Vessel Welder

Vessel WelderThis role focuses on welding and fabrication of pressure vessels and heat exchangers in a busy steel fabrication shop. You will work closely with fitters who use blueprints and drawings to lay out and fit fabricated parts to the vessel shell, then perform high-quality welds using MIG, Flux Core, and TIG processes. You will weld carbon steel vessel shells and components, as well as small-diameter, thin-gauge stainless steel tubing for heat exchangers, and consistently pass welding inspections with minimal oversight.ResponsibilitiesInterpret and work from blueprints, isometric drawings (ISOs), piping and instrumentation diagrams (P&IDs), and fabrication schematics to understand vessel and piping layouts.Collaborate with fitters to lay out and fit up fabricated parts to vessel shells, ensuring accurate dimensions, alignment, and proper fit before welding.Perform MIG and Flux Core welding on carbon steel vessels and components, typically around 1/4" thickness and heavier, in accordance with shop standards and procedures.Weld saddles both uphill and downhill, ensuring strong, clean welds that meet quality and safety requirements.Perform TIG welding on small-diameter, thin-gauge stainless steel tubing, particularly on tube ends for heat exchangers, maintaining precision and consistency.Execute 6G welding on applicable joints and configurations, maintaining high quality and repeatability.Set up and operate welding equipment and related tools, including torches, miter beds, and other fabrication equipment, to complete assigned work.Assist with or perform saddle fits and miter bends, ensuring proper angles, alignment, and fit-up prior to welding.Use industrial hand tools to lay out, measure, mark, and fit up material for vessels, tanks, and piping assemblies.Work on vessels, tanks, and heat exchangers, including shells and associated components, following shop procedures and safety guidelines.Perform tack welding to secure components prior to final welding and verify alignment and fit.Inspect welds visually and assist with preparation for formal inspections, ensuring welds meet applicable codes and internal quality standards.Follow instructions from the lead person, communicate job status, and work effectively as part of a team of welders, fitters, and fabrication helpers.Maintain a safe and clean work area, follow all safety policies, and use required personal protective equipment at all times.Support a culture of honesty, integrity, and safety by reporting hazards, participating in safety initiatives, and looking out for team members.Essential SkillsAbility to read and interpret blueprints, isometric drawings (ISOs), piping and instrumentation diagrams (P&IDs), and fabrication schematics.5+ years of fabrication experience in a shop environment.Either at least 3+ years of vessel welding experience (not purely pipe or structural) with MIG and Flux Core welding on thicker material and the ability to weld a saddle both uphill and downhill, or at least 3+ years of tube welding experience on small-diameter, thin-gauge tubing using TIG welding.Proficiency in MIG welding on carbon steel.Proficiency in Flux Core welding on thicker materials.Proficiency in TIG welding on small-diameter, thin-gauge stainless steel tubing.Experience with 6G welding positions.Demonstrated ability to pass welding inspections with minimal oversight.Strong mechanical aptitude and hands-on experience working with tanks, vessels, and piping.Ability to use industrial hand tools for layout, fit-up, and assembly.Ability to work safely around large equipment and heavy steel components.Strong attention to detail, with a focus on quality, accuracy, and consistency.Reliability and willingness to work extended hours, including overtime and potential weekend shifts, as required.Additional Skills & QualificationsExperience with vessel fitting or pipe fitting in a fabrication shop environment.Experience with TIG welding on thin-gauge stainless steel small-diameter tubing beyond the minimum requirements.Experience with Sub Arc welding processes.Experience performing saddle fits and miter bends on piping and vessel components.Familiarity with using torches, miter beds, angle rollers, plate rollers, and other fabrication tools and equipment.Background working on tanks, vessels, heat exchangers, shells, and related assemblies.Ability to read and work from schematics and mechanical drawings for complex assemblies.Bilingual skills in English and Spanish are beneficial.Demonstrated history of long tenure in prior roles is a plus, reflecting commitment and stability.Why Work Here?You will join a company with a stable workload that prioritizes job security and long-term relationships with its employees. Leadership has a track record of maintaining consistent hours, even during slower periods, to keep the team intact. The culture emphasizes a family-oriented environment, with regular family days and giveaways such as tickets to major sporting events. The organization is committed to teaching and developing skills, providing opportunities to grow as a welder and fabricator. Employees benefit from winter holiday bonuses, a 401(k) plan with a 4% match, and a workplace where many team members enjoy long tenure. The environment values safety, honesty, and integrity, creating a supportive and respectful place to build a career.Work EnvironmentThe role is based in a medium-sized vessel shop with an open-air, non-air-conditioned environment. You will work in and around large vessels and heat exchangers, using and moving heavy materials and operating large fabrication equipment. Safety is a primary focus, with a strong emphasis on safe work practices, proper use of tools, and adherence to safety procedures. The team environment includes approximately 20 employees on the day shifta mix of welders, fitters, and fabrication helpersand about 8 employees on the night shift, all reporting to a lead person. The standard day shift runs Monday through Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. When Saturdays are scheduled, the day shift runs from 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The typical schedule is four 10-hour days Monday through Thursday and a 9-hour day on Friday, totaling about 49 hours per week, with overtime increasing to around 58 hours when Saturdays are worked. The night shift runs Monday through Friday from 5:30 p.m. to 5:30 a.m., with Saturday hours of 5:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. The night shift typically works five 12-hour days, totaling close to 60 hours per week, with overtime increasing to about 66 hours when Saturdays are worked. Required attire includes steel-toe footwear, jeans, a work shirt, safety glasses, and a hard hat. The shop environment rewards individuals who value teamwork, safety, honesty, and integrity while working in a physically demanding, hands-on fabrication setting.Job Type & LocationThis is a Contract to Hire position based out of Houston, TX 77053.Pay and BenefitsThe pay range for this position is $32.00 - $34.00/hr.Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: Medical, dental & vision Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital 401(k) Retirement Plan Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) Short and long-term disability Health Spending Account (HSA) Transportation benefits Employee Assistance Program Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)Application DeadlineThis position is anticipated to close on Nov 23, 2026.Workplace TypeThis is