Learn more about the scholarships and grants supported by the AWS Foundation, as well as how to apply.
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.
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.
WHO WE LOOK FOR
WHO WE LOOK FOR
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.
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.
FROM OUR CEO
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.
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...
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
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
VP Welding and Technology
Richard L. Arn is the Vice President of Welding and Technology at the AWS, where he oversees...
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
VP Operations and Membership
John Perry is the Vice President of Operations and Membership at the AWS, where he focuses on...
Annette Alonso
Managing Director, Publishing
Annette Alonso serves as Managing Director of Publishing at the American Welding Society, where she leads...
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...