Welder - Building Maintenance

Overview Of Company

Soules Foods is a thriving family-owned food company that has made a positive difference for its customers and consumers for nearly 50 years. Our purpose and promise of Great Food, Made Simple® drives us. Based in Tyler, Texas, the company is a leading national producer of ready-to-eat and ready-to-cook chicken and beef products and is the number one producer of chicken and beef fajitas in the USA. We proudly serve a broad portfolio of great-tasting, high-quality products sold throughout the US via retail, food service distributors, and restaurants. Our wide array of national customers includes prominent organizations such as Walmart, Costco, Sam’s Club, Sysco, and HEB. The company was established in 1975 by John Soules Sr., and the business is now in the second generation of family leadership. The organization has expanded dramatically over the past decade, and with its continued growth, it now has annual sales of approximately $1 billion. The company employs over 2,000 individuals and has three manufacturing facilities in Gainesville, Georgia; Valley, Alabama; and its headquarters in Tyler, Texas.

Job Summary

The typical working hours are 6:00 am to 3:00 pm with a 45-minute lunch. The position requires working on the production floor in a cold environment with an average temperature of 40°F. The employee will be exposed to moderate noise levels, fast-paced operations, moving machinery, wet and dry areas, and must always wear personal protective equipment (PPE).

Key Responsibilities

• Perform TIG welding (GTAW) on food-grade stainless steel (304/316L)
• Produce sanitary, smooth, crevice-free welds suitable for food contact surfaces
• Weld and repair sanitary piping, tanks, conveyors, and processing equipment
• Follow approved Welding Procedure Specifications (WPS)
• Grind, polish, and finish welds to required sanitary surface standards
• Maintain cleanliness and prevent contamination in production areas
• Read and interpret blueprints, isometric drawings, and weld symbols
• Conduct visual inspections and assist with quality checks (e.g., dye penetrant)
• Document weld repairs and maintenance activities
• Comply with GMP, food safety, and workplace safety policies
• Work collaboratively with maintenance, QA, and production teams

Qualifications

• Minimum Qualifications (Required): Certified Welder (AWS or equivalent), 2 to 5 years experience welding in food, beverage, dairy, or pharmaceutical environments, Strong TIG welding skills on thin-gauge stainless steel, Knowledge of sanitary welding standards and hygienic design, Ability to produce full-penetration, contamination-free welds, Ability to read technical drawings and follow written procedures, Familiarity with FDA/USDA, 3-A Sanitary Standards, or equivalent regulations
• Preferred Qualifications: Additional safety training (LOTO, confined space, hot work permits)

Physical Demands

• Standing and walking for extended periods, often over eight hours per shift
• Using hands, fingers, arms, and reaching as part of daily tasks
• Lifting and moving up to 25 pounds regularly and up to 50 pounds occasionally
• Repetitive movement, bending, twisting, and climbing may be required