Welder – Vintage Production Line

Valmont Industries, Inc.; Nigel; On-site; ZAR 50,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading manufacturer of irrigation solutions seeks an experienced welder to perform welding operations on pivot irrigation pipes in Gauteng, South Africa. The role involves ensuring high-quality welds and compliance with safety and production standards. Candidates should have at least 3 years of experience and a Grade 12 education, with additional welding certification preferred. Competitive remuneration offered.

Qualifications

• Minimum 3 years’ welding experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Proficient in semi-automated and manual welding techniques.
• Ability to read engineering drawings and welding symbols.

Responsibilities

• Perform welding operations for pivot irrigation pipes.
• Ensure accurate setup and high-quality welds.
• Inspect and verify all welds for quality before production.
• Participate in skills development to improve welding techniques.

Skills

Welding techniques

Quality control

Troubleshooting weld issues

Reading engineering drawings

Education

Grade 12/Matric

Certification in welding technology

Tools

Welding equipment

Laser cutting machine

Job description

Overview

Perform welding operations for the production of pivot irrigation pipes, including welding pipe flanges, truss angle brackets, and other components. Ensure accurate setup and high-quality welds in line with Work Order specifications and Welding Procedure Specifications (WPS). Operate both semi-automated and hand-held welding equipment to produce consistent, defect-free welds while maintaining safe work practices, good housekeeping, and adherence to production targets. Reporting to the Manufacturing Team Leader.

Welding Operations

• Review daily Work Orders to confirm part numbers, pipe lengths, and quantities.
• Set up and operate welding equipment (manual and semi-automated) to complete assigned jobs on time.
• Follow WPS, Bill of Materials (BOM), and welding parameter guides to ensure correct settings and procedures.
• Prepare all components—such as flanges, brackets, and couplers—by cleaning and positioning them correctly before welding.
• Operate the laser cutting machine to drill holes for couplers and sprinkler outlets as specified.
• Inspect and verify all welds for size, alignment, and quality before moving work to the next stage.
• Troubleshoot common weld issues (e.g., pinholes, porosity, seam misalignment) and correct defects during the same shift whenever possible.

Quality Control and Inspection

• Maintain high-quality standards and achieve at least a 95% pass rate during internal quality checks.
• Inspect weld seams, flange alignments, and pipe dimensions to ensure they meet visual inspection criteria.
• Work with quality inspectors for timely approval of all welded components and complete required paperwork accurately.
• Prevent any components from moving to the next production stage without full inspection and sign-off.

Continuous Improvement

• Suggest ideas to improve welding processes, reduce rework, or enhance product quality.
• Participate in training and skills development sessions to improve welding techniques and stay current with safety standards.

General / Productivity

• Meet daily production targets and aim for a minimum of 85% work effectiveness.
• Minimize idle time by communicating with the Team Leader for reassignment once primary tasks are complete.
• Be available to work overtime when required to meet production schedules.

Safety, Maintenance, and Reporting

• Use personal protective equipment such as welding helmets, gloves, jackets, and safety glasses at all times.
• Inspect welding equipment before use and perform basic maintenance to prevent breakdowns.
• Follow Lockout/Tagout procedures during machine adjustments or repairs.
• Keep the welding area clean, organized, and free of hazards.
• Complete Daily Production Reports and record all welding activities, equipment conditions, and issues encountered.

Minimum Qualifications

Education level: A minimum of Grade 12/Matric is required, with additional certification in welding technology, or a related field being advantageous.

Experience: Minimum 3 years’ welding experience in a manufacturing environment (pipeline, structural, or similar). Proficiency in semi-automated and manual welding techniques, including operation of laser cutting machines. Ability to read engineering drawings and welding symbols.

Minimum Remuneration: R92.57