SUB ARC WELDER (Welding Department)

Willbanks Metals•Fort Worth, TX

4d•Onsite

About The Position

The Sub Arc Welder sets up and operates submerged arc welding (SAW) equipment to produce high-quality welds on plate, structural components, and pressure vessel parts in accordance with company procedures, applicable codes, and customer specifications. This role supports production by safely welding, fitting, and handling material while meeting quality, throughput, and housekeeping standards in a high-volume steel fabrication and distribution environment.

Requirements

2+ years of experience in submerged arc welding (SAW) or heavy plate/structural welding in a fabrication, pressure vessel, or similar industrial environment (or equivalent combination of training and experience).
Ability to read and interpret blueprints, weld symbols, and WPSs; basic shop math and measurement (tape to 1/32", fractions/decimals).
Working knowledge of welding processes (SAW, FCAW, GMAW) and basic joint preparation, fit-up, and distortion control.
Experience using overhead cranes and forklifts for safe material handling, or willingness to obtain certification shortly after hire.
Demonstrated safety record, quality focus, and reliability in meeting schedules in a production environment.
Physical ability to regularly lift up to 50 lbs and work standing, bending, reaching, and climbing for a full shift in indoor/outdoor conditions (heat, noise, dust).
Current forklift and/or overhead crane certification; prior LOTO and hot-work training. (Training available if needed)

Nice To Haves

Prior qualification/certification in SAW and/or FCAW processes.
Experience with shop ERP/production systems and quality documentation.
Experience welding to code requirements (ASME Section VIII, AWS D1.1, or similar) in a pressure vessel or structural steel environment.
Familiarity with rolling, forming, and fabrication of heavy plate (A36, A572, AR, and similar grades).

Responsibilities

Set up, operate, and monitor submerged arc welding (SAW) equipment (column and boom, tractor, or semi-automatic) to weld plate and structural components per drawings, WPS, and work orders.
Interpret shop drawings, weld symbols, and process travelers; verify joint preparation, fit-up, and dimensions before welding.
Select and install appropriate wire, flux, contact tips, and consumables; set travel speed, voltage, and amperage to achieve sound welds and required penetration.
Perform basic fit-up, tacking, and layout for cylinders, shells, beams, and assemblies; work with fitters and roll operators to control distortion.
Perform multi-pass and multi-process welding (SAW, FCAW, GMAW) as qualified to support production needs.
Inspect welds visually and with gauges (fillet size, undercut, reinforcement) to ensure compliance with WPS, code, and customer requirements; identify and repair defects such as porosity, lack of fusion, and overlap.
Handle material using overhead cranes, forklifts, and rigging equipment; follow safe lifting practices and load limits.
Perform pre-shift and in-process checks on welding equipment (ground connections, leads, wire feeders, flux recovery, travel carriages); report maintenance needs and assist with minor adjustments.
Maintain flux systems by reclaiming, screening, and storing flux as required to prevent contamination and moisture pickup.
Complete required production and quality documentation (heat numbers, weld maps, sign-offs) accurately and on time.
Maintain a clean, organized work area; comply with 5S, walkways, and scrap/recycle procedures.
Follow all company safety rules, including PPE, hot work, lockout/tagout (LOTO), and housekeeping; promptly report hazards, incidents, or near misses.
Perform other duties as assigned to support the Welding / Fabrication Department.