Weld Workforce Development Leader

American Rheinmetall

Job Location:

Lansing, IL - USA

Monthly Salary: Not Disclosed

Posted on: 13 hours ago

Vacancies: 1 Vacancy

Job Summary

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 1218 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 Demands

With 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.