Sheet Metal Fabricator/TIG Welder

Openwork•Houston, TX

12h

About The Position

Openwork’s Houston branch is partnering with a local manufacturing company to hire a Sheet Metal Fabricator/TIG Welder for a growing team. This temp-to-hire role is described as a long-term opportunity for someone with welding experience seeking stability and a long-term career. The position pays $22–$28 per hour and is scheduled Monday through Friday, 6:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., with some Saturdays as needed. The role involves interpreting detailed mechanical schematics, sheet metal flat patterns, bend-allowance notations, and weld symbols; performing precision TIG welding on stainless steel, aluminum, and thin-gauge carbon steel; and using MIG or pulsed MIG welding when required. The fabricator sets up and operates sheet metal equipment, fits and fixtures complex assemblies, finishes weld seams to specified cosmetic standards, and checks completed assemblies against layouts and prints. The position also includes equipment upkeep and following OSHA and PPE requirements.

Requirements

At least 3 years of TIG welding experience.
At least 2 years of sheet metal fabrication experience.
Ability to lift up to 50 pounds.
Knowledge of shop safety in a manufacturing environment.
Knowledge of AWS D1 standards.
Ability to pass a 3G open-root test on 1-inch plate.

Responsibilities

Read and interpret mechanical schematics, sheet metal flat patterns, bend-allowance notations, and weld symbols while working to precise dimensional tolerances of ±1/32 inch or tighter.
Perform high-quality TIG welding on stainless steel (16 gauge to 1/4 inch), aluminum, and thin-gauge carbon steel, controlling heat input, penetration, and puddle size to prevent warping, burn-through, and base-metal discoloration.
Use GMAW (MIG/pulsed MIG) equipment for non-cosmetic or heavier-gauge subassemblies when required by project scope.
Set up and operate sheet metal equipment, including press brakes, shears, plate/pinch rolls, corner notchers, drill presses, and deburring equipment.
Fit, align, and fixture complex assemblies using appropriate tools and fixtures to maintain exact geometry and mitigate thermal distortion.
Grind, blend, grain, and polish weld seams to meet food-grade, sanitary, or architectural cosmetic requirements.
Inspect welded assemblies against flat layouts and assembly prints using measuring and layout tools.
Maintain argon/shielding gas lines, tungsten grinders, and torch hardware.
Follow OSHA guidelines and PPE standards.