Orbital Welder

ZipRecruiter; Richmond (VA); On-site; USD 50,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in Richmond, VA is seeking an experienced Orbital Welder to join their team. This role involves operating advanced welding systems for high-purity applications in industries such as aerospace and pharmaceuticals. Candidates should have a strong background in welding practices and the ability to maintain quality standards in a specialized manufacturing environment.

Qualifications

• Minimum 2 years of experience in orbital welding, preferably in a cleanroom environment.
• Familiarity with automatic and semi-automatic orbital welding equipment.
• AWS or ASME certification is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Set up and operate orbital welding equipment.
• Ensure welds meet strict industry standards.
• Document welding activities for quality assurance.

Skills

Welding practices

Metallurgy

Blueprint interpretation

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Vocational or technical training in welding

Tools

Orbital welding equipment

Borescopes

X-ray testing

Job description

Position Summary:

We are seeking a skilled Orbital Welder to join our growing team in Richmond, VA. The ideal candidate will have hands-on experience with orbital welding systems used in the fabrication of stainless steel and high-purity piping. This role is critical in maintaining quality and precision in pipe and tube welds for specialized manufacturing environments such as aerospace, pharmaceutical, food-grade, or semiconductor facilities.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Set up and operate orbital welding equipment (e.g., AMI, Arc Machines Inc., Swagelok, or equivalent systems)
2. Interpret blueprints, schematics, and welding symbols for job specifications
3. Fit and prepare stainless steel tubing or piping for orbital welds
4. Ensure welds meet strict industry standards (ASME, AWS, or customer-specific specs)
5. Perform quality checks using borescopes, x-rays, or pressure testing as needed
6. Maintain a clean and safe working environment according to safety regulations
7. Document welding activities and maintain accurate records for quality assurance

Qualifications:

• Minimum 2 years of experience in orbital welding, preferably in a cleanroom or high-purity environment
• Familiarity with automatic and semi-automatic orbital welding equipment
• Strong understanding of metallurgy and welding practices specific to stainless steel and non-ferrous materials
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings and technical instructions
• AWS or ASME certification a plus
• High school diploma or equivalent; vocational or technical training in welding