Job Description
Job DescriptionBenefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Bonus based on performance
- Competitive salary
- Dental insurance
- Free uniforms
- Opportunity for advancement
- Training & development
- Vision insurance
SI Utility is seeking an experience Sub Arc Welder (SAW Operator) to join our Utility Pole production team. This position operates Submerged Arc Welding (SAW) equipment to perform precision longitudinal welds on tubular steel poles and cross arms. The ideal candidate takes pride in producing high-quality welds, maintaining safety compliance, and ensuring documentation accuracy throughout every step of the process.
Key Responsibilities:
Welding & Fabrication
- Operate Submerged Arc Welding (SAW) long seam machine to weld longitudinal seams on utility poles and cross-arms.
- Review drawings, BOMs, WPS/WPQRs, and weld maps to ensure compliance with specifications.
- Set up pole shafts and arm shells ensuring proper alignment, seam straightness, and root gap control.
- Perform root, fill, and cap passes following WPS parameters for pole-grade steels (e.g., A572 Gr50).
- Monitor amperage, voltage, wire speed, and travel speed for proper weld penetration and reinforcement.
- Manage flux drying, screening, feeding, and recycling systems.
Utility-Specific Duties
- Verify material heat numbers and maintain traceability prior to welding.
- Ensure seam orientation aligns with arm locations, handholes, grounding attachments, and other features.
- Assist with arm box seams and splice welds.
- Confirm weld quality meets ANSI/TIA, RUS, and customer specifications.
- Prepare seams for galvanizing, ensuring proper venting and drainage.
Safety & Compliance
- Follow all OSHA and company safety standards.
- Complete pre-use inspections on welding equipment, cranes, and rigging.
- Adhere to LOTO and confined space procedures when applicable.
- Maintain required PPE (hood, gloves, FR gear, hearing and eye protection).
Quality & Documentation
- Inspect welds for penetration, uniformity, and overall quality.
- Record weld parameters, heat numbers, and operator details.
- Support UT/MT inspections and corrective actions for nonconforming welds.
- Complete weld logs, seam inspection sheets, and traveler documentation.
- Maintain 5S standards and support ISO 9001 processes.
Qualifications & Skills
- Proven experience operating Submerged Arc Welding (SAW) systems in a tubular steel or pole fabrication environment.
- Ability to read drawings, WPS, and weld maps accurately.
- Knowledge of galvanizing effects on welds and material handling requirements.
- Crane and rigging experience (certification preferred).
- Strong focus on safety, quality, and production efficiency.
Average 50 hours per week.
Benefits:
- Safety First Company
- Full benefits package
- Paid employee medical
- Competitive pay
- Generous PTO policy
- 401k with match
- Weekly pay
- Semi-annual bonuses
- Company provided uniforms
- No travel required
- Work in a family environment
- Position in an expanding company where you can grow your career