Structural Welder (Shop) | FCAW / Full-Penetration Welds / Arc Gouging

Structural Welder (Shop)

Reinicke Athens Inc. is seeking experienced Structural Welders to join our steel fabrication team in Athens, GA. We're looking for welders who are skilled in flux-cored arc welding (FCAW), complete joint penetration (CJP) welds, and carbon arc gouging, with a strong focus on quality and code compliance.

If you take pride in producing sound, inspection-ready welds and have experience welding heavy structural steel, we want to hear from you.

What You'll Do

• Perform complete joint penetration (CJP) groove welds on structural steel using flux-cored arc welding (FCAW/dual shield) in accordance with AWS D1.1 and applicable Welding Procedure Specifications (WPSs).
• Perform carbon arc gouging (CAC-A) to remove weld metal and prepare joints for back welding.
• Repair welds rejected during ultrasonic testing (UT) by excavating defects, preparing the joint, and rewelding in accordance with applicable requirements.
• Weld beams, columns, moment connections, base plates, and heavy plate in multiple positions, including out-of-position welding on assemblies that cannot be rotated.
• Read and interpret shop drawings, weld symbols, and welding instructions.
• Verify joint fit-up, root openings, bevel angles, and backing bar placement before welding.
• Maintain preheat and interpass temperatures in accordance with the applicable WPS.
• Grind, clean, and prepare welds for visual inspection and nondestructive testing.
• Work with Quality Control inspectors and Certified Welding Inspectors (CWIs) to address weld discrepancies and maintain quality standards.
• Operate overhead cranes and use rigging equipment to position and move structural steel members.
• Follow all shop safety procedures, including hot work requirements and proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE).

What We're Looking For

• Current AWS D1.1 FCAW welding qualifications for the 3G and 4G positions. Unlimited-thickness qualification is preferred.
• At least 2 years of structural steel fabrication or shop welding experience, preferably producing CJP welds that meet ultrasonic testing acceptance criteria.
• Proficiency in carbon arc gouging, including back-gouging to sound metal.
• Experience with FCAW electrodes such as E71T-1, E71T-1M, or comparable electrodes.
• Working knowledge of common weld discontinuities, including porosity, slag inclusions, lack of fusion, and incomplete penetration, along with methods to prevent them.
• Ability to independently read and interpret shop drawings and weld symbols.
• Ability to work overtime as needed, including some Saturdays.
• Personal hand tools and a welding hood.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds and stand for extended periods.
• Ability to pass a hands-on weld test and pre-employment drug screening.

Preferred Qualifications

• Additional welding qualifications, such as SMAW, GMAW, or SAW.
• Experience with bridge fabrication (AWS D1.5), seismic applications (AWS D1.8), or heavy industrial structural steel.
• Overhead crane operation and rigging experience.
• Structural steel fitting experience.

What We Offer

• Starting pay of $23/hour or more, depending on experience and qualifications.
• Overtime pay.
• Health, dental, and vision insurance.
• 401(k) with company match.
• Paid time off.
• Steady, year-round indoor work in our Athens fabrication shop, with no travel required.

Schedule: MondayFriday, 6:00 AM4:30 PM, with some Saturdays as needed.

We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer who does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, gender, age, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by state, federal, or local law. We are a drug-free working environment and all employment offers are contingent upon a successful drug screening and E-Verification.