Boilermaker Welder - Chicago

Boilermaker Welder - Chicago

Chicago, United States

Company
Amtrak
Location
Chicago, IL
Job Type
Full-time
Posted
6 days ago
Via
via Lensa

Job Description
Your success is a train ride away!

As we move America's workforce toward the future, Amtrak connects businesses and communities across the country. We employ more than 20,000 diverse, energetic professionals in a variety of career fields throughout the United States. The safety of our passengers, our employees, the public and our operating environment is our priority, and the success of our railroad is due to our employees.

Are you ready to join our team?

Our values of 'Do the Right Thing, Excel Together and Put Customers First' are at the heart of what matters most to us, and our Core Capabilities, 'Building Trust, Accountability, Effective Communication, Customer Focus, and Proactive Safety & Security' are what every employee needs to know and do to be most impactful at Amtrak. By living the Amtrak values, focusing on our capabilities, and actively embracing and fostering diverse ideas, backgrounds, and perspectives, together we will honor our past and make Amtrak a company of the future.

Job Summary

Responsible for metal fabrication and welding of rolling stock equipment and components in accordance with AWS D15.1, FRA and Amtrak standards and guidelines.

Essential Functions
• Conducts shielded metal arc or gas metal arc welding processes with low carbon steel, medium carbon steel, stainless steel and aluminum
• Performs maintenance in accordance with AWS and 49CFR regulations and Amtrak standards.
• Fabricates fitting of weldments or pieces to be welded with metal machinery such as shear, brake, roll, ironworker, drill press, radiac saw, band saw, used for cutting, bending, drilling, shaping, rolling and punching
• Performs various welding operations and thermal cutting to include: SMAW, GMAW, GTAW, oxy/acetylene cutting, plasma arc cutting and carbon arc gouging
• Welds with 4' X 8' plate ranging from one-eighth to unlimited thickness
• Welds with stock to include I-beam, channel, square tubing, angle iron, flat bar, round stock of various sizes. Uses electric and pneumatic grinders, drills, and small tools
• Performs truck and bolster repair, side frames, gear pans, cut levers, coupler repair, draft gear wear plates
• Uses overhead cranes for lifting of metal plates and structural steel
• Reads blueprints and drawings and works from design and layout of templates and fixtures
• Maintains proper care and use of materials, test equipment, machines and hand tools normally associated with assigned job
Minimum Qualifications
• High School Diploma or GED
• Experience in heavy welding and metal fabrication Must successfully complete training and attain/retain certification applicable to assigned job
• Knowledge of crane operations, power tool usage, machine operations ( shear brake, ironworker and radial saws), hydraulic equipment operation, and electric, air and battery operated drills
• Knowledge and skill in the use of electrical tools, equipment and the measurements necessary to meet established standards
• Skill in thermal cutting - oxy/acetylene, plasma, carbon arc, tig, stick, mig welding, chain & sling - rigging equipment
• Experience in metal identification, test equipment operation, blue print analysis and equipment assembly
• Ability to read, write and communicate proficiently
• Some computer skills
Preferred Qualifications
• Completion of technical school or apprenticeship program
• Experience in the maintenance of railroad equipment
Communications and Interpersonal Skills
• Must have excellent written and oral communication skills

The hourly range is $35.87 - $37.87 (with opportunity for increases, as per the applicable collective bargaining agreement, after beginning employment).

Health and WellbeingFinancial and RetirementWork and Family Life SupportHealth, Dental, and Vision Insurance401K Rail Pass PrivilegesWellness ProgramsRailroad Retirement BenefitsEmployee Assistance ProgramMedical Plan Opt-out CreditLife InsuranceCommuter and Flexible Spending AccountsNo-cost Personal Health AdvocateNo-cost Financial Advisor SessionFertility and Family Building Benefits

Some benefits are subject to the collective bargaining agreement. Learn more about our benefits offerings here.

Requisition ID:166506
Posting Location(s):Illinois

Relocation Offered:No
Travel Requirements:Up to 25%

You power our progress through your performance.

We want your work at Amtrak to be more than a job. We want your career at Amtrak to be a fulfilling experience where you find challenging work, rewarding opportunities, respect among colleagues, and attractive compensation. Amtrak maintains a culture that values high performance and recognizes individual employee contributions.

Amtrak is committed to a safe workplace free of drugs and alcohol. All Amtrak positions requires a pre-employment background check that includes prior employment verification, a criminal history check and a pre-employment drug screen.

Candidates who test positive for marijuana will be disqualified, regardless of any state or local statute, ordinance, regulation, or other law that legalizes or decriminalizes the use or possession of marijuana, whether for medical, recreational, or other use. Amtrak's pre-employment drug testing program is administered in accordance with DOT regulations and applicable law.

In accordance with DOT regulations (49 CFR § 40.25), Amtrak is required to obtain prior drug and alcohol testing records for applicants/employees intending to perform safety-sensitive duties for covered Department of Transportation positions. If an applicant/employee refuses to provide written consent for Amtrak to obtain these records, the individual will not be permitted to perform safety-sensitive functions.

In accordance with federal law governing security checks of covered individuals for providers of public transportation (Title 6 U.S.C. §1143), Amtrak is required to screen applicants for any permanent or interim disqualifying criminal offenses.

Note that any education requirement listed above may be deemed satisfied if you have an equivalent combination of education, training and experience.

Amtrak is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race/color, to include traits historically associated with race, including but not limited to, hair texture and hairstyles such as braids, locks and twists, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth and related conditions, such as lactation), national origin/ethnicity, disability (intellectual, mental and physical), veteran status, marital status, ancestry, sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression, genetic information, citizenship or any other personal characteristics protected by law.
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Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers about Welder Jobs in United States

Q What is the median annual salary for welder jobs in the United States in 2026?
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for welders, cutters, solderers, and brazers is projected at $51,200 in 2026 based on May 2023 data of $48,290 adjusted for 2% annual wage growth through 2033. Entry-level welders earn $39,600 annually (10th percentile), while experienced ones earn up to $68,500 (90th percentile). Overtime pay at 1.5 times the regular rate adds an average of $5,000 yearly.
Q What visa is required for foreign nationals to work as welders in the United States in 2026?
Foreign welders typically qualify for H-2B temporary non-agricultural worker visas, with a FY2026 cap of 68,500 visas plus up to 64,000 supplemental, processed starting October 1, 2025. Employers must file Form I-129 at least 75 days before need, proving no US workers available. Visa valid up to 12 months, extendable to 3 years maximum.
Q What education and experience are required to become a welder in the United States?
A high school diploma or GED is the minimum education requirement, with most employers requiring completion of a 6-month to 1-year vocational training program or apprenticeship. Entry-level positions need no prior experience, but 1-2 years of on-the-job training is standard for certification. Associate degrees in welding technology improve hiring chances by 25%.
Q What documents are needed to apply for welder apprenticeship programs in the US?
Required documents include a high school diploma or GED, proof of US work authorization (SSN or I-9 eligible), resume listing any vocational training, and birth certificate or passport for age verification (minimum 16-18 years). Safety eyewear and basic tools may be needed at orientation. Applications are submitted via state apprenticeship agencies by December 31 for January starts.
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