Welder

Ellwood Texas Forge Navasota, LLC; Navasota (TX); On-site; USD 42,000 - 68,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance (day 1)

401(k) retirement plan

Paid vacation

Onsite clinic

PPE provided

Job summary

Ellwood Texas Forge Navasota, LLC is seeking a Welder to repair and rebuild closed-die forging dies used in our Forge operations. The role emphasizes precision, patience, and attention to detail to ensure dies return to production.

Dies are heated and repairs occur in a hot manufacturing environment. Experience with MIG/Stick welding is preferred, but willingness to learn Ellwood’s specialized die-repair methods is essential for quality repairs.

Qualifications

• 2–3 years of MIG and/or stick welding experience preferred.
• 4 years of combined welding education/training required.
• Experience with weld overlay, repair welding, gouging, torch cutting preferred.
• Ability to read and follow work instructions and inspection documents.

Responsibilities

• Perform MIG and stick welding to repair and rebuild forging dies.
• Tie weld passes into adjacent welds and base material for a continuous repair.
• Perform manual flooding to build up die surfaces for machining.
• Gouge cracks, porosity, and other defects before rewelding.
• Use cutting torches, wash torches, chisel guns, needle guns, fire heaters, and other welding tools.
• Verify and maintain die temperatures during welding.
• Use overhead cranes and lifting equipment to move heated dies safely.
• Support manual and robotic weld-flooding operations as assigned.
• Inspect completed work and repair defects identified during grinding, scanning, inspection, or machining.
• Complete required equipment inspections and production documentation.
• Coordinate with opposite shift personnel to maintain repair continuity.
• Follow all safety, quality, environmental, and company requirements.

Skills

MIG welding

Stick welding

Welding inspection

Die repair

Education

4 years welding education/experience

Job description

At Ellwood, we believe metal is a pillar of human process. What makes it possible are the people behind it; people who don't just meet the highest standards but define them. And who always respect the stakes at hand.

Check out the links below to see what our day looks like – See what drives us.

https://www.ellwoodgroup.com/careers

Position Overview

Ellwood Texas Forge Navasota is seeking a Welder to repair and rebuild closed-die forging dies used in our Forge operations.

The work is repair welding dies - not fast-paced production or structural fabrication. The position requires patience, precision, and attention to detail. Welders repair cracks and damaged areas, apply weld overlay, build up die surfaces, and correct defects so dies can return to production.

Employees work with heated dies in a hot manufacturing environment. Candidates with welding experience are preferred, but success in this position also depends on being willing to learn Ellwood’s specialized die-repair methods and take the time necessary to produce a quality repair.

What You’ll Do

• Perform MIG and stick welding to repair and rebuild forging dies.
• Properly tie weld passes into adjacent welds and base material to create a continuous, sound repair.
• Perform manual flooding to build up designated die surfaces for later machining.
• Gouge cracks, porosity, pinholes, and other defective material before rewelding.
• Use cutting torches, wash torches, chisel guns, needle guns, fire heaters, and other welding tools.
• Verify and maintain required die temperatures throughout the welding process.
• Use overhead cranes and approved lifting equipment to move heated dies safely.
• Support manual and robotic weld-flooding operations based on training and assignment.
• Inspect completed work and repair defects identified during grinding, scanning, inspection, or machining.
• Complete required equipment inspections and production documentation.
• Coordinate with employees on the opposite shift to maintain continuity of repairs.
• Follow all safety, quality, environmental, and company requirements.

What We’re Looking For

• 2-3 years of practical MIG and/or stick welding experience strongly preferred.
• 4 years of combined welding education through a high school, trade school, technical program, apprenticeship, military service, and/or similar hands-on training required.
• Experience with weld overlay, repair welding, gouging, torch cutting, crack repair, or heavy industrial welding is preferred.
• Ability to demonstrate applicable welding skills during the selection process.
• Ability to recognize and correct weld defects such as porosity, pinholes, cracks, and incomplete tie-ins.
• Ability to read and follow work instructions and inspection documents.
• Strong attention to detail and pride in workmanship.
• Patience to complete slow, repetitive, or extended repairs correctly.
• Willingness to ask questions, accept feedback, and learn specialized welding methods.
• Ability to work independently while communicating effectively between shifts.

What to Expect

• Dies must remain heated while repairs are performed.
• Work is completed near heated metal, open flames, sparks, slag, and welding arcs.
• The environment is hot, noisy, and physically demanding.
• Repairs may require prolonged standing or sitting and extended periods of bending or leaning over dies.
• Some repairs can continue across multiple shifts or several days.
• Required PPE may include an air-conditioned welding helmet, FR clothing, cotton gloves, hearing protection, safety glasses, and metatarsal safety boots.
• New employees begin with smaller repairs and learn Ellwood’s welding processes alongside experienced employees.

Work Schedule

The current schedule includes:

• Monday through Thursday: 12-hour shifts
• Friday: 10-hour shift
• Saturday: 8-hour shift
• Rotating first and second shifts approximately every month
• Additional overtime based on operational needs

Candidates must be flexible and able to work rotating shifts, extended hours, weekends, and required overtime.

Why This Role Matters

Our forging operations depend on properly repaired dies. Quality welding reduces rework, prevents repeat failures, and helps keep production moving. The strongest welders in this department are precise, dependable, patient, accountable, and willing to take the time necessary to complete each repair correctly.

Why Join Ellwood?

Ellwood offers a competitive compensation and benefits package, including:

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance on day 1
• Vested 401(k) retirement plan
• 10 days’ vacation and 3 sick days
• Onsite Clinic
• Shift differential and overtime opportunities
• Company-provided uniforms and required PPE
• Additional company-sponsored benefits

Employment is contingent upon successful completion of pre-employment physical, background check, and drug screening.