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Work at AWS

Interested in a career that will help move the welding industry forward? You’ve come to the right place.

AWS named Top Work Places 2025 by the SunSentinel

A World of Opportunity

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A World of Opportunity

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At the American Welding Society, you’ll find purpose-driven work that helps protect and improve lives. Together, we can move toward our vision of creating the top global resource for empowering welding professionals. We believe in our staff. That’s why we offer holistic benefits and unwavering support throughout their careers.
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RECOGNITION & AWARDS

We're proud to be recognized for our commitment to excellence as a Top Workplace by the South Florida Sun Sentinel. These awards are a reflection of the employee experience at AWS and, based on staff feedback, they recognize the culture, values, and mission that bring our team together.




 

WHY WORK AT AWS

Best in Class Benefits


At the American Welding Society, we recognize that our success as an organization begins and ends with our employees. We are committed to offering a superior benefits package designed to attract and retain the best talent in the industry. Our offerings are designed to provide employees and their families with financial protection and peace of mind, whether they are at home, at work, or on vacation.

AWS stands out in the market by offering benefits that exceed industry benchmarks, reflecting our commitment to supporting our team at the highest level. Our benefits package prioritizes employee well-being, financial security, and career growth, and demonstrates a strategic approach to attracting and retaining top talent. By exceeding market standards in these areas, AWS reinforces its commitment to employee satisfaction and long-term success, aligned with our mission to foster a thriving and motivated workforce.

Our current benefits include group health, dental, vision, disability, life insurance, an employee assistance program, tuition assistance, and voluntary insurance options. In addition, AWS offers a retirement plan with a generous employer match of up to 4% and an additional discretionary employer contribution.

  • Compensation and Gainshare  Compensation and Gainshare

    Compensation is commensurate with similar organizations in the area and in the industry. AWS reviews its compensation practices regularly to ensure that salaries remain competitive. Depending on company and individual performance, employees may receive supplemental gainshare compensation each calendar year towards the end of the first quarter.

  • Health/Dental/Vision/Life & Disability insurance  Health/Dental/Vision/Life & Disability insurance

    First day of the month, following thirty days after being hired AWS provides group health, dental, vision, basic life, Short Term and LTD insurance, EAP, Worksite and Pet Insurance to full-time employees. Our HR Department works hard to ensure that we have top-of-the-line benefits at reasonable costs to each employee.

  • Retirement Savings  Retirement Savings

    No matter what age you are when you begin your AWS career, it’s important to start planning for retirement. Immediately upon starting at AWS, employees who work a minimum of 30 hours per week are eligible to participate in the organization’s 403(B) Plan. AWS matches up to 4% for every dollar the employee contributes to the AWS 403(B) retirement plan. In addition, AWS may, at its own discretion contribute up to an additional 4 %discretionary contribution.

  • Tuition Assistance  Tuition Assistance

    AWS provides tuition assistance to all full-time eligible employees who have completed one (1) year of service.

  • Flexible Hybrid Schedule  Flexible Hybrid Schedule

    Alternative work arrangements can benefit the individual's employee and personal life balance. AWS is currently working in a hybrid model. 

  • PTO  PTO

    While we work hard, AWS recognizes that we are more than our day jobs. Therefore, all employees receive the following paid time off benefits per calendar year; prorated for those who start after January: Vacation, Sick Time, Personal Days, and Holidays among others.

  • Professional Development  Professional Development

    Professional Development: We truly believe in the value of continuing education for all our staff members. AWS invests in its staff’s professional development by providing tuition reimbursement, educational webinars as well as learning platforms such as LinkedIn Learning.

    Leadership Development: AWS believes in developing a strong leadership succession plan. In addition to professional development, we also provide leadership development and coaching opportunities.

  • Getting Hired: What To Expect  Getting Hired: What To Expect

    References/Background Check: All offers of employment at AWS are contingent upon satisfactory results of a thorough background check. Background checks will be conducted on all newly hired staff members and on all employees who are promoted, as deemed necessary.

    Drug-Free Workplace Policy: AWS is a Drug-Free workplace. As such, you will be asked to go through a pre-employment drug screening process. This offer is contingent upon the results of a successful drug screening process. AWS complies with Federal and States regulations with this regard.

    E-Verify: As a condition of employment and in compliance with the Immigration Reform and Control Act, AWS participates in E-Verify. Within the first three days of your employment, you will need to provide documentary proof that you are eligible to work in the United States. To satisfy that requirement, you will need to present approved documents that establish your eligibility to work.

    Equal Opportunity: AWS is an equal opportunity employer and prohibits all forms of illegal discrimination and harassment of any kind. AWS is committed to the principle of equal employment opportunity for all employees and to providing employees with a work environment free of discrimination and harassment. All employment decisions at AWS are based on legitimate non-discriminatory factors such as business needs, job requirements and individual qualifications, without regard to race, color, religion or belief, national, social or ethnic origin, sex (including pregnancy), age, physical, mental or sensory disability, HIV Status, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, marital, civil union or domestic partnership status, past or present military service, family medical history or genetic information, family or parental status, or any other status protected by the laws or regulations in the locations where we operate.

WHO WE LOOK FOR

Lifelong Learners

WHO WE LOOK FOR

Lifelong Learners

Lifelong Learners

We’re looking for lifelong learners who are curious, driven, and committed to continuous improvement. At the American Welding Society, we value people who see growth as a constant and take pride in building skills that make an impact.

We believe great teams are built by individuals who see every challenge as an opportunity to improve.

Our members take pride in their work. There’s no other career they’d imagine having—especially knowing they impact every facet of modern life, from transportation to construction.

When you join AWS, you’re dedicated to supporting the people, careers, and technologies that move our industry forward.

Lifelong Learners

Innovators and Doers

Innovators and Doers

Innovators and Doers

We create the standards, certifications, and educational programs that allow our members to learn, develop, and grow.

At AWS, you’ll work alongside highly talented, collaborative, and creative people. All of us strive to be the best for one another and our community.

Innovators and Doers

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Heart First

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We’re loyal, dedicated, and treat each other with respect and kindness. We work hard — and have fun. We believe in giving back.

Investing in the future of welding through scholarships, grants, and development programs is at the heart of what we do.

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FROM OUR CEO

Carey Chen
Carey Chen
Executive Director & CEO

Thank you for considering a career with the American Welding Society.

For me, AWS is more than an organization—it's a lifelong passion and calling. I've had the privilege of serving this community for decades, first as a member and volunteer, and now as Executive Director and CEO. Throughout that journey, one truth has remained constant: AWS is a place where purpose meets possibility.

Born from a national need during World War I, AWS has grown into a global leader in welding standards, certification, education, and workforce development. Our work supports critical sectors including construction, manufacturing, energy, aerospace, and transportation.

What truly powers AWS is our people. Our team is driven by purpose, fueled by collaboration, and united by a shared commitment to excellence. I’m especially proud that AWS was recently recognized as a Top Workplace by the SunSentinel—a testament to the culture of respect, integrity, and purpose we have cultivated together. We know that meaningful work is just one part of a fulfilling career. That is why we invest in our employees with a competitive and comprehensive benefits package and a workplace culture that values widespread respect for people, customer success, and uncompromising integrity.

If you are looking to be part of something bigger—to make a lasting impact— we look forward to hearing from you.

Warm regards,

Carey Chen Executive Director & CEO American Welding Society EXPLORE JOBS



American Welding Society Senior Leadership

Carey Chen

Carey Chen

Executive Director & CEO

Carey Chen has served as Executive Director and CEO of AWS since January 2025. Prior to joining AWS...

Gesana Villegas

Gesana Villegas

CFO/CAO

Gesana Villegas is the Chief Financial Officer and Chief Administrative Officer at the AWS where she leads...

Tatiana Milan

Tatiana Milan

Chief People Officer, Human Resources

Tatiana Milan is the Chief People Officer at the AWS, where she leads strategic and operational HR activities...

Monica Pfarr

Monica Pfarr

Executive Director, AWS Foundation

Monica Pfarr is the Executive Director of the AWS Foundation, a position she has held since 2017. Prior to this role...

Richard L. Arn

Richard L. Arn

VP Welding and Technology

Richard L. Arn is the Vice President of Welding and Technology at the AWS, where he oversees...

Cassie Burrell

Cassie Burrell

VP Marketing, Strategy, and Communications

Cassie Burrell is the Vice President of Marketing, Communications, and Strategy at the AWS, where she leads...

John Perry

John Perry

VP Operations and Membership

John Perry is the Vice President of Operations and Membership at the AWS, where he focuses on...

Annette Alonso

Annette Alonso

Managing Director, Publishing

Annette Alonso serves as Managing Director of Publishing at the American Welding Society, where she leads...

Alicia Garcia

Alicia Garcia

Managing Director, Education & Training

Alicia Garcia is the Managing Director of Education & Training at the AWS, where she focuses on aligning educational...

Matthew Rubin

Matthew Rubin

Managing Director, Expositions & Sales

Matt Rubin is the Managing Director of Sales and Expositions at the AWS, where he leads the strategic direction...

 

Join a mission-driven team shaping the future of welding and workforce excellence

BUILT YOUR FUTURE AT AWS

At AWS, you’ll grow your career while contributing to a global organization that advances welding education, standards, and innovation.