MANUFACTURING SKILLS INSTR - Paul Mueller Company - Springfield, MO

The Manufacturing Skills Instructor delivers structured technical training and performs operator qualification activities across welding, grinding and metal finishing processes. This role executes curriculum and ensures consistent, standardized training delivery through the in-house skills lab classroom and laboratories.

The position is responsible for delivering regularly scheduled and specially requested training sessions, as well as performing on-demand welder qualification testing for candidates, current coworkers, and contractors. This role functions as a primary training delivery resource and qualification authority.

Essential Job Functions

• Deliver structured technical training through the skills lab classroom and laboratories.
• Conduct regularly scheduled and specially requested training sessions in alignment with established curriculum.
• Provide hands-on instructions to develop operator competency in welding, grinding and metal finishing processes.
• Perform on-demand welder qualification testing and certification for candidates, current coworkers, and contractors.
• Evaluate weld test results in accordance with applicable codes, standards, and company procedures.
• Issue and accurately log qualification results in the Quality Manual System weld and grind test tool..
• Execute training materials, assessments, and procedures as defined by curriculum ownership.
• Ensure training and qualification activities are conducted safely and consistently within the skills lab environment.
• Maintain training records, qualification logs, and documentation in support of compliance requirements.
• Support production by observing operations to ensure training remains relevant and aligned with manufacturing needs.
• Serve as a technical resource for basic troubleshooting and process clarification.
• Assist in identifying training gaps based on operator performance and production feedback.
• Maintain technical proficiency through ongoing engagement with shop-floor welding and metal finishing operations.
• Coordinate training and qualification activities with production leadership to support operational needs.
• Foster a positive learning environment that encourages engagement, accountability, and continuous improvement. 
• Collaborate with peers of new coworkers onboarding as well as the operations support team frequently to ensure success of training programs.     
• Travel to the other facilities as needed to support the team and processes. 

• Valid driver’s license.
• Regular, in-person attendance due to necessary teamwork and personal interactive nature of this position.
• Perform other duties as required and assigned.
• Ability to take initiative to develop new strategies and outside-the-box ideas.
• Ability to efficiently utilize Microsoft Office.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities (Competencies)

• Working knowledge of welding, grinding and metal finishing processes.
• Ability to deliver structured technical instruction.
• Strong communication skills for classroom and shop-floor interaction.
• Ability to interpret mechanical drawings and technical specifications.
• Familiarity with applicable codes and standards (ASME, AWS, etc.).
• Ability to perform welder qualification testing and certification activities.
• Basic understanding of Lean manufacturing principles.
• Ability to maintain credibility through hands-on technical competence.
• Knowledge of safe materials handling practices including crane operations and forklift usage.
• Strong ability to deliver structured training to coworkers in a clear and consistent manner
• Ability to evaluate coworker competency and identify performance gaps.

Education and Experience

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Minimum of five (5) years of manufacturing experience preferred.
• AWS Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) and/or Certified Welding Educator (CWE) required or ability to obtain within first year of employment.  
• Must maintain CWI/CWE certification throughout tenure.
• Lean Six Sigma White Belt or Yellow Belt required or ability to obtain within first year via company training.
• OSHA or prior safety training experience preferred. 

Base Compensation Range: $59,159 - $88,739 annually

Variable Compensation Range: Incentive bonus eligibility up to 12% of gross annual salary base on company performance.

 Health and Ancillary Benefit Overview: 

• Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance with low employee premiums
• Free off-site medical clinic
• Company paid Life Insurance & Short-Term Disability
• 401k - Employer match of up to 4.0% for coworker contributions of 8.0% or more
• Company covers tuition costs up to $5,250.00 annually, contingent on course completion and grades
• Paid Time Off and Sick, Family & Parental Paid Time Off
• Ten (10) Paid Holidays
• Four-day work weeks, varied shifts, and flexible remote work options depending on position  
• Career progression program for advancement
• Free in-house welding, grinding & machine operation school  
• In-house training program

 Working Conditions

Manufacturing shop environment. Exposure to conditions, such as: dust, fumes, noise and high-degree varying seasonal temperatures. Machinery with energy sources including electrical, mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic, chemical, or other energy.

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Applicants for Paul Mueller Company must be legally authorized to work in the United States. Verification of employment eligibility will be required at the time of hire. Paul Mueller Company is committed to Equal Employment Opportunity and providing reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities. EEO Employer/Disabled/Protected Veteran If you are interested in applying and need assistance or have questions, please call 417-575-9000.