Weld Workforce Development Leader

Weld Workforce Development Leader

American Rheinmetall is a leader in the design, development, and production of advanced tracked and wheeled vehicles, vehicle systems, and critical components that support U.S. military modernization. Our expertise spans electronic and mechanical systems, fabricated structures, armored products, rubber solutions, and track systems, delivering reliable innovation to both defense and commercial markets. As part of the global Rheinmetall family, we combine proven heritage with forward-looking technology to provide solutions that defend and feed the world. Job Summary: The Weld Workforce Development Leader is responsible for owning, developing, and continuously improving the weld training program across all American Rheinmetall facilities. This role ensures the delivery of a structured, effective, and scalable weld training program that produces highly skilled, production-ready welders. This position goes beyond training and is accountable for improving welder performance, engagement, and retention. The role partners cross-functionally with Production, Quality, Engineering, and Human Resources to align training with operational needs and business objectives. Essential Functions: Leadership & Program Ownership

• Own and continuously improve the Welder Development Program (WDP) to meet production, quality, and business requirements
• Establish standardized training methods, skill progression criteria, and certification requirements across all locations
• Drive measurable improvements in welder retention, engagement, and long-term development
• Ensure alignment between training outcomes and production expectations
• Partner with Production to ensure welders are prepared for real-world job demands
• Collaborate with Quality to align training with weld standards and defect reduction goals
• Work with HR to support onboarding, development, and retention strategies
• Support internal and external audits, including responding to customer training-related requirements
• Assist supervisors, as needed, with certification processes such as overhead crane and forklift training

Team Development and Performance Management

• Deliver and oversee classroom and hands-on welding training across all skill levels
• Train, test, and evaluate welders to ensure readiness for certification and production work
• Provide coaching, feedback, and individualized development plans
• Identify struggling welders early and implement targeted development plans
• Develop training materials, lesson plans, mock-ups, and instructional aids
• Conduct make-up sessions and supplemental training as needed

• Track and report key program metrics, including:
  • Welder progression and certification status
  • Time to competency
  • Retention rates
  • Training effectiveness and production readiness
• Maintain accurate training and certification records in Plex, Socrative, and related systems
• Provide monthly reporting and participate in bi-weekly training meetings
• Identify performance gaps and implement corrective actions

Operations, Compliance & Safety

• Maintain training equipment, tools, and supply inventory, including ordering as required
• Ensure training environments are clean, organized, and professional
• Store training aids and materials in approved locations
• Ensure all training activities comply with company policies, procedures, and safety standards

• Maintain required certifications (e.g., CWI) and program compliance requirements
• Promote and enforce safe work practices in both classroom and shop environments
• Ensure all trainees follow established policies, procedures, and safety expectations
• Conduct required evaluations, including annual welder eye exams

Education & Experience:

• High school diploma or G.E.D. required
• Minimum of 5 years of welding experience in a production and/or training environment
• Experience in training, coaching, or developing employees preferred

Certifications

• Active Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) required
  • Lapsed certifications must be reinstated within 90 days of hire
• Certified Welding Educator (CWE) preferred; required within 12–18 months of hire
• Must maintain all required certifications in accordance with company and industry standards

Background Prerequisites:Must undergo and meet company standards for background check, employment verification, reference checks, physical, and controlled substance testing. Preferred Qualifications:

• Certified Welding Educator (CWE) or demonstrated experience developing structured training programs
• Experience building, improving, or scaling a workforce development or training program in a manufacturing environment
• Strong understanding of production welding challenges, including variability, throughput, and real-world application of weld standards
• Proven ability to coach, mentor, and develop employees across varying skill levels, including entry-level and experienced welders
• Experience identifying performance gaps and implementing targeted development plans to improve skill and retention
• Experience improving employee retention or training effectiveness metrics within a manufacturing environment
• Familiarity with regulated manufacturing environments (AS9100, ISO14001, or similar)
• Experience using ERP or training tracking systems (Plex, Socrative, or similar) to manage workforce development and certification tracking
• Demonstrated ability to work cross-functionally with Production, Quality, and HR to drive alignment and results
• Strong communication skills with the ability to engage both shop floor employees and leadership
• Experience supporting customer or third-party audits related to welding or training programs

Performance Expectations:Success in this role will be demonstrated through:

• Improved welder retention and engagement across all locations
• Reduced time to competency and increased effectiveness of the Welder Development Program (WDP)
• Consistent training standards and delivery across all facilities
• Improved weld quality and reduction in training-related defects
• Strong alignment between training outcomes and production needs
• Positive feedback from welders, supervisors, and cross-functional partners

Working Conditions and Physical DemandsWith or without reasonable accommodation, the employee must be able to perform all essential job functions.Work Environment

• Combination of classroom, office, and manufacturing/shop floor environments
• Exposure to shop conditions including noise, heat, fumes, and welding operations
• Close proximity to moving equipment and other personnel
• Required use of personal protective equipment (PPE) in designated areas

Travel & Schedule Requirements

• Occasional travel to other American Rheinmetall facilities
• Ability to work across multiple shifts (days and nights) to support training and evaluation needs as needed.

Physical Requirements

• Frequent standing and walking
• Occasional Sitting
• Occasional bending, stooping, and reaching
• Occasional repetitive motion
• Occasional lifting up to 25 pounds

Additional Physical Considerations

• Ability to demonstrate welding techniques and operate related equipment
• Ability to move between classroom and shop environments throughout the workday
• Ability to maintain focus and awareness in a dynamic manufacturing environment

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:American Rheinmetall provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sex (including pregnancy), gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or marital status, in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including, but not limited to, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

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