Starla Thompson
Pioneer,LA
Summary
Dynamic welder with extensive experience at Cornerstone Building Brands, skilled in MIG and stick welding. Proven ability to enhance production efficiency and maintain high-quality standards through meticulous attention to detail and effective collaboration. Recognized for mentoring junior welders and implementing innovative fabrication techniques to optimize processes.
Overview
8
8
years of professional experience
Work History
Welder #2
Cornerstone Building Brands
01.2025 - 06.2025
- Learned and practiced safe welding techniques for various materials.
- Operated and maintained welding tools and equipment under supervision.
- Assisted in preparing workpieces by cleaning, cutting, and fitting components.
- Followed blueprints and technical drawings to ensure precision in welds.
- Collaborated with team members to complete projects efficiently.
- Observed experienced welders to gain insights into advanced techniques.
- Adhered to quality control standards during fabrication processes.
- Engaged in continuous learning to improve welding skills and knowledge.
- Welded in flat, horizontal, and vertical positions.
- Supported junior welders through mentorship, enhancing team capabilities with shared knowledge and experience.
- Maintained clean working environment by consistently organizing tools and equipment, promoting workplace safety.
- Inspected welds and checked critical measurements to meet specifications.
- Operated hoists, cranes, and power tools to dismantle equipment to find and remove defective parts.
- Clamped, held, tack-welded, heat-bent and bolted component parts to achieve required configurations and positions.
- Prepared welding equipment to perform advanced welding work.
- Enhanced welding quality by following precise welding procedures and maintaining proper equipment settings.
- Removed and repaired unacceptable welds with air arc and grinder to meet quality guidelines.
Welder #2
Mueller Inc
03.2024 - 01.2025
- Welded in flat, horizontal, and vertical positions.
- Fabricated shop parts directly from blueprints.
- Utilized blueprints and diagrams to compare finished products against design specifications.
- Reduced workplace accidents through strict compliance with safety regulations and guidelines.
- Increased production efficiency with expert time management skills and adherence to project deadlines.
- Delivered high-quality customer service as a reliable and skilled welder, contributing to positive company reputation and repeat business.
- Collaborated with team members for seamless project execution, improving overall productivity.
- Chipped off excess weld, slag, and spatter using hand tools.
- Developed customized welding techniques for unique materials, optimizing fabrication processes.
- Troubleshot technical issues during the welding process, minimizing downtime on projects.
- Mentored junior welders, sharing knowledge to enhance their skill sets and career development.
Machine Operator/ Laborer
AOP Fabrications
11.2023 - 02.2024
- Operated various machinery to ensure efficient production flow and adherence to safety protocols.
- Conducted regular equipment inspections, identifying maintenance needs to minimize downtime.
- Assisted in training new operators on equipment usage and safety standards.
- Monitored production metrics to maintain quality control and operational efficiency.
- Collaborated with team members to streamline processes and improve workflow efficiency.
- Implemented best practices for equipment operation, contributing to a safer work environment.
- Complied with company and OSHA safety rules and regulations.
- Set up and adjusted equipment and properly configured machines for daily operation.
- Loaded raw materials into machines and unloaded finished products to keep manufacturing process running smoothly.
- Demonstrated adaptability by quickly learning how to operate new machinery and implementing newly introduced processes within the production environment.
- Operated various types of machinery, contributing to the successful completion of diverse projects.
- Operated plasma water table.
- Fitter's Helper
- Maintained open communication lines with supervisors regarding project status updates, potential delays, or any concerns affecting production timelines.
- Maintained and troubleshoot problems within machines being operated.
Millwright Welder
Woods Group
07.2023 - 11.2023
- Installed and maintained machinery to ensure optimal performance.
- Conducted routine inspections to identify and resolve mechanical issues.
- Collaborated with team members to streamline repair processes, enhancing efficiency.
- Operated hand and power tools safely in compliance with safety protocols.
- Assisted in troubleshooting mechanical problems, reducing downtime during operations.
- Documented maintenance activities and repairs for tracking equipment performance.
- Participated in training sessions to improve technical skills and knowledge of equipment.
- Supported inventory management by organizing tools and replacement parts efficiently.
- Replaced defective parts of machines and adjusted clearances and alignment of moving parts.
- Made repairs and modified equipment by welding, soldering and brazing to avoid production delays.
- Used hoisting and rigging equipment to move heavy machinery and equipment.
- Adhered to all workplace safety policies, regulations and compliances.
Utility Laborer
Martin Marietta Aggregates
07.2022 - 07.2023
- Operated heavy machinery to assist in utility maintenance tasks.
- Collaborated with team members to complete routine inspections and repairs efficiently.
- Maintained work areas by cleaning tools, equipment, and job sites regularly.
- Assisted in the identification of safety hazards and implemented corrective measures.
- Documented daily activities and reported issues to supervisors for resolution.
- Enhanced workflow processes by suggesting improvements based on hands-on experience.
- Participated in regular team meetings to discuss project updates, challenges faced, and potential solutions moving forward.
- Reduced downtime by performing preventative maintenance on machinery and tools.
- Operated machinery such as; Excavator, front end loader, and skid steer.
Machine Operator/Laborer
Mueller
06.2019 - 07.2023
- Operated machinery to ensure efficient production flow and adherence to safety standards.
- Monitored equipment performance, identifying issues and implementing corrective actions promptly.
- Conducted routine maintenance on machines, improving operational efficiency and minimizing downtime.
- Trained new operators on best practices for machine operation and safety protocols.
- Collaborated with team members to streamline processes, enhancing overall productivity.
- Maintained accurate records of production output and equipment usage for quality assurance purposes.
- Assisted in troubleshooting mechanical problems, reducing response time to equipment failures.
- Implemented suggestions for process improvements, contributing to enhanced workflow efficiency.
- On some occasions performed certain office duties
- Operated QTR machine
- Labored in the sheet mill
- Operated plate line and grew an extensive knowledge of how to run the machine, trained several people to be able to run it, and taught myself maintain it to ensure of its proper functions.
Stocker, Clerk
Dollar General
10.2017 - 12.2017
- Organized inventory shelves to enhance product visibility and accessibility.
- Restocked merchandise efficiently to maintain optimal stock levels throughout shifts.
- Monitored product expiration dates and removed outdated items promptly.
- Unloaded, sorted and stocked merchandise according to store layout and product placement.
- Answered customer questions and provided detailed product information.
- Performed inventory control, such as counting, and stocking merchandise.
- Greeted customers and directed to requested products.
- Maintained effective team member communication.
- Contributed to store cleanliness, ensuring aisles were free from clutter and hazards for shopper safety.
- Improved customer satisfaction by promptly locating items and providing product information.
- Reduced out-of-stock situations with regular monitoring of product levels on sales floor.
Shop and Field Laborer
G&S Metal Buildings
08.2017 - 10.2017
- Operated heavy machinery to complete tasks efficiently and safely.
- Assisted in site preparation, ensuring adherence to safety regulations and protocols.
- Collaborated with team members to streamline workflows and improve productivity.
- Assisted in the completion of projects on time or ahead of schedule through diligent teamwork and effective communication with colleagues.
- Demonstrated adaptability by quickly learning new skills and applying them effectively in unfamiliar situations or tasks.
- Organized job site materials for easy access, reducing downtime spent searching for necessary tools or supplies during critical moments on the job.
- Maintained clean worksites by disposing of debris appropriately at the end of each day, promoting workplace safety and organization standards consistently upheld across all projects.
- Completed various manual tasks such as digging trenches or filling potholes with asphalt, displaying a strong work ethic and commitment to maintaining high-quality results in all aspects of the job.
- Welder's Helper
Grain Clerk
Big River Rice and Grain
06.2017 - 10.2017
- Receive, weigh, and record incoming and outgoing grain shipments accurately.
- Maintain detailed and organized records of grain inventory, transfers, and deliveries.
- Assist customers and truck drivers with check-in, paperwork, and load instructions.
- MOnitor grain quality by taking samples and performing basic moisture and grade tests.
- Communicate with elevator operators, truck drivers, and office staff to coordinate logistics.
- Ensure compliance with company policies, safety standards, and agricultural regulations.
- Support daily office operations including filing, data entry, and customer service.
- Assist in end-of-day balancing and reporting of grain receipts and shipments.
Education
High School Diploma -
Forest High School
Forest, LaSkills
- Welding
- Attention to detail
- Fabrication
- Blueprint reading
- Stick welding
- Torch cutting
- Layout and fitting
- Flux-cored arc welding
- Vertical welding
- Structural welding
- Steel fabrication
- Flat welding
- Equipment operation
- Horizontal welding
- MIG welding professional
- Tool repair and maintenance
- Precision measuring tools
- Crane operation
Timeline
Welder #2
Cornerstone Building Brands
01.2025 - 06.2025
Welder #2
Mueller Inc
03.2024 - 01.2025
Machine Operator/ Laborer
AOP Fabrications
11.2023 - 02.2024
Millwright Welder
Woods Group
07.2023 - 11.2023
Utility Laborer
Martin Marietta Aggregates
07.2022 - 07.2023
Machine Operator/Laborer
Mueller
06.2019 - 07.2023
Stocker, Clerk
Dollar General
10.2017 - 12.2017
Shop and Field Laborer
G&S Metal Buildings
08.2017 - 10.2017
Grain Clerk
Big River Rice and Grain
06.2017 - 10.2017
High School Diploma -
Forest High School