Combo Pipe/Plate Fitter/Welder

About the role

Gulf Copper is seeking a skilled Combo Pipe/Plate Fitter Welder to join our team at the Corpus Christi yard. In this role, you will be responsible for fabricating, fitting, and welding complex piping systems and structural plate components for marine vessels and offshore structures. The ideal candidate brings strong dual-craft expertise, precision cutting and fitting skills, and a commitment to high-quality code welding.

Responsibilities

• Layout, fabricate or repair metal plate, structural parts and/or pipe and brace them in position within hull of ship for riveting or welding according to specifications
• Locate and mark reference lines, such as center, buttock, and frame lines
• Select pipe and/or plate sizes and types and related materials, such as supports, hangers, and hydraulic cylinders, according to specifications
• Measure, mark, and install pipe and/or plate for cutting and/or threading per specifications, using tools such as saws, cutting torches, and pipe thread and benders
• Prepare molds and templates for fabrication of nonstandard parts
• Remove high spots and cut bevels, using hand files, portable grinders and cutting torches
• Fit and weld pipe and/or plate in the repair and/or construction of marine vessels and industrial components using gas welding, brazing, arc welding, wire fed welding, or TIG welding processes
• Roll, bend, flange, cut, and shape plates, beams, and other heavy metal parts, using shop machinery such as plate rolls, presses, bending brakes, and joggle machines
• Select and set up welding equipment, execute the planned welds, and examine the welds to ensure they meet standards or specifications
• Weld components in flat, vertical, or overhead positions

Requirements

• High School Diploma and/or one‑year certificate from college or technical school preferred
• Industrial and/or marine fitting/welding experience:
  • 1st Class: 3‑5 years
  • 2nd Class: 1‑3 years
• Must pass an ABS or ASME weld test
• Pass the Gulf Copper written pipe fitter and/or hands‑on pipe and plate fitter test when applicable
• NCCER card preferred

Working Conditions

Open‑air conditions such as noisy, hot, cold, etc. Must wear hearing, eye, head protection and proper PPE. Some climbing (up to 100 feet) and lifting (up to 50 lbs.) involved. Traverse gangways and scaffolding at varying heights while wearing fall prevention equipment. Work with hot and sometimes hazardous materials aboard ships, both on and offshore as well as in confined spaces. Ability to stand and operate equipment up to four continuous hours. Work requires long periods of sitting in awkward positions, standing on a variety of surfaces and at differing angles, bending over, crouching, and climbing up and over obstructions such as scaffolding, ladders, and internal barge and boat structural members.

Necessary Equipment Operation

• Squares, levels, and hand & power tools
• Blow torches – motorized cutting torches; pattern cutting torches; welding torches
• Gas welding, brazing, or cutting apparatus – brazing equipment; Heliarc welding equipment; oxyacetylene equipment; portable gas‑operated arc welders
• Manlift or personnel lift – hydraulic truck lifts; swing stages
• Weld masks – hand shields; welding shields

Special Skills

• Ability to work under deadlines and schedule pressures
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints, sketches, drawings, and technical manuals
• Perform basic mathematical functions
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
• High performance and a strong team player
• Commitment to company values and safety program
• Trained to work with a wide variety of materials, such as titanium, aluminum, or exotic metals, in addition to steel