Grinder / Weld Finishing Operative

MDE Consultants Ltd; Appledore; On-site; GBP 34,000 - 43,000; Full time

Job summary

MDE Consultants Ltd in North Devon seeks a Grinder / Weld Finishing Operative for an eight-week marine engineering project. The role focuses on precision finishing of welds on steel structures, using handheld grinders and finishing tools.

Hours follow a day shift pattern; pay is £16.25–£18.49 per hour PAYE, with weekly earnings between £650 and £832.05. Candidates should have 1+ year experience in engineering environments, with strong attention to detail and ability to work safely within a team.

Qualifications

• Minimum 1 year's professional experience using handheld grinders in an engineering context.
• Experience in weld dressing/finishing or preparing welded components for inspection.
• Excellent attention to detail and high workmanship standards.

Responsibilities

• Grind and dress completed welds to required finish.
• Prepare welds and surrounding surfaces for visual inspection and checks.
• Remove spatter, excess material and surface imperfections.
• Use handheld grinders safely and accurately.
• Ensure finishing meets quality standards.
• Identify defects and report for further attention.
• Work with welders, fabricators and inspection teams.
• Maintain a clean and safe workspace.

Skills

Handheld grinders experience

Attention to detail

Independent worker

Teamwork

Education

1+ years engineering environment

Tools

Handheld grinders

Weld finishing tools

Job description

Grinder / Weld Finishing Operative

Location: Bideford Area, North Devon

Pay Rate: £16.25 – £18.49 per hour PAYE (inclusive of holiday pay)

Weekly Earnings: £650 – £832.05 gross per week, depending on rate and hours worked

Contract Duration: 8 Weeks

Job Type: Full-Time, Temporary Contract

Job Description

We are recruiting experienced Grinders / Weld Finishing Operatives for an eight-week marine engineering project in North Devon.

The work will primarily involve grinding, dressing and preparing completed welds on steel structures and fabricated components, ensuring they are finished to the required standard and ready for inspection.

This is not a heavy fabrication or heavy grinding position. The focus is on precision finishing, quality workmanship and attention to detail.

We are particularly interested in candidates with experience in shipbuilding, ship repair, structural steelwork, fabrication or similar engineering environments.

Key Responsibilities

• Grinding and dressing completed welds to the required finish.
• Preparing welds and surrounding surfaces for visual inspection and quality checks.
• Removing weld spatter, excess material, sharp edges and surface imperfections.
• Using handheld grinders and finishing equipment safely and accurately.
• Ensuring weld preparation and finishing meet the required quality standards.
• Identifying and reporting any defects or areas requiring further attention.
• Working alongside welders, fabricators and inspection teams.
• Maintaining a clean, organised and safe working environment.

Essential Requirements

• Minimum 1 year's professional experience using handheld grinders in an engineering, fabrication or industrial environment.
• Experience in weld dressing, weld finishing or preparing welded components for inspection.
• Excellent attention to detail and a high standard of workmanship.
• Ability to work accurately and consistently with minimal supervision.
• Good understanding of workshop health and safety procedures.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

Desirable Experience

• Previous experience within shipbuilding, ship repair or marine engineering.
• Experience preparing welds for visual inspection or quality control.
• Familiarity with engineering drawings and fabrication instructions.
• Experience working with structural steel components and fabricated assemblies.

Working Hours

• Monday to Thursday: 7:30am – 4:45pm, with potential extensions to 6:00pm.
• Friday: 7:30am – 12:30pm.
• Additional Hours: Friday afternoons and Saturday mornings may be available depending on project requirements.

Pay & Contract Details

• Hourly Rate: £16.25 – £18.49 PAYE (inclusive of holiday pay).
• Weekly Earnings: £650 – £832.05 gross per week, based on standard and extended weekday working hours.
• Potential for additional earnings through Friday afternoon and Saturday morning working.
• Eight-week temporary contract.
• Full-time, site-based position.