Work at AWS
Interested in a career that will help move the welding industry forward? You’ve come to the right place.
A World of Opportunity
A World of Opportunity
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.
From Our CEO
From Our 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—and ultimately helps protect and improve lives.
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 within an organization with a proud legacy and an even bolder future—we look forward to hearing from you.
Warm regards,
Carey Chen
Executive Director & CEO
American Welding Society
Why Work at AWS
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Perks & Benefits
The benefits provided by AWS are among the best in our industry, and include:
Compensation and Gainshare: Compensation is commensurate with similar organizations in the area and in the industry. Employees are paid bi-weekly (26 pay periods). Job descriptions and responsibilities are reviewed on a regular basis to ensure that salaries remain competitive. Dependent on certain financial factors, employees may receive supplemental gainshare compensation each calendar year towards the end of the first quarter.
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: 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: AWS provides tuition assistance to all full-time eligible employees who have completed one (1) year of service.
Flexible Hybrid Schedule: Alternative work arrangements can benefit the individual's employee and personal life balance. AWS is currently working in a hybrid model.
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Paid Time Off
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.
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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.
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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
WHO WE LOOK FOR
Lifelong Learners
We serve a community that sees welding as a craft, an art, and a source of income. Our members take pride in their jobs. There’s no other career they’d imagine having—especially knowing they impact every facet of modern living, from transportation to construction. When you join AWS, you’re dedicated to supporting the people, careers, and technologies of our industry.
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.
Heart First
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.
American Welding Society Senior Leadership
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
CFO/CAO
Gesana Villegas is the Chief Financial Officer and Chief Administrative Officer at the AWS where she leads...
Cassie Burrell
VP Marketing, Strategy, and Communications
Cassie Burrell is the Vice President of Marketing, Communications, and Strategy at the AWS, where she leads...
Richard L. Arn
VP Welding and Technology
Richard L. Arn is the Vice President of Welding and Technology at the AWS, where he oversees...
Monica Pfarr
Chief Executive Officer
Monica Pfarr is the Executive Director of the AWS Foundation, a position she has held since 2017. Prior to this role...
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...
Annette Alonso
Managing Director, Publishing
Annette Alonso serves as Managing Director of Publishing at the American Welding Society, where she leads...
John Perry
VP Operations and Membership
John Perry is the Vice President of Operations and Membership at the AWS, where he focuses on...
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
Managing Director, Expositions & Sales
Matt Rubin is the Managing Director of Sales and Expositions at the AWS, where he leads the strategic direction...