Vessel Fitter (Fab Shop Maintenance)

Brown-and-Root-Industrial-Services; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401K with company match

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Life insurance

AD&D

Flexible spending account

Disability insurance

Paid time off

Flexible work schedule

Job summary

Brown & Root Industrial Services is seeking a Vessel Fitter to lay out, position, and fit structural steel and pressure vessel components in accordance with engineering drawings. The role supports fabrication of tanks, pressure vessels, and heavy industrial equipment.

Applicants should have 2–3 years in heavy steel fabrication, ability to read drawings and welding symbols, and familiarity with ASME Section VIII. The position is on-site in Houston with potential overtime and travel.

Qualifications

• Read and interpret detailed fabrication drawings and welding symbols.
• Experience in heavy steel fabrication or vessel fitting.
• Familiarity with ASME Section VIII and pressure vessel standards.
• Proficient with industry-standard measuring and fitting tools.
• Strong rigging and layout knowledge with attention to tolerances.

Responsibilities

• Read and interpret engineering drawings, fabrication blueprints, and vessel schematics.
• Lay out and mark reference points for plates, shells, heads, nozzles, manways, and attachments.
• Fit and align large vessel components using rigging and measuring tools.
• Prepare surfaces for welding including grinding, beveling, and cleaning.
• Ensure dimensions comply with ASME/API or client specifications.
• Work with welders to ensure proper fit-up before final welding.
• Perform visual inspections to confirm alignment and quality of fit.
• Operate hand and power tools safely (grinders, torches, plasma cutters).
• Maintain a clean and safe work environment per safety policies.

Skills

Reading drawings

Layout & fit

Rigging techniques

Measuring tools

Teamwork

Attention to detail

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

Grinders

Torch

Magnetic drills

Plasma cutter

Job description

The vessel Fitter is responsible for laying out, positioning, and fitting structural steel and pressure vessel components in accordance with engineering drawings and specifications. This role plays a key part in the fabrication of tanks, pressure vessels, and other heavy industrial equipment.

Key Responsibilities:

Read and interpret engineering drawings, fabrication blueprints, and vessel schematics.

Lay out and mark reference points for plates, shells, heads, nozzles, manways, and other attachments.

Fit and align large vessel components using chain falls, come-alongs, wedges, jacks, and measuring tools.

Prepare surfaces for welding, including grinding, beveling, and cleaning metal components.

Ensure all dimensions and tolerances comply with ASME, API, or client specifications.

Work closely with welders to ensure proper fit-up prior to tack or final welding.

Perform visual inspections to confirm alignment, squareness, and quality of fit.

Operate hand and power tools safely (grinders, torches, magnetic drills, plasma cutters).

Maintain a clean and safe work environment, following all company safety policies and procedures.

Qualifications:

High school diploma or GED (preferred)

Minimum 2–3 years of experience in heavy steel fabrication or vessel fitting

Ability to read and interpret detailed fabrication drawings and welding symbols

Familiarity with ASME Section VIII and pressure vessel standards

Experience using industry-standard measuring and fitting tools

Strong knowledge of rigging and layout techniques

Attention to detail and precision in layout and alignment

Strong understanding of metal types, tolerances, and material behavior

Excellent communication and teamwork skills

Physical ability to lift heavy materials and work in various positions (standing, crouching, climbing)

Heavy industrial fabrication shop or job site environment

May involve exposure to loud noise, heat, fumes, and heavy equipment

Required use of PPE: hard hat, steel-toe boots, gloves, safety glasses, etc.

May require overtime, weekend shifts, or travel depending on project needs

Requirements

• Work within precise limits or standards of accuracy.
• Make decisions based on measurable criteria.
• Apply shop mathematics to solve problems
• Plan work and select proper tools.
• Visualize objects in three dimensions from plans and drawings.
• Work at heights without fear.
• Compare and see differences in the size, shape and form of lines, figures and objects.

Qualifications

• May require a high school diploma or its equivalent with previous years of experience in the field or in a related area.
• Has knowledge of commonly-used concepts, practices, and procedures within a particular field.
• Relies on instructions and pre-established guidelines to perform the functions of the job.
• Works under immediate supervision.
• Primary job functions do not typically require exercising independent judgment.
• Typically reports to a supervisor or manager.

Physical Requirements

• 1. Strength: Standing 60%, Walking 20%, Sitting 20%
• 2. Lifting 50 lb., Carrying 50 lb., Pushing 70 ft-lb., Pulling 70 ft-lb.
• 3. Climbing F, Balancing F
• 4. Stooping O, Kneeling O, Crouching O, Crawling O, Reaching C, Handling C, Fingering F

EXPLANATION OF SYMBOLS

• NP Not Present
• O Occasionally (0-33%)F Frequently (34-66%)C Constantly (67-100%)

Brown & Root Industrial Services is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, veteran status, genetic information, union status and/or beliefs, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.

• 401K plan with company match
• medical
• dental
• vision
• life insurance
• AD&D
• flexible spending account
• disability
• paid time off
• flexible work schedule

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