Job Description

Overview

The Entry-Level Laser Welder operates handheld and robotic laser welding equipment to join metal components according to production specifications and quality standards. This position is designed for individuals interested in developing welding skills in a manufacturing environment.

Responsibilities

  • Operate handheld and robotic laser welding equipment in accordance with established training and production procedures.
  • Learn proper equipment setup, operation, and adjustment.
  • Join metal components according to work instructions and production specifications.
  • Inspect completed welds for consistency, accuracy, and visible defects.
  • Learn to identify different metal materials and understand basic welding requirements.
  • Read and follow work orders, production instructions, and technical drawings as applicable.
  • Maintain production quality and efficiency standards.
  • Follow all laser equipment safety procedures and wear required personal protective equipment (PPE).
  • Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work area.
  • Report equipment malfunctions, material defects, and production concerns to the supervisor.
  • Work collaboratively with team members and other departments.

Requirements

  • No previous welding or laser welding experience required.
  • Willingness to learn laser welding equipment and manufacturing processes.
  • Ability to follow written and verbal instructions.
  • Strong attention to detail and good hand-eye coordination.
  • Basic mechanical aptitude and willingness to learn equipment operation.
  • Previous welding or metal fabrication experience is a plus.
  • Ability to read and interpret blueprints is a plus.
  • Previous manufacturing experience is preferred but not required.
  • Ability to stand for extended periods.
  • Ability to frequently use hands and fingers to operate equipment and handle materials.
  • Ability to lift and carry materials weighing up to 50 pounds, with or without reasonable accommodation.
  • Ability to bend, reach, twist, and move throughout the production area.
  • Ability to wear required safety equipment, including appropriate laser-specific eye protection and other personal protective equipment.

Additional Information

  • This position operates in a manufacturing and metal fabrication environment.
  • Employees may be exposed to noise, moving machinery, metal materials, laser equipment, and varying temperatures.
  • Employees must follow all established safety procedures and wear required protective equipment at all times.

How this job compares in Chester, VA

Pay in context

This employer didn't publish a rate. For reference, welding jobs across Virginia currently run a median of $31/hr in our index, with the middle half of them falling between $25–$41/hr across 95 postings with published pay. That median is a reasonable floor to anchor on when a recruiter asks what you're looking for.

The local market in Chester, VA

Chester, VA is a small market in our index: 2 other active welding openings alongside this one, from 2 employers. Across Virginia as a whole we're tracking 163 other active welding openings from 82 employers. With this few local postings, most welders here end up either commuting or looking at travel work. Browse welding jobs across Virginia.

The most active employers in Virginia at the moment, by number of open welding reqs, are Innovative Refrigeration Systems, Inc. (14), General Dynamics NASSCO (10), and Atlantic Constructors, Inc. (8). Volume like that usually means either a genuine expansion or a staffing agency working several client sites — worth knowing which before you apply.

Within Virginia, the best-paying metros we track by median hourly rate are Newport News at $40/hr, Norfolk at $30/hr, and Chesapeake at $27/hr. If you can relocate or commute, that spread is worth factoring in.

Similar openings near Chester, VA

Pay figures are medians computed from live postings in the Welding Pros index, not from survey data, and they move as employers post. LASER WELDER – ENTRY LEVEL figures were last recalculated when this page was built.