What are the responsibilities and job description for the Grinder position at Riley Power Group?
Position Overview:
We are seeking a dependable and safety-focused Steel Prep & Weld Support Technician to work within a shipyard environment supporting structural, pipe, and module fabrication activities. This role works directly behind certified welders to ensure all steel components are properly prepped, cleaned, and finished in accordance with shipyard, NAVSEA, and project-specific requirements. High attention to detail, cleanliness of work, and strict adherence to safety and security protocols are essential.
We are seeking a dependable and safety-focused Steel Prep & Weld Support Technician to work within a shipyard environment supporting structural, pipe, and module fabrication activities. This role works directly behind certified welders to ensure all steel components are properly prepped, cleaned, and finished in accordance with shipyard, NAVSEA, and project-specific requirements. High attention to detail, cleanliness of work, and strict adherence to safety and security protocols are essential.
Key Responsibilities:
Steel Preparation & Fit-Up Support
- Perform steel surface preparation including grinding, beveling, cleaning, wire-wheeling, and edge prep prior to welding.
- Prepare weld joints to meet NAVSEA and shipyard fabrication standards (root face, land, bevel angle, cleanliness).
- Assist fitters and welders with staging material, aligning components, and maintaining proper fit-up tolerances.
Weld Cleaning & Post-Weld Activities
- Grind welds, tacks, starts/stops, and surfaces to achieve required finish and profile.
- Remove slag, spatter, and defects between passes and after final welds.
- Ensure weld areas are clean and ready for inspection (VT, MT, X-ray).
- Support welders by maintaining a clean, safe, and organized work area around active work zones.
Safety, Compliance & Shipyard Protocol
- Follow all shipyard safety rules, lockout/tagout policies, hot-work permits, confined space entry, and PPE requirements.
- Safely operate grinders, torches, saws, and other powered tools per shipyard guidelines.
- Maintain awareness of fire watches, high-heat zones, and welding operations in congested spaces.
- Adhere to all security protocols, badge rules, and controlled-material handling expectations.
Qualifications:
- Previous experience in a shipyard, heavy industrial, or welding-support environment preferred.
- Strong grinding and steel-prep skills with ability to consistently produce clean, code-compliant joint preparation.
- Familiarity with structural and pipe welding processes (SMAW, FCAW, GMAW, GTAW) used in shipyard applications.
- Ability to read and follow basic drawings, weld symbols, and supervisor instructions.
- Physically able to work in tight spaces, aboard modules, on scaffolding, at heights, or in confined compartments.
- Must maintain punctuality, reliability, and a strong safety-first mindset