Base Welder
Company
Powell
Location
Harris County, TX
Job Type
Full-time
Posted
1 day ago
Via
via BeBee
Job Description
Job Description
Powell is a manufacturer of switchgear and other electrical equipment. We are currently hiring a Base Welder at our Southeast Houston manufacturing facility. Schedule: Monday-Thursday 5:00am-3:30pm; OT as needed
Purpose of Position
A Fitter /Welder, will work either individually, or, as a part of a small team, to produce Sheet Metal weldments.
Weldments must meet the dimensional specifications of the mechanical engineered drawings. A Fitter/Welder will be required to determine, from the drawing, where each weld is to be performed, and meet the size and length requirements of each weld specified within the given tolerance allowed.
A Fitter/Welder is also required to perform any cosmetic or appearance specifications of the weldment. This may require grinding welds and sheet metal buffing.
Key Responsibilities
• Ability to MIG weld mild steel
• Ability to MIG weld stainless steel
• Ability to perform basic fitting
• Ability to adjust machine according to department manual(s)
• Ability to remove material using grinding process
• Ability to read drawings and inspect parts for basic dimensions
• Ability to perform basic layouts (positioning and alignment)
• Ability to inspect parts against complex engineered drawings
• Ability to spray transfer MIG weld
• Capability to examine weld bead for acceptable attributes
• Ability to identify types of copper, stainless grades, etc.
• Knowledge of flux core, shielded wire
• Ability to cope and fit
Relationships
• Reporting to department Supervisor
• Internal relationships include regular interaction with: Machine Operators, Welders, Painters, Material Handlers, Leadpersons, Supervisors
• External relationships include regular interaction with: N/A
Job Requirements
Responsibilities, Skills, Experience, and Requirements
• Successful candidate will typically have 1-2 years of relevant work experience
• Must have a basic command of the English language, both written and verbal
• Ability to execute hot work (any work performed outside of department)
• Ability to finish grind, surface finishing based on departmental requirements
• Ability to repair improper welds
• Knowledge of fixtures required for area of responsibility
• Ability to tack weld
• Ability to stud weld
• Ability to fine tune voltage
• Ability to square parts
• Ability to torch cut
• Ability to arc metal gouge
• Basic product knowledge (understanding of how work ties into the larger picture) based on departmental need/requirement
• Knowledge of AWS chart/steel tables
• Knowledge of welding symbols
• Knowledge of and ability to use basic tools (tape measure squares, clamps, fillet gage, angle finder, etc.)
• Ability to convert decimals to fractions and utilize conversion chart
• Ability to effectively communicate with co-workers
• Ability to effectively work in team environment
• Awareness and adherence to Lock Out Tag Out procedures
• Ability to follow company operating procedures, safety rules and ISO requirements
Working Environment
All work is performed in a shop environment with constant exposure to the elements of our shop.
It is the policy of Powell Electrical Manufacturing Company to promote safe working conditions for ALL employees, to make available where necessary special equipment to protect employees against specific hazards, to reduce accidents through prevention programs and to establish rules that are designed for the safety of all. It is the responsibility of each employee to adhere to this policy, as well as to observe all safety practices and exercise every precaution for the safety of accidents. There is certain Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to be worn during the operation of this job.
• Posted position does not provide visa sponsorship or relocation.
About Us
In our 75+ year history, Powell has always known that our employees are at the heart of our success. Without question, we have the most talented people in all parts of our organization. As a manufacturer, we recruit and hire experienced and knowledgeable applicants to ensure our product is engineered, fabricated, and assembled to customer specifications!
Powell’s culture has and will always be founded in our "can do" attitude. If we can imagine it, we can do it. Become a part of our story and let us help you write yours. Hard work pays off in all our teams, with opportunity for advancement and promotion without sacrificing work-life balance. Successful candidates must have a legal authorization to work in the United States on a full-time basis,
Powell is a manufacturer of switchgear and other electrical equipment. We are currently hiring a Base Welder at our Southeast Houston manufacturing facility. Schedule: Monday-Thursday 5:00am-3:30pm; OT as needed
Purpose of Position
A Fitter /Welder, will work either individually, or, as a part of a small team, to produce Sheet Metal weldments.
Weldments must meet the dimensional specifications of the mechanical engineered drawings. A Fitter/Welder will be required to determine, from the drawing, where each weld is to be performed, and meet the size and length requirements of each weld specified within the given tolerance allowed.
A Fitter/Welder is also required to perform any cosmetic or appearance specifications of the weldment. This may require grinding welds and sheet metal buffing.
Key Responsibilities
• Ability to MIG weld mild steel
• Ability to MIG weld stainless steel
• Ability to perform basic fitting
• Ability to adjust machine according to department manual(s)
• Ability to remove material using grinding process
• Ability to read drawings and inspect parts for basic dimensions
• Ability to perform basic layouts (positioning and alignment)
• Ability to inspect parts against complex engineered drawings
• Ability to spray transfer MIG weld
• Capability to examine weld bead for acceptable attributes
• Ability to identify types of copper, stainless grades, etc.
• Knowledge of flux core, shielded wire
• Ability to cope and fit
Relationships
• Reporting to department Supervisor
• Internal relationships include regular interaction with: Machine Operators, Welders, Painters, Material Handlers, Leadpersons, Supervisors
• External relationships include regular interaction with: N/A
Job Requirements
Responsibilities, Skills, Experience, and Requirements
• Successful candidate will typically have 1-2 years of relevant work experience
• Must have a basic command of the English language, both written and verbal
• Ability to execute hot work (any work performed outside of department)
• Ability to finish grind, surface finishing based on departmental requirements
• Ability to repair improper welds
• Knowledge of fixtures required for area of responsibility
• Ability to tack weld
• Ability to stud weld
• Ability to fine tune voltage
• Ability to square parts
• Ability to torch cut
• Ability to arc metal gouge
• Basic product knowledge (understanding of how work ties into the larger picture) based on departmental need/requirement
• Knowledge of AWS chart/steel tables
• Knowledge of welding symbols
• Knowledge of and ability to use basic tools (tape measure squares, clamps, fillet gage, angle finder, etc.)
• Ability to convert decimals to fractions and utilize conversion chart
• Ability to effectively communicate with co-workers
• Ability to effectively work in team environment
• Awareness and adherence to Lock Out Tag Out procedures
• Ability to follow company operating procedures, safety rules and ISO requirements
Working Environment
All work is performed in a shop environment with constant exposure to the elements of our shop.
It is the policy of Powell Electrical Manufacturing Company to promote safe working conditions for ALL employees, to make available where necessary special equipment to protect employees against specific hazards, to reduce accidents through prevention programs and to establish rules that are designed for the safety of all. It is the responsibility of each employee to adhere to this policy, as well as to observe all safety practices and exercise every precaution for the safety of accidents. There is certain Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to be worn during the operation of this job.
• Posted position does not provide visa sponsorship or relocation.
About Us
In our 75+ year history, Powell has always known that our employees are at the heart of our success. Without question, we have the most talented people in all parts of our organization. As a manufacturer, we recruit and hire experienced and knowledgeable applicants to ensure our product is engineered, fabricated, and assembled to customer specifications!
Powell’s culture has and will always be founded in our "can do" attitude. If we can imagine it, we can do it. Become a part of our story and let us help you write yours. Hard work pays off in all our teams, with opportunity for advancement and promotion without sacrificing work-life balance. Successful candidates must have a legal authorization to work in the United States on a full-time basis,
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers about Welder Jobs
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.
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.
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.
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.
