Pipefitter (Sanitary Welding Specialist - Food Manufacturing)

Job Summary: We are seeking a highly skilled Pipefitter with sanitary welding expertise to support our food manufacturing operations. This role is essential to ensuring that all process piping systems are installed, maintained, and repaired to the highest standards of food safety, quality, and operational efficiency. You’ll work hands‑on with stainless‑steel sanitary tubing, process equipment, CIP systems, and production lines, helping maintain a smooth, compliant, and reliable manufacturing environment. Key Responsibilities: Install, assemble, and maintain sanitary stainless‑steel piping systems used in food production, including pumps, valves, heat exchangers, tanks, and process equipment. Perform high‑purity TIG/GTAW sanitary welding on thin‑wall stainless tubing, ensuring smooth, contamination‑free welds that meet food industry requirements. Read and interpret blueprints, P&IDs, layout drawings, and isometric diagrams to plan installations and modifications. Execute pipefitting tasks such as cutting, beveling, facing, bending, grinding, and fitting sanitary components. Support installation and optimization of CIP (Clean‑in‑Place) and SIP (Sanitize‑in‑Place) systems. Perform system testing, including pressure checks, leak detection, flow verification, and alignment. Conduct visual weld inspections and complete accurate weld documentation to meet 3‑A, USDA, and FDA compliance . Collaborate closely with production, quality, engineering, and maintenance teams on equipment upgrades, line expansions, and process improvements. Respond to urgent repair needs to reduce downtime and maintain uninterrupted production. Maintain strict adherence to all GMPs, food safety, sanitation, and safety protocols . Qualifications Required 3+ years of pipefitting experience in food manufacturing , dairy, beverage, brewery, or other sanitary process environments. Demonstrated proficiency in sanitary TIG welding (stainless steel, thin‑wall tubing). Strong understanding of food‑grade sanitary design principles: drainability, cleanability, slope, and contamination prevention. Ability to read and interpret technical drawings, P&IDs, and equipment specifications. Experience working in a regulated, hygiene‑focused environment (GMP, HACCP). Skilled with fabrication tools, welding equipment, and sanitary piping components. Preferred Experience with orbital welding and weld tracking documentation. Familiarity with 3‑A Sanitary Standards, USDA and FDA guidelines , and food manufacturing compliance requirements. Certifications such as AWS D18.1 (Stainless Steel Welding for Sanitary Applications) or equivalent. Experience supporting commissioning, equipment validation, troubleshooting CIP/SIP systems , or facility expansions. Ideal Candidate Will Be: Exceptional attention to detail and pride in high‑quality weld craftsmanship. Strong mechanical aptitude and problem‑solving skills. Ability to communicate effectively and work cross‑functionally with production and quality teams. Commitment to safety, sanitation, and continuous improvement. Reliable, solutions‑oriented, and able to work with urgency when production issues arise. Must be located within commutable distance to Houston. #J-18808-Ljbffr Tay Ho