FABRICATION WELDER

Summary

The Fabrication Welder performs structural and plate welding operations to produce high-quality steel components and assemblies in accordance with company procedures, applicable welding codes, and customer specifications. This position supports fabrication of structural steel, heavy plate, and pressure-rated components by interpreting drawings, executing welds to approved WPS, and maintaining safety, quality, and productivity standards in a high-volume steel fabrication and distribution environment.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Interpret shop drawings, weld symbols, WPSs, and process travelers to determine weld size, type, sequence, and joint preparation requirements.
• Perform welding using GMAW, FCAW, SAW, and other approved processes as qualified to support structural and plate fabrication.
• Set up welding machines by selecting proper wire, flux (if applicable), shielding gas, contact tips, voltage, amperage, and travel speed to achieve required penetration and weld profile.
• Prepare materials for welding including grinding, beveling, fitting, clamping, and tacking components in correct alignment.
• Weld structural components, plate assemblies, cylinders, beams, and fabricated parts in flat, horizontal, vertical, and overhead positions as required.
• Control distortion through proper weld sequencing, fixturing, and heat management techniques.
• Visually inspect welds for size, contour, undercut, porosity, cracks, and other discontinuities; perform minor weld repairs as needed.
• Verify dimensions using measuring tools (tape measure to 1/32", squares, levels, fillet gauges) to ensure compliance with drawings and specifications.
• Safely operate overhead cranes, forklifts, positioners, and other material handling equipment in accordance with company safety policies.
• Perform routine pre-shift equipment inspections; maintain welding leads, ground connections, wire feeders, and related tools in safe working condition.
• Complete required production and quality documentation including weld maps, heat numbers, and job sign-offs accurately and on time.
• Maintain clean and organized work areas in accordance with 5S and housekeeping standards.
• Follow all company safety policies including PPE requirements, hot work procedures, lockout/tagout (LOTO), and hazard reporting.
• Collaborate with fitters, supervisors, quality personnel, and other team members to meet production schedules and quality objectives.
• Perform other duties as assigned to support the Welding / Fabrication Department.

Minimum Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent; technical welding training preferred.
• 2+ years of experience in structural steel, heavy plate, or industrial fabrication welding.
• Proficiency in reading blueprints, weld symbols, and WPS documentation.
• Working knowledge of GMAW and FCAW processes; familiarity with SAW preferred.
• Basic shop math skills including fractions, decimals, and measurement to 1/32".
• Demonstrated ability to produce consistent, high-quality welds meeting visual inspection standards.
• Experience working in a production-driven fabrication environment.
• Ability to safely operate overhead cranes and forklifts, or willingness to obtain certification after hire.
• Strong attention to detail, reliability, and commitment to workplace safety.
• Physical ability to regularly lift up to 50 lbs and work standing, bending, kneeling, and climbing for extended periods in an industrial environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior welding certification or qualification in FCAW, GMAW, or SAW.
• Experience welding to applicable codes (ASME Section VIII, AWS D1.1, or similar).
• Experience with pressure vessel, rolled plate, or heavy structural fabrication.
• Familiarity with ERP systems and electronic production tracking.
• Prior hot-work, LOTO, forklift, and overhead crane certifications.

Work Environment & Physical Demands

• Work performed in an indoor/outdoor industrial fabrication shop with exposure to noise, heat, dust, sparks, fumes, and moving equipment.
• Frequent standing, walking, bending, reaching, climbing, and working around large steel fabrications.
• Routine close visual inspection of welds and components.
• Regular use of required PPE including hard hat, safety glasses, steel-toe boots, welding hood, gloves, and task-specific protective equipment.
• Exposure to overhead crane activity, truck traffic, heavy equipment, and hot work operations.