SAW (Submerged Arc Welding) Operator
Company
Greys Recruitment
Location
Umlazi (+1 other)
Posted
5 days ago
Via
via Talent.com
Apply On
Job Description
We are currently looking for a SAW (Submerged Arc Welding) Operator to perform high-quality submerged arc welding (SAW) on steel components according to engineering drawings, welding procedures, and quality standards while maintaining a safe and efficient work environment.
Minimum Requirements:
• Grade 12 (Matric) or equivalent.
• Trade Test in Welding or Boilermaking (advantageous).
• Valid welding qualification or certification.
• Minimum 3 years' experience operating SAW welding equipment in a manufacturing, engineering, or fabrication environment.
• Experience welding carbon steel and heavy steel structures.
• Ability to read engineering drawings and welding symbols.
• Knowledge of welding procedures and quality standards.
• Experience using measuring equipment such as tape measures, verniers, and gauges.
Key Responsibilities:
• Set up and operate Submerged Arc Welding (SAW) machines.
• Read and interpret engineering drawings, blueprints, and welding symbols.
• Prepare materials by cleaning, aligning, and securing workpieces before welding.
• Perform SAW welding on structural steel, pressure vessels, beams, pipes, or fabricated components.
• Monitor welding parameters, including voltage, amperage, travel speed, and wire feed.
• Conduct visual inspections of completed welds to ensure quality and compliance with specifications.
• Perform grinding, gouging, and finishing work where required.
• Replace welding wire, flux, contact tips, and other consumables as needed.
• Carry out routine maintenance and daily inspections on welding equipment.
• Follow all welding procedures, quality standards, and health and safety regulations.
• Maintain a clean and organized work area.
• Report equipment faults, quality issues, and safety hazards promptly.
• Work collaboratively with fitters, boilermakers, inspectors, and supervisors to meet production targets.
Minimum Requirements:
• Grade 12 (Matric) or equivalent.
• Trade Test in Welding or Boilermaking (advantageous).
• Valid welding qualification or certification.
• Minimum 3 years' experience operating SAW welding equipment in a manufacturing, engineering, or fabrication environment.
• Experience welding carbon steel and heavy steel structures.
• Ability to read engineering drawings and welding symbols.
• Knowledge of welding procedures and quality standards.
• Experience using measuring equipment such as tape measures, verniers, and gauges.
Key Responsibilities:
• Set up and operate Submerged Arc Welding (SAW) machines.
• Read and interpret engineering drawings, blueprints, and welding symbols.
• Prepare materials by cleaning, aligning, and securing workpieces before welding.
• Perform SAW welding on structural steel, pressure vessels, beams, pipes, or fabricated components.
• Monitor welding parameters, including voltage, amperage, travel speed, and wire feed.
• Conduct visual inspections of completed welds to ensure quality and compliance with specifications.
• Perform grinding, gouging, and finishing work where required.
• Replace welding wire, flux, contact tips, and other consumables as needed.
• Carry out routine maintenance and daily inspections on welding equipment.
• Follow all welding procedures, quality standards, and health and safety regulations.
• Maintain a clean and organized work area.
• Report equipment faults, quality issues, and safety hazards promptly.
• Work collaboratively with fitters, boilermakers, inspectors, and supervisors to meet production targets.
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers about Welder Jobs
What is the 2026 national minimum wage for welders in South Africa?
The Department of Employment and Labour sets the national minimum wage at R28.79 per hour from 1 March 2026 for all sectors including welding. Welders working more than 45 hours per week must receive 1.5 times this rate for overtime. Employers must display the wage schedule at every workplace.
Which trade certificate is required to legally work as a welder in South Africa in 2026?
Welders must hold a QCTO-registered occupational certificate in welding at NQF Level 4 obtained after completing a minimum 3-year apprenticeship and passing the trade test at an accredited centre. The certificate number must be verifiable on the QCTO database before any employer can hire the welder.
How many hours per week and days of annual leave apply to welder contracts in 2026?
Welders are limited to 45 ordinary hours per week and 8 hours per day under the Basic Conditions of Employment Act. They are entitled to 21 consecutive days of paid annual leave after every 12 months of employment, calculated from the date of engagement.
What documents must South African welders submit when applying for formal employment in 2026?
Applicants must provide a valid South African ID, QCTO trade certificate, valid bank account details, and proof of UIF registration number. Employers are required to verify the trade certificate directly with the QCTO before issuing an employment contract.
