workstation, and following safe handling practices for heavy sheet metal parts.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Assemble sheet metal components (side plates, top and bottom plates, frames, partitions, etc.) according to assembly drawings and process documents.
• Use locating pins, jigs and fixtures to position components precisely, keeping assembly gaps and misalignments within process tolerances.
• Install internal stiffeners, mounting brackets, lifting ear plates and other welding attachments at the correct position and angle.
• Measure and confirm key positioning dimensions of the cabinet and record the measured data.
• Operate pneumatic and manual welding fixtures, placing and clamping workpieces for reliable positioning.
• Inspect fixture locating surfaces and pins for wear or looseness before assembly and report abnormalities for maintenance promptly.
• Complete fixture changeovers per model-change work instructions, assist process engineers with initial debugging, and help with routine fixture inspection and basic maintenance.
• Self-inspect after assembly (component quantity, assembly direction, gap uniformity, clamping reliability) using tape measure, caliper, feeler gauge and angle ruler to confirm compliance with drawing tolerances.
• Mark the status of each workpiece (qualified / to be welded / unqualified) and maintain process records.
• Stop work immediately and report to the line leader when incoming parts are defective (deformed, out of tolerance, hole position deviation).
• Collect materials from the line-side warehouse or semi-finished area per the production work order, verifying quantity, specification and batch number.
• Place assembled components neatly in the pre-welding area with protection against collision, scratches and deformation.
• Maintain 5S at the workstation, sort and dispose of surplus and waste material, return excess to the warehouse and keep the material ledger current.
• Assist welding operators with flipping and moving workpieces, and attend pre-shift meetings, safety and quality training, and emergency drills.

REQUIREMENTS

• More than 1 year of sheet metal or mechanical assembly experience; experience assembling energy storage, distribution or server cabinets is preferred.
• Ability to read mechanical assembly drawings and welding symbols (GB/AWS standards).
• Familiarity with measuring tape, caliper, feeler gauge, angle gauge and similar tools.
• Understanding of how to identify common sheet metal defects (deformation, burrs, hole position deviation).
• Ability to use pneumatic and manual clamping devices.
• Welding operation certificate (issued after post-employment training and assessment).
• Legally authorized to work in the country of the work location.

MINIMUM EDUCATION / FIELD OF STUDY

• Technical/vocational school diploma or above; majors in mechanical manufacturing, welding technology, mechatronics or related fields preferred.

KEY TO BEING SUCCESSFUL IN THIS ROLE

• A strong quality mindset and attention to detail, with the discipline to stop and escalate when parts are out of tolerance.
• Commitment to safe work practices and consistent 5S habits.
• Good teamwork with welding operators and line leaders.
• Willingness to learn new models, fixtures and process requirements.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING ENVIRONMENT

• Work is performed on the manufacturing floor and requires standing, walking and handling of sheet metal parts.
• Required PPE includes safety shoes, cut-resistant gloves, goggles and hard hat.
• Heavy sheet metal parts (over 25 kg) must be handled with lifting equipment or a two-person lift.
• Ability to read drawings, gauges and measurement data.
• Ability to perform the essential functions of this position, with or without reasonable accommodation.

WHY WORK FOR MINTH?

• Minth Group is a global leader in automotive trim and structural components, with 78 plants worldwide and a North American regional headquarters in Wixom, Michigan.
• International development platform – Be part of a fast-growing global company.
• Dynamic and efficient team – Join a team that is growing and values ownership and results.
• All-round personal improvement – Grow your technical and professional expertise.
• Diversified working atmosphere – A multicultural, multinational workplace where different backgrounds and perspectives are valued.
• Competitive compensation package.

Minth North America, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation and gender identity), national origin, age (40 and over), disability, genetic information, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, provincial or local law. Minth provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities, for pregnancy, childbirth or related conditions, and for sincerely held religious beliefs, in the application process and in performing the essential functions of the job. To request an accommodation, please contact Human Resources.