Production Welder

RK Mechanical, Inc.; Northern (KY); Hybrid; USD 48,000 - 80,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive benefits

RK University apprenticeship program

Professional development opportunities

Job summary

RK Industries is seeking skilled Welders to perform high-quality welding and fabrication aligned with CAD/FAB and Energy procedures. The role includes reading blueprints, setting up welds, and ensuring products meet standards.

Qualified applicants typically have 3–5 years welding experience, a 6G certification, and proficiency with calipers and weld gauges. Safety is a core value, with Lean and continuous improvement practices embedded in daily work.

Qualifications

• Requires 3–5 years welding experience for Welder 1.
• 6G welding certification is required for Welder 1.
• Must be able to read blueprints, diagrams and weld symbols.
• Demonstrates strong attention to detail and safety.

Responsibilities

• Operate welding and fabrication machinery per task.
• Read blueprints, diagrams, and engineering drawings to guide fabrication.
• Follow project procedures and maintain quality documentation.
• Create weldment set-ups and fixturing to meet geometry requirements.
• Inspect products for compliance and document results.
• Collaborate with team to meet production schedules.
• Operate lift trucks and overhead cranes safely.
• Use measuring tools accurately (tape measures, calipers).
• Adhere to shop safety protocols and Lean initiatives.

Skills

Welding experience

6G welding certification

Blueprint reading

Lean / Continuous Improvement

Safety compliance

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

6G welding certification

Tools

Calipers

Weld gauges

Tape measures

Overhead cranes

Job description

RK Company Overview

RK Industries is a second-generation family-owned company led by brothers Rick and Jon Kinning. With seven specialized business units working together, we deliver construction, fabrication, manufacturing, and building services with a focus on safety, quality, and craftsmanship.

People join RK for the craftsmanship, complexity, and the ability to make a real impact. Our in-house capabilities mean employees see their ideas become real solutions, creating meaningful collaboration and clear visibility into how work gets built. Growth happens through challenging projects, mentorship from experienced builders, and opportunities that stretch your skill set.

With RK University, accredited apprenticeships, competitive benefits, and deep community investment, RK offers the stability of a family-owned company with the opportunity and momentum of an industry leader.

Position Summary

Perform high-quality, trade-specific welding and fabrication work in alignment with CAD/FAB and Energy procedures, ensuring all products meet or exceed customer expectations and industry standards.

Primary Responsibilities

• Operate welding and fabrication machinery (i.e., calipers, weld gauges, tape measures, and other welding hand tool) specific to assigned tasks.
• Read, interpret and follow basic blueprints, diagrams, engineering drawings, specifications, weld symbols, bills of materials, and other written instructions or procedures to accurately create equipment and products.
• Follow P&IDS for assembly tracks on projects.
• Create specific weldment set-ups and fixturing to meet geometric requirements.
• Inspect products for compliance and document results; maintain equipment as required.
• Work collaboratively with team members to meet production schedules and performance goals.
• Operate lift trucks and overhead cranes safely and efficiently.
• Accurately use measuring tools, including tape measures.
• Adhere to all safety protocols and shop regulations.
• Support continuous improvement efforts through Lean and Continuous Improvement.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Career Level

Welder 1:

• High school diploma or equivalent; technical education or certification is a plus.
• 3-5 years of experience in welding and metal processing (FCAW, MIG).
• 6G welding certification required.
• Proficient in basic welding tasks and quality standards.
• Perform X-Ray Quality Welds on process piping, hydronics, and pressurevessels.
• Knowledge of pipe trade tools (i.e. Two-Hole Pins, Center-finders, Pipe wraps)
• Perform duties that are generally structured and recurring in nature.
• Follow established objectives, guidelines, and standard operating procedures.
• Demonstrate strong mechanical aptitude and proficiency in operating established fixtures and tools.
• Demonstrate excellent problem-solving skills and can work independently when required
• Maintain high attention to detail and precision when welding.
• Contribute effectively to a team under the general supervision of an experienced professional or manager.
• Read and interpret process sheets, cut lists, tolerances, and basic technical drawings/blueprints.
• Basic understanding of weld symbols.
• Perform intermediate-level mathematical calculations as needed for the role.

Welder 2: All of the above plus:

• 5-10 years of experience in welding and metal processing (FCAW, GMAW, in multiple modes of transfer)
• 6G certified; eligible for 6G certification.
• Proficient in medium-complexity welding tasks.
• Perform X-Ray Quality Welds on process piping, hydronics, and pressure vessels.
• Proficient in welding light metals.
• Demonstrate sound judgment and take initiative in troubleshooting and recommend effective solutions.
• Provide mentorship and guidance to junior welders.
• Proficient in blueprint reading and weld symbols.
• Perform intermediate-levelmathematical calculations including trigonometry and geometry.
• Demonstrate an understanding of continuous improvement initiatives and actively participate in Lean and Continuous Improvement process enhancements.

Welder 3: All of the above plus:

• 10+ years of experience in welding, metal processing, and structural fitting.
• Certified in 3G and 6G welding and GTAW for all materials, proficient in SMAW.
• Operate and evaluate fixtures effectively, providing recommendations for enhancements to improve workflow and quality.
• Skilled in advanced welding tasks and structural metals, including non-ferrous and structural metals.
• Skilled in welding in confined spaces using mirrors.
• Fully program welding robots
• Perform X-Ray Quality Welds on process piping, hydronics, and pressurevessels.
• Using shop blueprints, Fit up X-ray quality weld joints.
• ASME Pressure Vessel, Piping, Welding to B31.1, 31.3, 31.9 Criteria.
• Advanced mechanical aptitude to coordinate own tasks with a specific range of responsibilities under established procedures.
• Operate independently with minimal supervision.
• Read advanced technical documents and blueprints.
• Perform advanced-levelmathematical calculations including trigonometry and geometry.
• Lead small teams and collaborates with foremen to meet production goals.
• Communicate job status to shop superintendent.
• Lead small teams and contribute to medium-complexity continuous improvement initiatives, including Lean and Continuous Improvement projects.

Accountability

• Comply with all company policies and procedures.
• All employees are accountable for safety and health and are empowered to stop work if an unsafe condition is present. Employees should immediately notify their supervisor so that the hazard may be corrected.

Physical Requirements

• Work outside, inside, and in dusty, noisy and hazardous areas.
• Work in high places, tight places, confined spaces and/or other adverse locations.
• Climb, balance, squat, kneel and crouch.
• Work in all types of weather.
• Must have working knowledge of all trade materials and tools.
• Ability to lift, move, and/or carry 50 lbs.

What Sets RK Industries Apart

• Safety: Our unmatched culture of safety is our foremost core value, guiding everything we do each day: Health, Safety, & Environmental
• Awards: Whether in Construction, Manufacturing, Fabrication, or Service, RK Industries is highly recognized and accredited throughout the industry: Accreditations & Recognition
• Benefits: RK Industries offers competitive benefits to support your growth and well-being: Benefits & Rewards
• Philanthropy: RK Industries not only builds our community through our projects, but also invests in it by supporting local services for over a decade through the RK Foundation: RK Foundation
• Development: Through RK University, we provide hands‑on training and development opportunities that empower employees to advance their careers and grow within the company, to include leadership and technical learning opportunities, we well as our accredited apprentice program: RK University & RK Apprenticeship Program

Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis.