Field By-Hand Welder / Tower Mechanic
at Koch-Glitsch

Job Description

A t Koch companies, we are entrepreneurs. This means we openly challenge the status quo, find new ways to create value and get rewarded for our individual contributions.

We are seeking skilled, versatile by-hand welders for seasonal, project-based work to install and weld Koch-Glitsch mass transfer equipment and tower internals. This role combines hands-on welding and fabrication with mechanical installation of column internals (trays, packing supports, distributors, redistributors, demisters, supports and structural attachments). The ideal candidate is mechanically minded, comfortable working in confined spaces and at heights, and experienced welding thin-gauge and stainless materials commonly used in mass transfer internals.

What You Will Do

• Install, align, fit-up, tack, and finish welds on mass transfer internals and non-pressure components per drawings and site procedures.
• Perform hand welding (SMAW, TIG/GTAW, GMAW/MIG as required) on stainless steel, carbon steel, and light alloys used for internals and supports.
• Read and interpret layout drawings, assembly drawings, punch lists, material lists, and job-specific installation instructions.
• Perform field fabrication and small-assembly work: cut, bevel, grind, drill, fit and tack pieces to proper tolerances.
• Install and secure internals (tray decks, packing supports, liquid distributors, redistributors, demister systems, feed/collectors) inside process towers and vessels.
• Work from scaffolding, man-lifts, ladders and inside confined spaces; perform safe rigging and hoisting for component placement.
• Maintain welding quality through correct selection of consumables, heat control, and weld technique suitable for non-pressure applications and thin sections to avoid burn-through.
• Follow hot-work permits, lockout/tagout, confined space, fall protection, and site-specific safety procedures.
• Collaborate with project leads, riggers, inspectors and other trades to meet schedule and quality targets.

Who You Are (Basic Qualifications)

• Previous experience with hands-on welding and field fabrication in field/industrial environments.
• Strong experience welding stainless steels (304/316/duplex), thin-gauge sheet metal, and common carbon steels used for internals.
• Proven ability to perform quality welds for non-pressure internals (fit-up on thin material, tack-weld control to minimize distortion).
• Able to read and work from mechanical/assembly drawings, layouts and basic hand sketches.
• Good mechanical aptitude: competence with measuring tools layout and marking, hand wrenches and battery-operated tools, welding and grinding tools,
• Valid certifications of H2S Alive, ESC Confined Space Entry, ESC Fall Protection, and Intermediate First Aid
• Reliable travel availability and flexibility to work on multi-day site assignments.
• Strong safety mindset and ability to follow written procedures and permit controls.

What Will Put You Ahead

• Certified Welder or Apprentice welder.
• Experience installing mass transfer tower internals, packing, or tray systems.
• Experience with welding procedure specifications (WPS) and basic non-destructive test (visual, dye-penetrant).
• Rigging/crane signal experience
• Certified forklift/scissor lift and aerial lift operation experience.

Physical requirements & working conditions

• Must be able to lift up to 50 lbs regularly and perform repetitive physical tasks.
• Frequent standing, kneeling, bending, and working on hot surfaces, and variable weather conditions on field sites.
• Shift and overtime work as project demands; travel to customer sites regionally.
• Comfortable working in confined spaces, at heights, and on scaffold; ability to climb stairs and ladders.

We thank all applicants for their interest. Only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

As a Koch Engineered Solutions company, Koch-Glitsch keeps our customers' operations running with a wide range of innovative products and solutions serving the refining, chemical and petrochemical industries. As a full-service provider of mass transfer, mist elimination and phase separation equipment, we handle everything from design and fabrication to delivery and installation.

At Koch, employees are empowered to do what they do best to make life better. Learn how our business philosophy helps employees unleash their potential while creating value for themselves and the company.

Additionally, everyone has individual work and personal needs. We seek to enable the best work environment that helps you and the business work together to produce superior results.

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1. https://www.kochind.com/about/business-philosophy