FABRICATION WELDER

Fabrication Welder 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.