Welder

RK Mechanical, Inc.; Northern (KY); Hybrid; USD 45,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Sign-on bonus

Relocation assistance

Job summary

RK Mechanical, Inc. is seeking an experienced welder/fitter to perform welding tasks for structural and miscellaneous metal components at our Henderson facility. You will read blueprints, operate trade-specific equipment, and deliver quality welds in line with project specs and safety standards.

The role is classified into Welder 1, 2 or 3 based on certifications and experience. A strong mechanical aptitude and teamwork are essential for meeting production goals.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent; technical education or certification is a plus.
• 3-5 years of experience in welding and metal processing (FCAW, MIG).
• Ability to read and interpret process sheets, drawings and blueprints.

Responsibilities

• Must be able to pass 3G/FCAW, 1G/GMAW—MC and 3G/GMAW-SC tests.
• Produce high-quality welds following established standards.
• Read labels, job orders and drawings to determine equipment and sequence.
• Inspect products for compliance and document results; maintain equipment.
• Collaborate with team to meet production schedules and goals.
• Operate forklifts and overhead cranes safely.
• Accurately use measuring tools, including tape measures.
• Follow safety protocols and shop regulations.
• Support Lean and Six Sigma continuous improvement efforts.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

Welding

Blueprint reading

Measuring tools

Safety compliance

Education

High school diploma

Technical education/certification

Tools

AutoCAD

COBOT programming

Welding robots

Job description

Relocation Information

Colorado Candidates under 100 miles: $2,000 Sign On Bonus

Colorado Candidates over 100 miles: $5,000 Relocation

Out-of-state Candidates: $11,000 Relocation package

Interested in applying for RK? Get a firsthand look at life in our manufacturing facility.

Take a Look Inside RK's Henderson Shops

Hear directly from our team and see what a typical day on the job looks like. Learn about the work, culture, expectations, and opportunities that make RK a great place to build your career.

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

Performs the full range of welding tasks required in the fabrication of structural and miscellaneous metal components. Welders are responsible for interpreting blueprints, operating trade-specific machinery, and executing quality welds in accordance with project specifications and safety standards. This position is classified into Welder 1, Welder 2, or Welder 3 based on certifications, experience, and demonstrated capabilities.

Role Responsibilities

• Must be able to pass 3G/ FCAW, 1G/ GMAW- MC and 3G/ GMAW-SC
• Produce high-quality products in accordance with established standards and procedures.
• Read and interpret labels, job orders, and drawings to determine appropriate equipment and sequence of operations.
• 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 Six Sigma practices.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Fitter 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).
• Strong mechanical aptitude and ability to successfully operate proven fixtures.
• 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.
• 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.
• Perform intermediate-level mathematical calculations as needed for the role

Fitter 2: All of the above plus:

• 5-10 years of experience in welding, metal processing, and structural fitting.
• Fit beams, columns and misc. metals
• Demonstrate sound judgment and take initiative in troubleshooting and recommend effective solutions.
• Provide mentorship and guidance to junior fitters.
• Proficient in reading technical documents and blueprints.
• Perform intermediate-level mathematical calculations including trigonometry and geometry.
• Demonstrate an understanding of continuous improvement initiatives and actively participate in Lean and Continuous Improvement process enhancements.

Fitter 3: All of the above plus:

• 10+ years of experience in welding, metal processing, and structural fitting.
  Certified in SMAW, FCAW, GMAW (all positions).
  Experience in COBOT programming.
  Experience in AutoCAD.
  Design and build semi-automated fixtures.
  Design and setup fitting and welding assembly lines.
  Fit complex curving of rails, stairs and canopies.
  Design immediate fixtures.
  Skilled in welding in confined spaces using mirrors.
  Fully program welding robots and operate AutoCAD.
  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-level mathematical calculations including trigonometry and geometry.
  Manage individual responsibilities within defined parameters, ensuring alignment with established processes.
  Collaborate with the shop foreman to ensure production targets are achieved efficiently and on schedule. Communicate job status to shop superintendent.
  Read blueprints with ISO, European standards and raw contract drawings.
  Skilled in hand drafting and sketches.
  Lead small teams and contribute to advanced complexity continuous improvement initiatives, including Lean and Continuous Improvement projects

Minimum Physical Requirements and Accountability

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.

Lift, move, and/or carry up to 50 lbs.

Working knowledge of all trade materials and tools.

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.

RK Mechanical employees and subcontractors must meet safety system requirements, including RK Orientation, CPR/First Aid/AED/Bloodborne Pathogens, Hazard Identification, and OSHA 10.

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.