Sub Arc Welder - Night Shift

Sub Arc Welder - Night Shift


Company
Universal Steel America
Location
Houston, TX
Job Type
Full-time
Salary
23.53 an hour
Posted
2 days ago
Via
via Glassdoor

Job Description
Job Title: Sub Arc Welder

Summary: The Sub Arc Welder is responsible for welding long seams and round seams on rolled steel cylinders and other heavy components using the submerged arc welding (SAW) process. This position requires precision, technical expertise, and adherence to ASME Section IX standards to produce high-quality, x-ray-quality welds that meet both company and customer specifications. The Sub Arc Welder plays a critical role in maintaining production efficiency, product integrity, and safety compliance within the fabrication department.

Essential Duties include the following.

· Set up, operate, and maintain Submerged Arc Welding (SAW) equipment and related tools according to job requirements.

· Perform FCAW, MIG, and back gouging welding processes as required.

· Weld long seams and round seams on rolled cylinders, ensuring alignment, penetration, and weld integrity.

· Read and interpret blueprints, weld symbols, WPS, and work orders to determine weld type, size, and process.

· Select proper welding wire, flux, and parameters to meet specifications and quality standards.

· Perform welds meeting x-ray quality requirements and verify weld soundness through inspection and testing.

· Maintain traceability of materials and weld documentation per quality system requirements.

· Operate overhead cranes, forklifts, and rigging equipment safely to position and handle heavy materials.

· Conduct routine maintenance of welding equipment and work areas.

· Collaborate with fitters, welders, and supervisors to ensure smooth workflow and timely production.

· Comply with all safety, quality, and housekeeping standards.

· Perform additional duties assigned by leadership.

Competency:

· Technical Expertise: Skilled in SAW and related welding processes used in heavy steel fabrication.

· Quality Orientation: Consistently produces welds that meet x-ray and ASME standards.

· Safety Commitment: Strictly adheres to company and OSHA safety practices.

· Collaboration: Works effectively with others to meet project timelines and quality goals.

· Dependability: Demonstrates reliability, consistency, and accountability.

· Continuous Improvement: Seeks opportunities to improve efficiency, quality, and techniques.

Qualifications:

· High school diploma or equivalent required.

· 2–4 years of welding experience, preferably in heavy steel or structural fabrication.

· Proficient in Submerged Arc Welding (SAW), FCAW, MIG, and back gouging.

· Ability to perform x-ray quality welds and pass ASME Section IX weld procedure qualification tests.

· Strong math skills and ability to use measuring tools (tape measure, calipers, micrometers).

· Demonstrated problem-solving ability and understanding of fabrication processes.

· Excellent teamwork, communication, and organizational skills.

· Ability to stand for long periods and use hands and arms for handling materials and tools.

· Visual acuity includes close, peripheral, and depth perception and the ability to adjust focus.

· Experience operating forklifts and overhead cranes a plus.

Work Environment:

· While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is regularly exposed to work near moving mechanical parts. The employee is occasionally exposed to outdoor weather conditions. The noise level in the work environment is usually loud.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: From $23.53 per hour

Benefits:
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee discount
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers about Welder Jobs

Q What is the median hourly wage for welders in the United States as of January 2026 including overtime rates?
The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports the median hourly wage for welders at $28.45 as of January 2026 with time-and-a-half overtime required after 40 hours under FLSA rules. Welders in manufacturing earn an additional $4.20 per hour on average for night shifts. Annual median earnings reach $59,176 for full-time roles.
Q How many hours per week can welders legally work in the United States without overtime pay in 2026?
The U.S. Department of Labor sets the standard workweek at 40 hours with overtime at 1.5 times the regular rate required after that threshold in 2026. Welders on federal contracts receive double time for hours over 48 in a workweek. Paid sick leave of up to 56 hours annually applies under the Families First Coronavirus Response Act extensions.
Q What education and experience are required to qualify for welder jobs in the United States in 2026?
The Bureau of Labor Statistics states a high school diploma plus 6-12 months of postsecondary welding training or apprenticeship is required for 2026 entry-level positions. Three years of documented experience is mandatory for structural welding roles under AWS D1.1 standards referenced by DOL. Certification in SMAW or GMAW processes must be completed before hire.
Q What documents are required to apply for welder positions through U.S. Department of Labor registered apprenticeships in 2026?
Applicants must submit Form ETA-671, high school transcripts, and proof of U.S. work authorization to DOL-registered programs by March 2026 deadlines. A valid driver's license and negative drug test results from a SAMHSA-certified lab are mandatory. Background checks via FBI fingerprinting are required for nuclear or pipeline welding tracks.
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