welder/fabricator

Kodion Energy LLC; Paola (KS); On-site; USD 55,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Kodion Energy LLC in Paola, Kansas, is seeking a Transformer Welder / Fabricator to weld and fabricate structural steel components and transformer tanks. You will perform MIG, TIG, and Stick welding, read complex blueprints, and ensure hermetic seals and leak-proof welds for oil-filled transformers.

Ideal candidates have 2–5 years in heavy equipment fabrication, solid skills with fabrication machinery, and the ability to pass an in-house welding test per AWS D1.1.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or welding certificate preferred but not required.
• 2–5 years in heavy equipment manufacturing or equivalent experience.
• Proficiency in MIG, TIG, and Stick welding across positions (Flat, Horizontal, Vertical, Overhead).
• Ability to pass in-house welding test and maintain AWS D1.1 or equivalent certifications.
• Experience operating fabrication machinery including ironworkers, plasma cutters, band saws, and grinders.
• Lift up to 50 lbs and work around large steel enclosures.

Responsibilities

• Multi-Process Welding: MIG for high-deposition seams, TIG for fins or busbars, Stick for framing and field modifications.
• Blueprint Reading & Layout: Interpret engineering blueprints and welding symbols to layout and align components.
• Hermetic & Leak-Proof Fabrication: Weld heavy-gauge steel to fabricate transformer tanks with leak-proof seams.
• Metal Preparation & Fitting: Cut, grind, bevel, and tack-weld carbon steel, stainless steel, aluminum, and copper parts.
• Quality Control & Testing: Visually inspect welds and assist with NDT and pressure testing for oil tightness.

Skills

MIG welding

TIG welding

Stick welding

Blueprint reading

Shop math

Measuring instruments (micrometers,cal

Education

High school diploma or GED

Welding certificate from accredited program

Tools

Ironworkers

Plasma cutters

Band saws

Heavy grinders

Press brakes

Pipe threading equipment

Job description

Position Overview

The Transformer Welder / Fabricator at Kodion Energy is responsible for the manual welding and custom fabrication of structural steel components, heavy-duty tanks, cooling radiators, and precise internal electrical connections for industrial power and distribution transformers. This multi-process role requires high proficiency in MIG (GMAW/FCAW) for heavy structural plate, TIG (GTAW) for precision thin-gauge and conductive non-ferrous metals, and Stick (SMAW) for robust out-of-position assembly or maintenance welding.

Core Responsibilities

Multi-Process Welding: Execute high-quality welds using MIG for high-deposition tank seams, TIG for delicate cooling fins, hermetic seals, or copper/aluminum busbars, and Stick for structural framing and field modifications.
Blueprint Reading & Layout: Interpret complex engineering blueprints, structural drawings, and welding symbols to accurately layout, fit, and align components.
Hermetic & Leak-Proof Fabrication: Weld heavy-gauge steel plates to fabricate oil-filled transformer tanks, ensuring 100% leak-proof welds to prevent dielectric fluid breakdowns.
Metal Preparation & Fitting: Cut, grind, bevel, and tack-weld carbon steel, stainless steel, aluminum, and copper parts using torches, saws, and grinders according to specifications.
Quality Control & Testing: Conduct visual inspections of completed welds for porosity, undercut, or cracks. Assist with non-destructive testing (NDT), such as dye penetrant or pressure testing for oil tightness.

Required Qualifications & Skills

• Education: High school diploma, GED, or a certificate from an accredited welding program preferred, but not required.


• Experience: 2 to 5 years in heavy equipment manufacturing or equivalent experience.


• Technical Mastery: Proven hands-on proficiency in MIG, TIG, and Stick welding processes across various positions (Flat, Horizontal, Vertical, Overhead).


• Certifications: Ability to successfully pass an in-house welding test and maintain certifications in accordance with AWS D1.1 (Structural Welding Code - Steel) or equivalent standards.


• Equipment Knowledge: Competency in operating fabrication machinery including ironworkers, plasma cutters, band saws, and heavy grinders.


• Physical Demands: Ability to lift up to 50 lbs, stand or kneel for extended periods, and comfortably work inside or around large steel enclosures.

Skills:

• Proven experience in MIG welding within a fabrication shop environment, with a strong understanding of FCAW (Flux-Cored Arc Welding), GMAW (Gas Metal Arc Welding), and SMAW (Shielded Metal Arc Welding) techniques


• Hands-on experience with sheet metal fabrication, mechanical blueprint interpretation, and shop math calculations


• Familiarity with interpreting technical drawings, schematics, and mechanical blueprints for accurate fabrication


• Knowledge of safety procedures related to welding, rigging, pipe threading, machining, soldering, and the use of power tools


• Ability to operate fabrication machinery such as press brakes, plasma cutters, and pipe threading equipment effectively


• Strong mechanical knowledge combined with the ability to use measuring instruments like micrometers and calipers for precise work