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Pipe Welder

RK
RK Salary
Santa, NM Full Time
POSTED ON 4/8/2026
AVAILABLE BEFORE 5/6/2026
Description

The Pipe Welder is a key contributor in our fabrication team, specializing in high-quality welding and fitting work that ensures the structural integrity and performance of critical systems. This role brings advanced technical skill to every step of the process, from blueprint interpretation and setup to producing X-ray quality welds.

You'll work alongside experienced professionals using state-of-the-art equipment, with opportunities to expand your expertise in ASME pressure vessels, piping, and precision welding. Whether you're aiming to lead teams or become a recognized specialist, this role builds a solid foundation for your career.

Welders – Fitters are valued for their craftsmanship, attention to detail, and ability to deliver precision under pressure. Their work is essential to maintaining the quality, safety, and reliability that define RK’s reputation in the field.

“Whether you're honing your skills or stepping into a more advanced role, you’ll find opportunities to learn, lead, and thrive. With competitive pay, a $1,000 sign-on bonus, up to $7,5000 in relocation assistance, and access to cutting-edge training and tools, RK is where your career can truly take shape.”

Self. Made. at RK

At RK, Self. Made. isn’t a tagline, it’s how work gets done. People here build more than projects; they build capability, confidence, and careers they can be proud of. With so much work designed and fabricated in-house, ideas move quickly from concept to shop floor to job site. Teams collaborate across disciplines, solve real-world challenges, and grow through hands-on work that truly matters.

RK Company Overview

RK Industries is a second-generation family-owned company led by brothers Rick and Jon Kinning. With seven specialized business units working together, we deliver construction, fabrication, manufacturing, and building services with a focus on safety, quality, and craftsmanship.

People join RK for the craftsmanship, complexity, and the ability to make a real impact. Our in-house capabilities mean employees see their ideas become real solutions, creating meaningful collaboration and clear visibility into how work gets built. Growth happens through challenging projects, mentorship from experienced builders, and opportunities that stretch your skill set.

With RK University, accredited apprenticeships, competitive benefits, and deep community investment, RK offers the stability of a family-owned company with the opportunity and momentum of an industry leader.

Position Summary

Performs the full range of Journeyman-level welding and fitting duties, including high-quality welding on process piping, hydronic systems, and ASME pressure vessels. This role includes setup and layout, use of cranes and rotators, production tracking, and collaboration with other fabricators and supervisors to meet production goals.

Role Responsibilities

  • Operate trade-specific machinery and tools (e.g., calipers, weld gauges, tape measures).
  • Read and interpret blueprints, drawings, weld symbols, P&IDs, and specifications.
  • Create specific weldment setups and fixtures to meet geometric requirements.
  • Perform high-quality welds including X-ray quality on pressure vessels and piping.
  • Use and maintain welding equipment (e.g., overhead cranes, jib cranes, forklifts).
  • Fit up weld joints using shop blueprints and rotator-specific techniques.
  • Weld to ASME standards including B31.1, B31.3, and B31.9.
  • Conduct preventative maintenance on weld machines and evaluate performance.
  • Identify and communicate product defects to foreman.
  • Support and train other welders and laborers as needed.
  • Maintain a clean and safe work area.
  • Assist foreman or superintendent with production tracking and order status.
  • Perform other duties as assigned.
  • 1st and 2nd shift- 15% Shift Differential

Qualifications

  • 5 years of general experience, 3 years of welding experience preferred.
  • Prior successful completion of a 6G FCAW weld test required before hire.
  • Must pass 6G FCAW weld test within one week of hire (FCAW, SMAW, GTAW, pulse preferred).
  • Familiar with welding on rotators and corresponding fit-up.
  • Experience with MIG, ARC, and preferably TIG welding processes.
  • Knowledge of metallurgy and mechanical welding techniques.
  • Familiarity with pipe trade tools (e.g., Two-Hole Pins, pipe wraps, center-finders).
  • At 60 days: must have own set of hand tools.
  • At 90 days: must meet production goals.
  • Minimal supervision required; able to coordinate own tasks.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
  • Good judgment and initiative in resolving issues.

Minimum Physical Requirements And Accountability

  • Work outside, inside, and in dusty, noisy, and hazardous areas.
  • Work in high places, tight places, confined spaces, and in all weather conditions.
  • Climb, balance, squat, kneel, and crouch.
  • Lift, move, and/or carry up to 50 lbs.
  • Comply with all company policies and procedures.
  • All employees are accountable for safety and are empowered to stop unsafe work.
  • Required to complete all RK Mechanical safety and health training (e.g., OSHA 10, CPR).

What Sets RK Industries Apart

  • Safety: Our unmatched culture of safety is our foremost core value, guiding everything we do each day: Health, Safety, & Environmental
  • Awards: Whether in Construction, Manufacturing, Fabrication, or Service, RK Industries is highly recognized and accredited throughout the industry: Accreditations & Recognition
  • Benefits: RK Industries offers competitive benefits to support your growth and well-being: Benefits & Rewards
  • Philanthropy: RK Industries not only builds our community through our projects, but also invests in it by supporting local services for over a decade through the RK Foundation: RK Foundation
  • Development: Through RK University, we provide hands-on training and development opportunities that empower employees to advance their careers and grow within the company, to include leadership and technical learning opportunities, we well as our accredited apprentice program: RK University & RK Apprenticeship Program

$28-35/hourly

Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis.

RK Industries, LLC is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, protected veteran status or any other status protected by applicable law

Salary : $28 - $35

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