Pipe Welder/ Fitter

Viewpoint, Inc.; Columbia (SC); On-site; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Thompson Construction Group, Inc. is seeking an experienced BoP pipe welder/fitter for ongoing hydroelectric project work. This role involves fabricating, fitting, installing, and welding carbon steel and stainless steel piping, copper sweat-soldering, and supporting installation and rigging for governor and hydraulic systems.

You will read drawings and isometrics, plan safe lifts, and deliver accurately installed piping while following strict safety protocols and project quality requirements.

Qualifications

• Proven industrial pipe fitting and welding experience with carbon steel & stainless steel pipes.
• Ability to perform copper sweat-soldering and produce reliable joints.
• Experience bending/installing small-bore tubing with proper routing and compression fittings.
• Ability to read piping drawings and fit pipe accurately in confined spaces.
• Mechanical installation and rigging experience, including safe lifting practices.
• Must pass welding qualification tests and meet site safety requirements.

Responsibilities

• Read piping isometrics, drawings, and specifications to plan fabrication and installation.
• Lay out, cut, fit, and weld carbon steel and stainless steel pipe per procedures.
• Measure, clean, assemble, and sweat-solder copper pipe and fittings.
• Install small-bore tubing and compression fittings per drawings.
• Install piping, valves, supports, and alignments; verify clearances and access.
• Assist with equipment setting, alignment, and tie-ins for governor and HPU systems.
• Coordinate with electricians, millwrights, vendors, and site supervision on tie-ins.
• Support inspections, pressure tests, flushing, startup, and punch-list tasks.

Skills

Pipe welding

TIG welding

Reading drawings

Safety compliance

Rigging & Hoisting

Tools

TIG rig

Stinger

Crescent wrench

Tape measure

Burning goggles

Chipping hammer

Welding hood

Job description

Since its foundation in 1986, Thompson Construction Group, Inc. has grown from a small, local company into one of the largest privately held companies based in South Carolina. Our diverse services portfolio includes capital projects, power services, maintenance services, disaster recovery, hydro consulting, and commercial construction. We believe in investing in our employees to help them reach their professional goals, as well as their personal goals. Thompson promotes a work environment that fosters learning, leadership, and development, along with a safety culture that never waivers. Thompson is headquartered in Sumter, South Carolina, with offices spanning the United States, primarily the southeast and central United States.

Position Description

Thompson HCMS is seeking an experienced BoP pipe welder/fitter for ongoing project work, beginning with the Saluda

hydroelectric project. This role will fabricate, fit, install, and weld carbon steel and stainless steel piping; install sweat-soldered

copper piping and small-bore tubing; and support mechanical installation and rigging associated with the Units 1 and 2 governor

replacement. The welder/fitter must be able to work from drawings, plan safe lifts with the crew, and deliver sound, accurately

installed piping.

Job Responsibilities

• Read piping isometrics, drawings, specifications, and field measurements to plan fabrication and installation.
• Lay out, cut, prepare, fit, and weld carbon steel and stainless steel pipe using the approved processes and project welding procedures.
• Measure, cut, clean, assemble, and sweat-solder copper pipe and fittings for the specified service.
• Measure, bend, cut, deburr, route, and install small-bore hydraulic or instrumentation tubing and compression fittings in accordance with drawings and manufacturer instructions.
• Install piping, valves, fittings, supports, hangers, and related BoP components; check alignment, clearances, slope, and access.
• Apply mechanical skills to assist with equipment setting, assembly, alignment, and tie-ins for governor and hydraulic power unit (HPU) systems.
• Select and inspect rigging gear, identify load and lift points, and help move and position pipe spools and equipment in coordination with the designated lift lead and equipment operator.
• Coordinate tie-ins, isolations, and work sequencing with electricians, millwrights, vendors, and site supervision.
• Support inspections, pressure or leak testing, flushing, startup, and punch-list completion as directed.
• Keep accurate field measurements, report drawing conflicts, and document installation changes and daily progress.
• Follow site safety rules, hot-work requirements, lockout/tagout, confined-space controls where applicable, and project quality requirements.

Position Requirements

• Proven industrial pipe fitting and welding experience with both carbon steel and stainless steel pipe.
• Ability to perform copper sweat-soldering and produce clean, reliable joints.
• Experience bending and installing small-bore tubing, including proper routing, support, and compression fitting assembly.
• Ability to read piping drawings and fit pipe accurately in existing equipment spaces.
• Practical mechanical installation and rigging experience, including safe use and inspection of lifting gear.
• Ability to meet project welding qualification requirements for the assigned processes and materials.
• Hydroelectric, power generation, hydraulic, or other industrial plant experience preferred.
• Ability to meet site access and safety requirements, report reliably to assigned sites, and travel to future projects.
• Must be at least 18 years of age.
• Must be able to TIG and stick weld on stainless and/or carbon (pipe size and material welded varies per site).
• Must pass required weld tests (varies per site).
• Must be willing to work outside craft.
• Workers are surrounded by hot materials and strong light.
• Must wear safety gear, including protective goggles, masks, face shields and safety shoes.
• Must be able to read, write and communicate clearly with supervisor/co-workers and understand direction from supervisor.
• Utilize basic math and a calculator to solve geometric problems associated with Instrument Fitting.
• May be required to work outside and be subject to severe weather as well.
• Employee must be able to climb, bend, twist, stand and reach repetitively, operate moving equipment and work in hot/cold/damp/cramped environments.
• Candidate may be required to pass a drug test and criminal background check based on job location/requirements.
• Required Tool List For Pipe Welder:
• Must have own TIG Rig and Stinger
• 1 each 12” Crescent Wench
• 1 each Stinger (whip) for Stick Welding
• 1 each Tig Rig w/Hose and Gauges
• 1 each 25’ Tape Measure
• 1 set Burning Goggles
• 1 each Chipping Hammer
• 1 set Brushes
• 1 pair Leathers (optional)
• 1 each Welding Hood and Lens (Must be attached to hard hat or will attach to hard hat)
• No Soft Cap Hoods
• Must be able to lift 50 pounds, climb, bend, twist, stand and reach repetitively.
• Work in hot/cold/damp/cramped environments
• 40 or more hours per week with possible weekend work
• Background check and drug screen based on job location/requirements

Equal Opportunity Employer

Thompson Construction Group, Inc. provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, veteran status or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, Thompson Construction Group, Inc. complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities.

• We strive to provide a competitive compensation and benefits package. This includes but is not limited to medical, dental, vision, life insurance, 401(k), wellness programs and career development.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.