1st Class Welder

Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA); Philadelphia (Philadelphia County); On-site; USD 52,000 - 62,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Healthcare coverage

Pension plan

Paid holidays

Tuition reimbursement

PSLF program

Job summary

Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) is seeking a skilled 1st Class Welder to inspect, repair, rehabilitate, and install rail and track components using specialized welding and grinding equipment. The role emphasizes safety, quality, and adherence to standards while maintaining essential tools for daily operations.

The incumbent will perform thermite welds, align joints, and oversee track work to ensure reliable train operations across SEPTA's service region.

Qualifications

• High School diploma or GED required.
• Valid Driver's License; ability to obtain CDL Class B within 30 days.
• Must complete written qualifications and performance tests.
• OSHA respirator requirement; wear tight-fitting respirator, clean-shaven and fit-tested.

Responsibilities

• Repair, rehabilitate and install track components using welding and grinding equipment.
• Set up welding machines, connect wiring, select electrodes and operate grinders.
• Inspect and maintain trackwork for PM compliance; report results and perform repairs as needed.
• Align rail joints, tighten loose joints, realign switches and rep spike frogs.
• Prepare thermite welded rail joints and maintain welding tools and safety equipment.

Skills

Welding proficiency

Blueprint reading

Safety compliance

Manual dexterity

Education

High School diploma or GED

Tools

Oxy-fuel welding

Thermite welding

Job description

Secure Your Future with SEPTA – A Leader in Transportation!

The Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) is the sixth-largest transportation system in the U.S., connecting communities across a 2,200-square-mile service region. SEPTA is at the forefront of innovation in the transit industry, ensuring reliable and efficient services while driving economic growth in the Philadelphia region.

We Are Proud To Be Recognized As

2023 FORBES Best in State Employer

Philadelphia Employer of Choice for 2024

We are seeking candidates for the position of 1st Class Welder.

Overall Description

The 1st Class Welder is a highly skilled trades professional responsible for inspecting, repairing, rehabilitating and installing rail and track components using specialized welding and grinding equipment. The successful candidate will utilize their technical expertise to ensure track infrastructure meets the highest standards of safety, quality, and performance while maintaining the tools and equipment essential to daily operations.

• Starting Pay Rate: $38.4102/hr , based on applicable contract.

Specific Responsibilities

• Utilizes appropriate welding processes to repair, rehabilitate and install various types of track components such as rail, switches, frogs, mates and various other trackwork components.
• Performs such functions as setting up of welding machines and accessories, making necessary connections, adjustment of welding machines, and selection of appropriate electrodes, set up and use of various grinding devices.
• Inspects & maintains special trackwork for PM compliance, reports results of inspections as directed, makes necessary repairs as practical, determines and advises on the safe train operation over marginally compliant and non-compliant areas.
• Performs such track maintenance functions such as alignment of rail joints, tightening of loose joints, realigning and gauging of switches, respiking frogs, rebuilding heel blocks and replacing tie and rail fasteners.
• Uses and maintains tools, equipment and measuring devices such as electric, gas and propane welding machines, pneumatic, gasoline and electrical grinders, straight edges, electric generators, pre-heaters and torches; running maintenance shall include such functions as check and fill oil/coolant on gas welders, repair gas and electric welding leads as required.
• Performs cutting and drilling of rail to specified measurements, uses necessary equipment such as band saw or abrasive saw and rail drill.
• Performs the repair, renewal, construction and removal of track and special work; including ensuring the compliance of work with established standards
• Uses plans, drawings, sketches and templates to layout and ensure correctness of work.
• Must be qualified on the alignment beam and the procedures for the purpose of thermite welding.
• Directs the activities of employees of lower classification
• Accomplishes all pertinent reports and associated documentation and ensures their timely submittal.
• Pursue the requisition, and acquisition of all required materials, maintains material and tool inventory.
• Cleans and maintains work area, tools, equipment and storage facilities used.
• Performs other duties as assigned Rehabilitates, repairs and assembles special trackwork such as switches, frogs, stock rails, switch points, compromise joint bars and all associated track appurtenances.
• Prepares and completes thermite welded rail joints using approved means and methods.
• Relines crucible and prepare molds for thermite welding.
• Straightens switch components, rails and various related track material by heating and bending.
• Determines the need for On-Track protection and secures the appropriate Form “W” as required.
• Must meet the minimum requirements of and be able to perform the duties of lower classifications.
• Complies with all Authority and departmental safety and security policies and procedures as well as all applicable job safety responsibilities. Reports any safety concerns, compromises or hazards affecting operations, the public, self and/or other employees. Responsible for personal safety and is encouraged to promote the safety of others.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

• High School diploma or GED required.
• Must have a valid Driver's License with ability to obtain CDL Class B license within 30 days of hire.
• Must satisfactorily complete written qualifications and performance tests as required.
• Consistent with Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) respiratory protection standard, this position requires the use of a tight fitting respirator. SEPTA employees required to wear a tight fitting respirator must be clean-shaven and fit-tested.
• For information regarding reasonable accommodations, please contact SEPTA's EEO/AA & Employee Relations Department at [phone].

Why Join Our Team? Enjoy Outstanding Benefits!

• Comprehensive Healthcare Coverage – Medical, prescription, dental, and vision plans with little to no employee premiums.
• Retirement Security – Participate in a Defined Benefit Pension Plan and a 457B Deferred Compensation Plan to build your financial future.
• Work-Life Balance – Enjoy paid parental leave, generous vacation time, and paid holidays to recharge and spend time with loved ones.
• Employee Wellness – Access wellness programs and resources to support your physical, mental, and emotional well-being.
• Invest in Your Growth – We offer tuition reimbursement to support your education and career advancement.
• Student Loan Assistance – Our positions qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program, helping you manage and reduce student debt.
• Free Travel Perks – Receive a FREE SEPTA Transportation Pass, giving you unlimited access to all SEPTA services!

Join us and take advantage of these incredible benefits while making a difference in your community!

SEPTA is an Equal Opportunity Employer. SEPTA is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.