Primary Job Duties and Responsibilities
Perform advanced welding of carbon steel and other assigned materials in accordance with engineering drawings, ASME Code requirements, Welding Procedure Specifications (WPS), and Company standards.
Independently complete complex fabrication, fit-up, and welding assignments with minimal supervision.
Perform welding utilizing multiple qualified processes, including SMAW (Stick), GMAW (MIG), FCAW (Flux Core/Duo-Shield), GTAW (TIG), and SAW (Submerged Arc Welding), as required.
Interpret complex blueprints, weld symbols, fabrication drawings, and production specifications.
Verify fit-up quality, joint preparation, dimensional accuracy, and weld readiness before welding operations begin.
Perform visual self-inspections to ensure weld quality and compliance with applicable standards and customer requirements.
Troubleshoot welding issues and recommend corrective actions to improve quality, productivity, and efficiency.
Assist Quality Control personnel during inspections, audits, and investigations of weld-related issues.
Support qualification and testing of new welding procedures and production methods.
Provide leadership, technical guidance, and training to less experienced welders and production personnel.
Assist supervisors in evaluating welding techniques, workmanship, and skill development opportunities.
Promote continuous improvement initiatives focused on safety, quality, cost, and productivity.
Maintain welding certifications and qualifications required for assigned work.
Complete assigned tasks within established production schedules while maintaining high-quality standards.
Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work environment.
Follow all Quality Control requirements, welding procedures, and safety regulations.
Demonstrate Watts’ values of Integrity, Accountability, Continuous Improvement, and Transparency.
Assume responsibility for other projects and duties as assigned by Production Supervisor or Company management.
Responsibility directly tied to Watts Values (Integrity, Accountability, Continuous Improvement, Transparency).
Travel Requirements: N/A.
Required Qualifications
High school diploma or GED required.
5+ years of welding experience in manufacturing, heavy fabrication, pressure vessel, boiler, or industrial production environment.
Demonstrated proficiency in SMAW (Stick), GMAW (MIG), and FCAW (Flux Core/Duo-Shield) welding processes.
Current welding qualifications or ability to successfully pass advanced welding qualification tests.
Ability to read and interpret complex blueprints, fabrication drawings, weld symbols, and specifications.
Strong knowledge of welding metallurgy, weld quality requirements, and fabrication techniques.
Experience performing complex weld fit-up, fabrication, and dimensional verification activities.
Ability to use precision measuring devices and inspection tools accurately.
Ability to work independently with minimal supervision while maintaining productivity and quality standards.
Strong problem-solving and troubleshooting skills related to welding and fabrication operations.
Ability to train and mentor less experienced welders.
Strong understanding of manufacturing safety requirements and welding best practices.
Ability to maintain regular and reliable attendance.
Understanding of and adherence to applicable laws, codes, policies, regulations, and safety practices and procedures, as applicable.
Must successfully establish employment eligibility and satisfactorily complete applicable background checks, I including drug screening, and required testing as a condition of employment.
Preferred Qualifications
Experience welding in an ASME Code shop manufacturing boilers, pressure vessels, or heat-transfer equipment.
AWS Certified Welder, AWS Certified Welding Inspector (CWI), or other industry-recognized welding certifications.
Proficiency in GTAW (TIG) and SAW (Submerged Arc Welding) processes.
Extensive experience with pressure-retaining welds and code-compliant fabrication.
Experience qualifying welders, assisting with welding procedure development, or supporting quality audits.
Technical or vocational degree in Welding Technology, Fabrication, or a related field.
Experience using welding positioners, manipulators, automated welding systems, and advanced fabrication equipment.
Prior experience serving as a lead welder, trainer, mentor, or technical resource within a manufacturing environment.
Familiarity with Lean Manufacturing, continuous improvement methodologies, and root cause analysis techniques.
General Applicable Company Competencies
Commitment to Watts’ values of integrity, accountability, continuous improvement and innovation, and transparency.
Punctuality and dependability.
Ability to be flexible and adapt to changing work priorities and stressful conditions.
Adherence to all personnel policies, procedures, and standards of process as implemented by Watts.
Maintain productive and collaborative relationships with other Watts employees.
Adherence to Watts’ seven cultural beliefs: Growth Mindset, Customer-Focused Innovation, Constant Communication, Clear Goals, Collaborate Globally, Be Inclusive, and Take Action.
Working Conditions
While performing the job duties, you will be working on-site in a manufacturing facility. You will be required to work at the Company’s location in Hutchinson, KS. Your scheduled work hours will be communicated to you by your manager.
Physical Requirements: Specific physical abilities required for this position include, but are not limited to:
Ability to stand and walk for extended periods throughout the workday.
Ability to lift and carry up to 25 pounds.
Ability to bend, stoop, squat, kneel, crawl, climb, reach, and twist regularly throughout the workday.
Ability to work from ladders, scaffolding, elevated work platforms, and confined workspaces as required.
Ability to safely operate welding equipment, grinders, torches, hand tools, and fabrication equipment.
Ability to perform detailed welding and fabrication work requiring hand-eye coordination and manual dexterity.
Ability to read blueprints, weld symbols, quality specifications, and measuring devices accurately.
Ability to wear required personal protective equipment, including welding helmets, gloves, respirators (when required), flame-resistant clothing, hearing protection, and safety footwear.
Ability to work in environments with exposure to heat, welding fumes, sparks, noise, dust, and moving machinery.
Ability to maintain regular, dependable, and reliable attendance.
Ability to perform essential job functions with or without reasonable accommodation.
Nothing in this job description restricts Watts’ right to assign or reassign duties, responsibilities, and working hours/conditions to this position at any time. This position is “at will,” which means that either the employee or Watts may terminate the employment relationship at any time, with or without notice, and for any lawful reason.
#LI Onsite
Watts in it for you
Please note that the following benefits apply only to permanent roles and do not apply to internship roles.
Competitive compensation based on your skills, qualifications and experience
Comprehensive medical and dental coverage, retirement benefits
10 paid holidays and Paid Time Off
Continued professional development opportunities and educational reimbursement
How we work
At Watts, our culture is team-oriented and supportive. Employees here genuinely care about the quality of their work, and about each other. Our people are the heart of who we are and contribute to our longevity and continued success.
And this is a place where you can have a big career. No matter your role, there are opportunities for learning and development, and your daily contributions make a meaningful impact on the lives of people who use our products and on the future of water.
Watts is committed to equal employment opportunity. We follow a policy of administering all employment decisions and personnel actions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, pregnancy, national origin, sexual orientation, age, physical or mental disability, genetic disposition or carrier status, marital status, military or veteran status, minorities, or any other category protected under applicable federal, state, or local law. Consistent with the obligations of state and federal law, Watts will make reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities. Any employee who needs a reasonable accommodation should contact Human Resources.
