Pre-Apprentice Welder

About the role

Mueller Water Products is the nation's leading manufacturer of flow control devices for the water and gas distribution industries and has an immediate opening for a Pre-Apprentice Welder in our newest Kimball, TN facility. For over 170 years MWP's manufacturing commitment has ensured one of the world's most precious resources, clean drinking water, reaches millions of people daily. Come be a part of something that sustains and enriches the lives of every human being.

About the role

Mueller's manufacturing commitment ensures one of the world's most precious resources, clean drinking water, reaches millions of people daily. Come be a part of something that sustains and enriches the lives of every human being. As a Pre-Apprentice Welder, you will learn in coordination with partnering high school instruction to assist Welders in fabrication and welding.

Primary Responsibilities

• Completed required training and coursework in accordance with standards set by partnering high school as part of the Pre-Apprentice Program prior to beginning on-the-job training hours with Mueller.
• Obtain the basic ability to read blueprints, understand weld symbols, weld procedures, engineering plans, material documents, specifications, reference planes, and locations of surfaces.
• Assist under the direction and observation of qualified Welder in full-cycle fabrication processes.
• Assist in verifying parts match work orders on the BOM (Bill of Materials).
• Under the direction of a qualified Welder, the pre-apprentice welder will need to be able to maintain specifications by observing drilling, grooving, and cutting, welding, taking measurements, detecting malfunctions, checking weld machine parameters, and adhering to quality assurance procedures and processes.
• Develop skills in welding and fabrication
• Signals issues or irregularities to the appropriate Welder, team lead, or supervisor.
• Develop a comprehension of the process of documentation as a Welder by completing production and quality logs.
• Assist in keeping the work area and department clean and organized.
• Maintains safe operations by adhering to safety procedures and regulations. Also, flags any equipment or safety issues to lead, supervisors, maintenance, or EHS teams utilizing "Stop, Call, Wait" procedure.

Required Skills

• Strong personal commitment to maintaining appropriate safety standards.
• Basic math skills with the ability to understand measuring/measurement concepts and their applications.
• Familiarity with basic hand tools such as impact drivers, adjustable wrenches, pry bars, channel lock pliers, dial calipers, screwdrivers, dial calipers, torque wrenches, etc.
• Ability to read and use micrometer calipers and other measuring devices.

Required Education/Experience

• Currently enrolled in High School Manufacturing Practicum, with at least a junior standing.
• Considered to be in good academic standing with hosting high school.
• Must be registered with the appropriate state entity as a registered Pre-Apprentice.
• Must have successfully completed school-sponsored OSHA 10 safety certificate.
• Must be at least 16 years of age or older.

Other Requirements and Restrictions

• Pre-Apprentice will only work during standard business hours of M-F unless otherwise defined.
• Pre-Apprentices will not work more than 20 hours per week during their defined school term unless otherwise defined.
• Pre-Apprentices will only operate machinery under the direct and close supervision of a qualified and experienced person.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), including, but not limited to, safety glasses, steel-toed or metatarsal-guarded shoes, and/or earplugs, while working in an industrial and/or manufacturing environment.
• Welders are also expected to wear fresh air welding hoods, flame resistant clothing, and any protection necessary for a weld job.
• Ability to use hands to handle, feel, or manipulate objects with fingers.
• Ability to frequently sit, stand, walk, reach within hand's and/or arm's length.
• Ability to frequently stoop, kneel, and crouch.
• Ability to occasionally reach overhead or at or below shoulder level.
• Ability to ascend or descend ladders or steps in confined spaces, as required by work area.
• Ability to lift, carry, push, pull, or move objects between 25 and 50 pounds in all directions.
• Ability to remain in stationary or standing position for prolonged periods and to alternate between positions as necessary.
• Ability to repeat gross or fine manipulation that may include the use of wrists, hands, and/or fingers.
• Ability to perform close visual inspections of products, which may include specific vision requirements.
• Ability to work in an open warehouse environment, subject to seasonal weather (hot/cold).

Other Compensation & Benefits

Mueller offers an excellent salary and benefits package. Current benefit offerings include medical, dental, and vision insurance, 401k plan with 5% Company match, Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP), short-term and long-term disability benefits, vacation, 100% paid parental leave, tuition reimbursement program, student debt retirement matching, well-being program, Employee Assistance Program (EAP), company-provided life insurance, supplemental insurance at group rates, and more.