Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Accomplishments
Certification
Timeline
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Kara Fry

Kara Fry

Welder
Ephrata,PA

Summary

Structural welding professional with proven track record in delivering precise welds on large-scale construction projects. Known for collaborating effectively with team members and adapting to changing project requirements. Reliable and skilled in interpreting blueprints and maintaining welding equipment.

Overview

6
6
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Structural Welder

MGS Mfg. Group
08.2024 - Current
  • Removed excess slag with arc-cutting, grinding, and using other equipment.
  • Used MIG and TIG welding on structural supports.
  • Prepared welding equipment to perform advanced welding work.
  • Welded, cut and bent steel as necessary with torches, metal shears, and welding equipment.
  • Demonstrated adaptability by successfully completing challenging projects that required diverse welding methods and materials expertise.
  • Kept work area clean and organized.
  • Reduced project completion times through efficient planning and prioritization of welding tasks.
  • Ensured safety compliance by strictly adhering to OSHA regulations during all welding activities.
  • Chipped away debris and thick crusts of rust, slag, and other materials to ready surfaces for welding.
  • Expanded skill set through continuous learning and training, staying up-to-date on industry advancements and best practices.
  • Worked correctly with each material such as steel or aluminum.
  • Analyzed specifications and blueprints and suggested quantities, types and sizes of materials required per job allocation.
  • Inserted sealing strips, wiring and insulating material, as called for in blueprints.
  • Followed safety guidelines to fasten structural steel members and hoisted cables, chains and rope.

Fabrication Welder

Utilimaster
08.2023 - 08.2024
  • Measured and cut metal pieces to correct length and angle to attain proper fit and alignment of pieces.
  • Maintained high-quality workmanship through consistent attention to detail and adherence to specifications.
  • Maintained clean and organized work area to prevent workplace accidents.
  • Read and followed blueprints and weld diagrams.
  • Utilized various tools, such as grinders and cutting torches, for proper preparation of materials prior to welding processes.
  • Collaborated with team members to streamline workflow and increase overall project efficiency.
  • Documented welding on specified work order.
  • Adapted quickly to new welding technologies and materials, keeping company at forefront of industry advancements.
  • Custom-built specialized welding fixtures to improve project efficiency and accuracy.
  • Increased workshop efficiency, organizing supplies and tools for easy access and reduced setup times.
  • Enhanced project visual appeal, applying advanced finishing techniques for aesthetic welds.
  • Conducted thorough inspections of welds to ensure compliance with industry standards and project specifications.
  • Customized welding solutions for unique client requirements, enhancing customer satisfaction and repeat business.
  • Bolted, clamped and tack-welded parts to secure components prior to welding.
  • Maintained safety by wearing protective equipment, staying alert and following procedures.
  • Welded various connections with high-quality final results.
  • Cleaned material surfaces to remove dirt or excess acid using chemical solutions, wire brushes and grinders.
  • Prepared for assembly by positioning, aligning and securing parts using tools such as jigs and vises.
  • Welded metal components in vertical, overhead and flat positions.
  • Enhanced workshop safety by consistently adhering to all health and safety protocols during welding tasks.
  • Fostered culture of continuous improvement, suggesting and implementing process optimizations that enhanced overall workshop productivity.
  • Streamlined welding processes, reducing project completion times through implementation of efficient welding strategies.
  • Enhanced team skill levels by sharing expert knowledge and techniques in welding and fabrication practices.

Structural Welder

High Steel
02.2022 - 08.2023
  • Removed excess slag with arc-cutting, grinding, and using other equipment.
  • Used Flux & Solid Core MIG and Stick welding on structural supports.
  • Prepared welding equipment to perform advanced welding work.
  • Demonstrated adaptability by successfully completing challenging projects that required diverse welding methods and materials expertise.
  • Reduced project completion times through efficient planning and prioritization of welding tasks.
  • Ensured safety compliance by strictly adhering to OSHA regulations during all welding activities.
  • Enhanced structural integrity by executing precise welding techniques on various materials.
  • Chipped away debris and thick crusts of rust, slag, and other materials to ready surfaces for welding.
  • Consistently met production targets without sacrificing craftsmanship or safety standards by balancing speed with precision in every task.
  • Expanded skill set through continuous learning and training, staying up-to-date on industry advancements and best practices.
  • Completed complex welding assignments under tight deadlines without compromising safety or workmanship standards.
  • Tested welding and safety equipment to check performance.
  • Increased overall project quality with meticulous attention to detail in weld alignment and configuration.
  • Contributed to a reduction in rework costs by consistently delivering accurate welds that met or exceeded industry standards.
  • Maintained full set of personal tools to use on jobs.
  • Worked correctly with each material such as steel.
  • Utilized advanced blueprint reading skills for accurately interpreting project requirements prior to commencing work.
  • Supported a positive work environment through active participation in safety meetings, training sessions, and team-building activities.
  • Calibrated flow and pressure settings to build and maintain flames.
  • Streamlined fabrication processes through effective communication with design teams, providing feedback on potential improvements related to weldability concerns.
  • Streamlined repair processes, diagnosing structural weaknesses and applying corrective welding techniques promptly.
  • Ensured structural integrity for new construction projects by performing precise welds according to engineering specifications.
  • Improved structural resilience of buildings, applying expert welding techniques to critical load-bearing components.
  • Delivered durable and aesthetically pleasing weld finishes by mastering variety of welding techniques and materials.
  • Reduced downtime on job site, maintaining welding equipment in optimal condition and ready for immediate use.
  • Enhanced safety on job site, rigorously adhering to all OSHA standards and company safety protocols during welding operations.
  • Strengthened client satisfaction with ability to interpret complex blueprints and execute welding tasks to specifications.
  • Implemented safety protocols, significantly reducing workplace accidents.
  • Assisted in development of welding apprenticeship program, mentoring new welders and guiding them through hands-on training.
  • Played key role in completing challenging projects on time by working flexible hours and adapting to changing site conditions.
  • Used appropriate safety measures and encouraged other team members to do same in effort to avoid job site injuries.
  • Aligned structural steel members to rivet, bolt and weld permanently into place.
  • Followed safety guidelines to fasten structural steel members and hoisted cables, chains and rope.
  • Inspected projects, identified issues that occurred and implemented corrective measures.
  • Reviewed work plans and blueprints to ascertain all requirements for project.
  • Inserted sealing strips, wiring and insulating material, as called for in blueprints.
  • Coordinated with crane or signaled equipment operators to lift and position structural steel members and hoist beams, girders, and columns to correct positions.
  • Hoisted metal components into place, safely operating cranes during process.

TIG Stainless Steel & Aluminum TIG/Production MIG Welder

Dormakaba USA
10.2022 - 02.2023
  • Reduced project completion time with efficient MIG welding techniques, increasing overall production rate.
  • Ensured workplace safety by following strict guidelines for proper equipment usage and protective gear.
  • Consistently met or exceeded daily production quotas while maintaining a strong focus on quality output at all times.
  • Enhanced team performance through consistent communication and coordination with colleagues, supervisors, and engineers.
  • Skillfully repaired defective welds, maintaining high-quality standards and reducing waste.
  • Adapted quickly to changes in project requirements or deadlines without compromising workmanship or efficiency levels.
  • Collaborated with team members to complete large-scale projects on schedule, maximizing productivity.
  • Continuously upgraded technical knowledge through regular training programs, staying up-to-date on industry best practices.
  • Collaborated closely with engineering departments to address any design discrepancies and ensure accurate weld execution.
  • Demonstrated versatility in handling various types of metals such as aluminum, stainless steel, and carbon steel with precision welding skills.
  • Maintained a clean work environment to prevent accidents, ensuring compliance with OSHA regulations.
  • Improved product quality by consistently maintaining tight weld seams and adhering to welding specifications.
  • Contributed to a positive work culture by actively participating in team meetings, sharing ideas, and providing constructive feedback for continuous improvement.
  • Increased production efficiency by quickly adjusting to new blueprints and designs as needed.
  • Measured parts to check compliance with design documents.
  • Assessed welds for specifications with work orders.
  • Welded metal components in vertical, overhead and flat positions.
  • Cut, grinded and bent edges of materials to be joined for snug fit using power grinders and hand tools.
  • Maintained safety by wearing protective equipment, staying alert and following procedures.
  • Welded various connections with high-quality final results.
  • Bolted, clamped and tack-welded parts to secure components prior to welding.
  • Inspected welds for accuracy and conformance to specifications.
  • Cleaned material surfaces to remove dirt or excess acid using chemical solutions, wire brushes and grinders.
  • Selected and operated shielded metal arc and gas metal arc welding equipment.
  • Inspected pieces for defects, measured, and checked with straightedges or templates for compliance with specifications.

Truss BIM Designer

H. M Stauffer & Sons
06.2022 - 10.2022
  • Managed multiple design projects simultaneously, ensuring timely delivery within budget constraints.
  • Developed innovative design concepts for improved brand recognition and customer engagement.
  • Produced high-quality mockups for client approval during the iterative design process, saving time on revisions later down the line.
  • Presented creative solutions to client challenges, resulting in high levels of client satisfaction and repeat business opportunities.
  • Enhanced user satisfaction with introduction of user-centered design practices.
  • Collaborated with product managers to align design strategies with business goals, significantly increasing market reach.
  • Transformed client ideas into compelling visual concepts, ensuring their vision was accurately brought to life.
  • Identified design requirements for each project.
  • Created sketches and technical drawings to present design concepts to clients.
  • Prepared detailed reports on design progress and performance.
  • Assisted in development of new materials for design projects.
  • Utilized various software programs, creating 3D models of design concepts.

Wood Finisher

Conestoga Wood Specialties Corporation
12.2021 - 07.2022
  • Recognized material deformation such as knots and used appropriate tools to blend surfaces.
  • Increased overall productivity by maintaining a clean and organized work area, setting up equipment, and prepping materials for efficient use.
  • Improved customer satisfaction by consistently delivering high-quality wood finishing work on time.
  • Applied new stain and sanded old stain down to give distressed look to materials.
  • Collaborated with colleagues to complete large-scale projects within tight deadlines.
  • Streamlined workflow processes, increasing productivity through effective task prioritization and planning.
  • Applied filler compound to imperfections or fractures in material to smooth and prepare for finishing.
  • Conducted thorough inspections of completed work to ensure adherence to quality standards set forth by company policies and client expectations.
  • Reduced material waste by accurately measuring and mixing finish materials for optimal application.
  • Increased efficiency in the workplace by implementing proper sanding and finishing techniques.
  • Meticulously matched custom color finishes to meet specific client requirements and expectations.
  • Delivered exceptional results through meticulous attention to detail during every stage of the wood finishing process.
  • Maintained professional relationships with clients, providing them with expert advice on wood care and maintenance procedures after completing projects.
  • Maintained a safe working environment by diligently following safety protocols and guidelines.
  • Studied types of sealant, finish and paint associated with furniture, caskets and other wooden structures.
  • Maximized durability of finished products using high-quality sealants designed for long-lasting protection against wear and tear.
  • Continuously improved skills in woodworking techniques through participation in industry workshops and seminars, keeping up-to-date with evolving trends in the field of wood finishing.
  • Enhanced furniture appearance by skillfully applying wood finishes and stains.
  • Achieved smooth surfaces through precise preparation, including stripping, sanding, filling, and sealing of wood products.
  • Consistently met project deadlines by efficiently managing multiple woodworking tasks simultaneously.
  • Effectively communicated with clients regarding project specifications, ensuring that their vision was executed accurately.
  • Restored antique furniture to its original splendor through careful refinishing techniques.
  • Provided guidance, assistance and training to employees when needed.
  • Reviewed final aspects of finishing for compliance with established standards related to color, textures, metals, exotic woods and aged finishes.
  • Repaired damaged items using different chemicals and tools.
  • Verified finishing met established standards for color, textures, metallic, exotic woods and aged finishes.
  • Produced smooth finishes by removing imperfections before and after applying coats.
  • Protected final finishes by applying lacquers and other sealants.

Large Construction Products Assembler

Husqvarna USA
01.2020 - 12.2021
  • Increased production efficiency by assembling components quickly and accurately.
  • Enhanced workplace safety by maintaining a clean and organized work area at all times.
  • Maintained high-quality standards with thorough inspections of assembled parts.
  • Demonstrated a strong work ethic by consistently arriving on time, prepared to begin work immediately, and contributing positively to the team''s overall success.
  • Assembled components with minimal supervision, exceeding expected project milestones.
  • Collaborated effectively with team members to meet production targets consistently.
  • Demonstrated flexibility in adapting to various types of assemblies, allowing for seamless transition between different projects as needed.
  • Organized workstations to maximize productivity, reduce distractions and meet deadlines.
  • Completed durable assemblies and subassemblies with hand and power tools.
  • Reduced assembly errors by following detailed instructions and blueprints for each project.
  • Collaborated with team members to improve production processes and maintain quality standards.
  • Followed outlined specifications to implement assembly plans.
  • Consistently met or exceeded daily production quotas while maintaining exceptional quality standards in all completed assemblies.
  • Contributed to a positive work environment by offering assistance when needed and maintaining open communication with colleagues.
  • Trained new employees on proper assembly techniques, ensuring quick acclimation to the role and faster overall team results.
  • Established strong relationships with supervisors and managers through consistent communication regarding progress updates, concerns, or areas for potential improvement.
  • Ensured timely order fulfillment with efficient prioritization of tasks for various projects simultaneously.
  • Tested finished products to perform quality assurance and identify discrepancies.
  • Gained expertise in operating multiple types of tools and machinery essential for efficient assembly processes, resulting in increased versatility within the role.
  • Streamlined assembly processes, leading to increased productivity.
  • Maintained high standards of cleanliness and organization, ensuring safe working environment.
  • Contributed to company's reputation for reliability by consistently meeting production deadlines.
  • Facilitated cross-training workshops, enhancing team flexibility and efficiency.
  • Achieved significant reduction in assembly errors by implementing rigorous quality control checks.
  • Maintained clean and safe work environment, adhering to health and safety protocols.
  • Improved assembly line versatility by quickly adapting to new product launches.
  • Streamlined assembly process, significantly reducing time to market for new products.
  • Upheld strict adherence to safety protocols, significantly reducing workplace accidents.
  • Boosted team morale and productivity by supporting new staff in mastering assembly techniques.
  • Enhanced assembly line efficiency by consistently meeting daily production targets.
  • Fostered culture of continuous improvement, suggesting several process enhancements.
  • Improved product quality with meticulous attention to detail during assembly.
  • Enhanced customer satisfaction by ensuring all products met rigorous quality standards.
  • Reduced material waste, carefully following assembly instructions and protocols.
  • Reduced downtime, promptly addressing and resolving equipment malfunctions.
  • Contributed to product development by providing feedback on assembly feasibility and design.
  • Enhanced team collaboration by coordinating assembly tasks and schedules effectively.
  • Optimized workspace organization, leading to safer and more efficient assembly environment.
  • Expedited product delivery to customers by streamlining packing and shipping processes.
  • Completed tasks on time to meet quality and safety standards.
  • Assembled parts correctly according to specifications, reducing quality issues.
  • Trained new assembly personnel on proper use of equipment.
  • Maintained detailed records of production and assembly processes.
  • Utilized blueprints, schematics and diagrams to accurately complete tasks.
  • Coordinated with other departments to complete projects within deadline.
  • Troubleshot and resolved mechanical issues that occurred during assembly.
  • Verified part numbers and placed parts in appropriate shipping containers.
  • Participated in projects requiring assembly of large and small components.
  • Monitored inventory, keeping necessary supplies on hand.
  • Performed daily maintenance and inspection of machinery to drive optimal performance.
  • Assisted in development of new assembly processes.
  • Carried out preventative maintenance, keeping tools and machinery functional.
  • Operated hoists, cranes and other heavy machinery to transport materials and parts.
  • Documented all in-process and out-of-process assembly activities.

Education

Welding Certificate - Welding

Berks Career And Technology Center West
Reading, PA
06-2021

Associate of Arts - Interior Architecture Design

Johnson County Community College
Overland Park, KS
01-2020

Bachelor of Science - Nursing Science

Pennsylvania State University
University Park, PA
05-2008

Skills

  • Carbon steel welding
  • Copper welding
  • Welding safety
  • Overhead welding
  • Teamwork and collaboration
  • Problem-solving
  • Time management
  • Attention to detail
  • Problem-solving abilities
  • Torch cutting
  • Power tool operation
  • Multitasking Abilities

Accomplishments

  • Supervised team of 8 staff members.
  • Resolved product issue through consumer testing.
  • Used Microsoft Excel to develop inventory tracking spreadsheets.
  • Collaborated with team of 10 in the development of creating better jigs for new weld product.

Certification

  • AWS Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) - American Welding Society.
  • Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) 10-Hour Construction Course - OSHA.
  • First Aid/CPR/AED - American Heart Association or American Red Cross.

Timeline

Structural Welder

MGS Mfg. Group
08.2024 - Current

Fabrication Welder

Utilimaster
08.2023 - 08.2024

TIG Stainless Steel & Aluminum TIG/Production MIG Welder

Dormakaba USA
10.2022 - 02.2023

Truss BIM Designer

H. M Stauffer & Sons
06.2022 - 10.2022

Structural Welder

High Steel
02.2022 - 08.2023

Wood Finisher

Conestoga Wood Specialties Corporation
12.2021 - 07.2022

Large Construction Products Assembler

Husqvarna USA
01.2020 - 12.2021

Welding Certificate - Welding

Berks Career And Technology Center West

Associate of Arts - Interior Architecture Design

Johnson County Community College

Bachelor of Science - Nursing Science

Pennsylvania State University
Kara FryWelder