AVW - Automated Vertical Welding Operator

Matrix Service; Anacortes (WA); On-site; USD 73,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Matrix Service in Anacortes, WA is seeking a Vertical Welder to perform structural and plate welding on aboveground storage tanks, including vertical, horizontal, and overhead welds in carbon steel per API 650/653 and AWS standards.

The role requires reading blueprints, welding maps, and construction specs, maintaining quality per codes, and working safely from scaffolds or lifts with collaboration with NDE personnel and other trades.

Qualifications

• Valid welder qualification tests for applicable welding processes.
• 2-5 years industrial welding experience, preferably on aboveground storage tanks.
• Ability to pass weld performance qualifications and project-specific tests.
• Ability to read and interpret welding symbols and fabrication drawings.
• Knowledge of API 650 and API 653 tank construction and repair practices.
• Must maintain 95-100% pass rate on weld X-ray/visual exams.
• Must pass drug testing program and background check; TWIC card.
• 8,000 craft hours or graduated journeyperson status preferred.

Responsibilities

• Perform SMAW, FCAW, GMAW, or SAW welding as qualified.
• Weld tank shell courses, roof components, nozzles, and attachments.
• Read blueprints, weld maps, and construction specs.
• Ensure weld quality meets codes and customer specs.
• Operate welding equipment safely and efficiently.
• Prepare surfaces, preheat, and interpass temperature control when required.
• Assist NDE personnel during radiographic, ultrasonic, MPI, or dye penetrant testing.
• Maintain tools and work areas in safe condition.

Skills

Welding processes SMAW FCAW GMAW SAW

Read welding symbols & drawings

API 650 / API 653 knowledge

Safety compliance & OSHA

Education

Graduated journeyperson status preferred

Job description

Job Summary

The Vertical Welder is responsible for performing structural and plate welding activities associated with the fabrication, erection, repair, alteration, and maintenance of aboveground storage tanks (ASTs). This position requires welding vertical, horizontal, and overhead joints on carbon steel and other specified materials in accordance with project specifications, applicable welding procedures, and industry standards such as API 650, API 653, and AWS requirements.

Job Functions

• Actively supports the Company's commitment to safety and its "Core Values."
• Represents the Company at all times with high moral standards while adhering to the Company's "Code of Business Conduct and Ethics."
• Perform SMAW, FCAW, GMAW, or SAW welding processes as qualified.
• Weld tank shell courses, roof components, bottom plates, nozzles, manways, stairways, platforms, and structural attachments.
• Execute vertical-up and vertical-down welds in accordance with approved Welding Procedure Specifications (WPS).
• Read and interpret blueprints, weld maps, shop drawings, and construction specifications.
• Ensure weld quality meets applicable codes, customer specifications, and inspection requirements.
• Operate welding equipment safely and efficiently.
• Prepare material surfaces through grinding, beveling, fitting, and cleaning.
• Conduct preheat and interpass temperature control when required.
• Work from scaffolding, aerial lifts, tank interiors, and elevated work areas.
• Participate in visual inspections and assist NDE personnel during radiographic, ultrasonic, magnetic particle, or dye penetrant testing.
• Repair weld discontinuities identified during inspection.
• Maintain tools, equipment, and work areas in safe operating condition.
• Follow all company safety procedures, OSHA regulations, and site-specific requirements.
• Participate in Job Hazard Analyses (JHAs), toolbox meetings, and safety training.
• Cleans and chips or grinds parts and welds.
• Weld tacking horizontal and vertical seams.
• Cleans up material and debris after completing each job.
• Identify safety hazards you or other employees may be subject to and take all necessary corrective action to eliminate or minimize hazards.
• Loading and offloading field equipment and material shipments from trucks.
• Cleans tools & equipment.
• Performs variety of tasks involving dexterous use of hands and tools, air impacts, hand wrenches.
• Perform all other job-related duties as requested by supervision.

Qualifications

• Valid welder qualification tests for applicable welding processes.
• Minimum 2-5 years of industrial welding experience, preferably on aboveground storage tanks.
• Ability to pass weld performance qualifications and project-specific tests.
• Ability to read and understand welding symbols and fabrication drawings.
• Knowledge of API 650 and API 653 tank construction and repair practices.
• Must maintain a 95-100% pass rate on weld X-ray/visual exams.
• Must have a positive outlook; willing to work as a team and independently.
• Must possess hard work ethic and willingness to learn new things.
• MUST obtain and maintain active status within the appropriate drug testing program.
• MUST pass background check.
• MUST have TWIC card.
• MUST obtain the 20-hour high hazard facility training card.
• MUST have Verification of 8,000 craft related hours OR Graduated journeyperson status preferred.

Physical Requirements

• Employee will be standing, walking, bending, squatting and lifting.
• Must be able to hear, speak, understand and communicate effectively.
• May be required to lift, carry and move up to 50lbs.
• Will work at heights, climb ladders and stairways and work from platforms while utilizing proper fall protection and safety protocols.
• Must be capable of working outside in the elements including but not limited to the heat, cold, rain, snow and wind; and must be able to work for long periods of time, up to 12 hours a day.
• Will be required to wear personal protective equipment (PPE) including but not limited to hard hat, safety glasses/goggles, ear plugs/muffs, masks/respirators, safety vests, gloves and steel-toe boots.

Pay and Benefits

Washington law requires pay information in job postings. The typical hiring range for this position in Washington is shown below. The pay rate will depend on the successful candidate's qualifications and prior experience, specific skill set, geographic location, internal equity, and other factors influencing pay. As such, the actual salary may fall closer to one or the other end of this range, and in certain circumstances, may fall outside the listed hiring range.

Hiring range: $53.00 to $62.00 per hour

In addition, full-time employees are offered a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental and vision plans covering eligible employees and dependents, disability benefits, life and AD&D insurance, an employee assistance program (EAP), a 401(k) plan with company match, an employee stock purchase plan (ESPP), a robust wellness program and adoption assistance.

Matrix Culture

At Matrix, we are dedicated to building a culture of engagement, respect, collaboration and teamwork. We encourage all whose experience aligns with the listed qualifications to apply and explore joining our organization.

EEO - M/F/Disability/Vets Employer

We are an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, genetic information, marital status, disability, veteran status, or other legally protected characteristic or category.

Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis.