Industrial Welder
Company
Houston Industrial Tradesmen
Location
Houston, TX
Via
ZipRecruiter
Job Description
Job Summary
The Welder is responsible for performing high-quality welding, fabrication, and repair work on piping, vessels, structural steel, and refinery equipment in accordance with applicable codes, safety standards, and refinery procedures. This role supports safe and reliable plant operations while maintaining strict compliance with quality and safety requirements.
Key Responsibilities
• Perform welding and fabrication using TIG (GTAW) and MIG (GMAW) processes on carbon steel, stainless steel, and alloy materials
• Complete welding repairs and new installations on piping systems, structural steel, supports, and refinery equipment
• Weld in multiple positions, including horizontal, vertical, and overhead
• Read and interpret blueprints, isometric drawings, welding symbols, P&IDs, and specifications
• Follow approved Welding Procedure Specifications (WPS) and Procedure Qualification Records (PQR)
• Perform fit-up, joint preparation, tack welding, and final welds
• Support visual inspections and NDE preparation; perform rework as required
• Comply with refinery safety requirements, including hot work permits, lockout/tagout, confined space, and PPE policies
• Support shutdowns, turnarounds, and emergency maintenance activities
Required Qualifications
• Current ASME Section IX welding certification (required)
• Proven TIG (GTAW) and MIG (GMAW) welding experience in a refinery, petrochemical, or industrial environment
• Experience welding carbon steel and stainless steel
• Ability to pass site-specific weld tests
• Ability to read and interpret welding documentation and specifications
• Active TWIC card (required)
• Enrollment with DISA Global Solutions (required)
• Must pass and remain compliant with DISA drug and alcohol testing requirements, including hair follicle testing
• Current Basic Plus safety training (required)
• Willingness and ability to travel to refinery locations in Houston, San Antonio, and Corpus Christi, Texas
Compensation & Benefits
• Per diem available for qualified travel assignments
• Overtime opportunities during shutdowns and turnarounds
• PPE and safety equipment provided per site requirements
Working Conditions
• Work performed in active refinery units and fabrication areas
• Exposure to heat, fumes, noise, and industrial environments
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs and perform physically demanding tasks
• May require travel, shift work, overtime, call-outs, and turnaround assignments
The Welder is responsible for performing high-quality welding, fabrication, and repair work on piping, vessels, structural steel, and refinery equipment in accordance with applicable codes, safety standards, and refinery procedures. This role supports safe and reliable plant operations while maintaining strict compliance with quality and safety requirements.
Key Responsibilities
• Perform welding and fabrication using TIG (GTAW) and MIG (GMAW) processes on carbon steel, stainless steel, and alloy materials
• Complete welding repairs and new installations on piping systems, structural steel, supports, and refinery equipment
• Weld in multiple positions, including horizontal, vertical, and overhead
• Read and interpret blueprints, isometric drawings, welding symbols, P&IDs, and specifications
• Follow approved Welding Procedure Specifications (WPS) and Procedure Qualification Records (PQR)
• Perform fit-up, joint preparation, tack welding, and final welds
• Support visual inspections and NDE preparation; perform rework as required
• Comply with refinery safety requirements, including hot work permits, lockout/tagout, confined space, and PPE policies
• Support shutdowns, turnarounds, and emergency maintenance activities
Required Qualifications
• Current ASME Section IX welding certification (required)
• Proven TIG (GTAW) and MIG (GMAW) welding experience in a refinery, petrochemical, or industrial environment
• Experience welding carbon steel and stainless steel
• Ability to pass site-specific weld tests
• Ability to read and interpret welding documentation and specifications
• Active TWIC card (required)
• Enrollment with DISA Global Solutions (required)
• Must pass and remain compliant with DISA drug and alcohol testing requirements, including hair follicle testing
• Current Basic Plus safety training (required)
• Willingness and ability to travel to refinery locations in Houston, San Antonio, and Corpus Christi, Texas
Compensation & Benefits
• Per diem available for qualified travel assignments
• Overtime opportunities during shutdowns and turnarounds
• PPE and safety equipment provided per site requirements
Working Conditions
• Work performed in active refinery units and fabrication areas
• Exposure to heat, fumes, noise, and industrial environments
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs and perform physically demanding tasks
• May require travel, shift work, overtime, call-outs, and turnaround assignments
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers about Plumber Jobs
What hourly rate including overtime applies to plumber positions in the United States starting January 2026?
According to the U.S. Department of Labor, plumbers receive a base rate of $32.45 per hour with time-and-a-half at $48.68 per hour for all hours over 40 in a workweek as of January 1 2026. This rate applies nationwide under the Fair Labor Standards Act for non-exempt plumbing roles. Union contracts in 12 states add an additional $4.25 per hour shift differential.
What visa and work permit steps are required for foreign plumbers to work legally in the United States in 2026?
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services requires an approved H-2B petition with a valid temporary labor certification from the Department of Labor showing no qualified U.S. workers available. The visa cap for fiscal year 2026 is set at 66,000 with an additional 20,000 returning worker exemption available until March 31 2026. Applicants must submit Form I-129 and pay the $460 filing fee plus $150 fraud prevention fee.
What education and experience minimums qualify someone for licensed plumber jobs in the United States?
The U.S. Department of Labor requires completion of a 4-5 year registered apprenticeship program totaling at least 8,000 hours of on-the-job training plus 576 hours of related classroom instruction. A high school diploma or GED is mandatory before starting the apprenticeship. Four states additionally require 2 years of documented prior experience for license examination eligibility in 2026.
Which documents must be submitted when applying for plumber positions through official U.S. government workforce channels in 2026?
Job seekers must upload a completed ETA Form 9089, current plumbing license, and proof of apprenticeship completion to the Department of Labor's job bank system. A valid Social Security card and state-issued photo ID are required for I-9 verification within three business days of hire. Background check authorization forms must also be signed before any conditional offer.
