Fitter Welder

Valmont Industries, Inc. • El Dorado, KS

8d • Onsite

About The Position

The Fitter Welder is an individual-contributor position responsible for fitting and welding steel, metal, and/or aluminum components to fabricate or repair products according to layouts, blueprints, and work orders. The role uses a variety of welding equipment and processes and contributes directly to safety, product quality, productivity, manufacturing expenses, and customer satisfaction. The employee is accountable for their own work and is expected to produce quality products that ship complete and on time.

The position includes fitting, tack welding, preparing and moving materials, assembling pole components, and welding communication towers, components, and overhead sign structures. Work involves reading and deciphering blueprints and shop documents, setting up and maintaining equipment, making mathematical calculations, meeting production goals, and working with coworkers. Employees must follow safety procedures, wear required personal protective equipment, maintain an organized workplace, and follow LEAN practices. This position reports to the Production Supervisor.

This is a weekend-shift role, Friday through Sunday, from 5:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. The schedule provides 36 hours worked and pay for 40 hours. Training is scheduled Monday through Thursday, 5:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. The starting hourly wage is $27.11, with a $1.00 shift differential.

Requirements

• Three to five years of fitting/welding experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Multi-pass, stack-layering welding experience.
• Ability to use GMAW welding equipment for tack welds.
• Ability to pass a GMAW weld test and maintain certification.
• Ability to read weld symbols, understand blueprints, and interpret shop drawings.
• Ability to perform basic mathematical calculations and fraction conversions.
• Ability to read routings and blueprints and use a computer for production data entry, timekeeping, and interfacing with machines and other equipment.
• Basic working knowledge of computer programs such as Microsoft Outlook or similar email software.
• Ability to use and accurately read a tape measure, levels, squares, and angle finders.
• Ability to burn with a torch or learn to do so.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to regularly meet or exceed production goals without sacrificing safety or quality.
• Ability to maintain a safe and productive work environment, wear required personal protective equipment, and follow facility safety regulations.
• Ability to pay attention to detail, follow work instructions, and communicate and interact positively with coworkers.
• Flexibility to work in different areas, including Large Pole, Small Pole, Backweld, and/or Weld Repair.
• Acceptable attendance and prior employment record.
• Passion, integrity, and drive to excel and deliver exceptional results.

Nice To Haves

• Prior experience operating overhead cranes.
• Five or more years of fitting/welding experience in a manufacturing environment.
• High school diploma or GED equivalent.
• AWS certified welder operator qualification.
• Ability to accurately and honestly inspect one's own work for quality assurance.
• High awareness of safety at all times.

Responsibilities

• Follow fit and layout instructions in detailed drawings and tack weld materials into place.
• Use motorized grinders, buffers, stone grinders, and drills to clean and prepare material for fitting and tacking.
• Use overhead or jib cranes to move and hold materials in place.
• Assemble product units by tack welding small parts to pole shafts using GMAW, FCAW, and/or SAW welding processes.
• Work with steel pipe and other steel shapes, including measuring on radiused surfaces.
• Use a plasma torch and Valmont-made jigs to cut steel and cut holes in shafts for hand hole rims, arm mounting simplex’s, couplings, and other small parts.
• Work in confined areas along the pole assembly line and move under, around, and over poles as needed to measure and assemble components.
• Maintain and safely operate production tooling, fixtures, and welding equipment.
• Produce high-quality GMAW arc welds in the fabrication of communication towers, components, and overhead sign structures while maintaining a low non-conformity rate.
• Plan and sequence welding operations based on blueprints or written specifications while meeting production goals.
• Adjust welding equipment to prescribed settings.
• Use safety devices and wear mandatory personal protective equipment.
• Read and complete labor reporting system entries, standard shop forms, and blueprints; follow written procedures and specifications.
• Meet applicable code requirements, including ultrasonic testing.
• Inform management of training needs and consult management before performing work for which the employee is not trained or comfortable due to safety or risk concerns.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe workplace while implementing LEAN practices.
• Read and decipher blueprints and flat sheets without assistance; set up, operate, and perform general maintenance on equipment.
• Make mathematical calculations when preparing products or setting up machinery and work with other employees to complete jobs.
• Perform other duties as required or assigned.

Benefits

• Healthcare, including medical, prescription drug, dental, and vision coverage.
• 401(k) retirement plan with company match.
• Paid time off.
• Employer-paid life insurance.
• Employer-paid short-term and long-term disability, including maternity leave.
• Work Life Support.
• Tuition reimbursement up to $5,250 per year.
• Voluntary programs such as tobacco cessation, Type 2 diabetes reversal, one-on-one health coaching, and mortgage services.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed