Pipe Welder Trainee

Innovative Refrigeration Systems, Inc.; United States; On-site; USD 36,000 - 47,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) match up to 15%

Medical insurance

Dental and vision insurance

Life insurance

Paid vacation and holidays

Paid sick leave

Disability insurance

Employee discounts

Job summary

Innovative Refrigeration Systems, Inc. is a leading provider of industrial refrigeration and process cooling solutions, delivering custom engineered systems and in-house services across North America.

The Pipe Welder Trainee role supports large-scale projects with travel on a 10-day tour schedule, typically 50–60 hours per week, and a pay rate of $30 per hour. The position offers growth opportunities, safety‑sensitive work, and comprehensive benefits including retirement, health, and life

Qualifications

• Graduate of an accredited welding school with emphasis on 6G pipe welding OR equivalent prior pipe welding experience.
• Must pass a 6G weld test prior to employment (2" schedule 80 steel stick: 60/10 root, 70/18 cap)
• Willingness and ability to learn pipe fitting
• Extensive travel required (10-day tours with 10-12 hour shifts)
• Valid driver’s license with ability to drive up to 10 hours
• Pre-employment drug screening, background check, and driving record check required

Responsibilities

• Weld pipe ranging from ¾” to 18” (primarily 2”-6”)
• Assist with welds on key components including compressors, vessels, evaporators, and condensers
• Perform cutting, beveling, and fitting of pipe
• Learn to independently position and complete weld setups
• Perform open root welding (no insert)
• Weld 50 diameter inches in a day
• Support other jobsite tasks including insulation, electrical work, and painting
• Operate torch, grinder, and wire wheel; assist with load rigging and leveling
• Follow safety procedures and complete tasks as assigned by foreman or supervisor

Skills

Welding

Willingness to learn

Education

Graduate of an accredited welding school with emphasis on 6G pipe welding OR equivalent prior pipe welding experience

Job description

Innovative Refrigeration Systems, Inc. is the leading provider of industrial refrigeration and process cooling solutions, delivering custom engineered systems utilizing natural refrigerants such as ammonia and CO₂. Through a fully integrated approach encompassing engineering, manufacturing, construction, commissioning, nationwide service, and advanced aftermarket solutions, Innovative supports customers across the food and beverage, cold storage, pharmaceutical, industrial manufacturing, and mission-critical infrastructure markets throughout North America and around the world.

Unlike traditional engineering firms, contractors, or equipment suppliers, Innovative performs engineering, manufacturing, construction, commissioning, service, and ongoing customer support entirely in-house. This integrated model provides employees the opportunity to support projects throughout the complete lifecycle, from concept and design through manufacturing, installation, startup, operation, optimization, modernization, and long-term system support.

Job Role: The Pipe Welder Trainee supports the installation of piping systems for large-scale industrial refrigeration projects. Responsibilities include learning to cut, fit, and weld pipe while assisting in various construction-related duties. This role offers the opportunity for growth and long-term career advancement. Extensive travel is required.

Schedule: This position follows a 10-day tour schedule, traveling from Tuesday through the following week's Thursday, with every other Friday through Monday off, typically working 50-60 hours per week.

Pay: $30

Key Duties

• Weld pipe ranging from ¾” to 18” (primarily 2”-6”)
• Assist with welds on key components including compressors, vessels, evaporators, and condensers
• Perform cutting, beveling, and fitting of pipe
• Learn to independently position and complete weld setups
• Perform open root welding (no insert)
• Weld 50 diameter inches in a day
• Support other jobsite tasks including insulation, electrical work, and painting
• Operate torch, grinder, and wire wheel; assist with load rigging and leveling
• Follow safety procedures and complete tasks as assigned by foreman or supervisor

Requirements

• Graduate of an accredited welding school with emphasis on 6G pipe welding OR equivalent prior pipe welding experience
• Must pass a 6G weld test prior to employment (2" schedule 80 steel stick: 60/10 root, 70/18 cap)
• Willingness and ability to learn pipe fitting
• Extensive travel required (10-day tours with 10-12 hour shifts)
• Valid driver’s license with ability to drive up to 10 hours
• Ability to operate industrial lifts
• Pre-employment drug screening, background check, and driving record check required
• No DUI within the past 5 years
• This is a safety-sensitive position and subject to regular drug testing
• Must be able to lift and carry up to 50 pounds regularly, and up to 75 pounds occasionally
• Ability to stand, bend, crouch, and kneel for extended periods of time
• Must be able to work at heights, in confined spaces, and in varying conditions (heat, cold, dust, noise)
• Must have the physical stamina to perform repetitive motions and remain on feet for most of the shift
• Manual dexterity and hand-eye coordination sufficient to operate tools accurately and safely

Benefits

In addition to a competitive base salary, we provide a comprehensive and employee-focused benefits package designed to support your financial security, health, and work-life balance:

• Generous retirement plan with a dollar-for-dollar 401(k) match up to 15%
• 401(k) student loan repayment match up to 15%
• Medical insurance with 75% of employee and family premiums covered by the company
• Dental and vision insurance options
• Optional supplemental insurance coverage
• Short-term and long-term disability insurance
• Accidental death and dismemberment (AD&D) coverage
• Company-paid life insurance
• Weekly pay
• Competitive paid vacation and holiday time
• Paid sick leave, bereavement leave, and jury duty leave
• Employee referral bonus program
• Opportunities for career advancement, professional development, training, and apprenticeship programs
• Access to employee discounts on cell phone plans, vehicle rentals, and other eligible services