Sub Arc Welder - Night Shift

Houston, United States
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
Apply on
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 in United States

Q
What is the starting salary for entry-level welder jobs in the US in 2026?
The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports the 10th percentile annual wage for welders, cutters, solderers, and brazers at $38,700, or $18.60 per hour, as projected for 2026. Most entry-level positions require on-the-job training and pay between $18.60 and $22.00 per hour depending on location. Overtime pay is at least 1.5 times the regular rate over 40 hours per week.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Q
What work visa do I need as a foreign welder to work in the US in 2026?
Foreign welders can apply for H-2B temporary non-agricultural work visas, requiring a temporary labor certification from DOL valid for up to 12 months. USCIS approves H-2B petitions with a FY2026 cap of 68,500 visas after exemptions. Employers must prove no US workers available and pay prevailing wage of at least $24.50 per hour.
Source: U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
Q
What education and experience do I need to qualify for welder jobs in 2026?
A high school diploma or equivalent is required, plus 3 to 6 months of on-the-job training or a DOL-registered apprenticeship program lasting 1-2 years. No college degree is needed, but 1-2 years of experience boosts hiring chances. About 49,800 annual openings are projected through 2033 for qualified candidates.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Q
What documents are required to apply for welder jobs through US government programs?
Submit a resume, high school diploma, proof of apprenticeship completion via DOL Registered Apprenticeship ID, and AWS certification if held. For federal contractor jobs, include Form ETA-9062 for compliance. Applications via Apprenticeship.gov require SSN and training hours log.
Source: U.S. Department of Labor Employment and Training Administration