Sheet Metal Fabricator/TIG Welder

Pay: $22-$28/hour
Location: Houston, TX 
Job Type: Temp-to-Hire
Schedule: Mon-Fri | 6:00am - 4:30pm (Some Saturdays as needed)

The Houston branch of Openwork has partnered with a local manufacturing company to add a Sheet Metal Fabricator/TIG Welder to their growing team. This is a great long-term opportunity for someone with welding experience seeking stability and a long-term career.

What You'll Be Doing: 

• Print Reading & Flat Pattern Layout: Read and interpret detailed mechanical schematics, sheet metal flat patterns, bend-allowance notations, and weld symbols; work to precise dimensional tolerances ($\pm$ 1/32" or tighter).

• Precision GTAW (TIG) Welding: Perform high-quality, defect-free TIG welding on stainless steel (16 ga. to 1/4"), aluminum, and thin-gauge carbon steel. Control heat input, penetration, and puddle size to prevent warping, burn-through, or base-metal discoloration.

• Secondary Welding (MIG): Operate GMAW (MIG/pulsed MIG) equipment for non-cosmetic or heavier-gauge sub-assemblies when required by project scope.

• Sheet Metal Forming & Prep: Set up and operate shop sheet metal equipment—including press brakes, shears, plate/pinch rolls, corner notchers, drill presses, and deburring equipment.

• Fit-Up & Fixturing: Fit, align, and fixture complex assemblies using clecos, sheet metal vise-grips, copper chill blocks, backer bars, and squaring jigs to maintain exact geometry and mitigate thermal distortion.

• Finishing & Surface Blending: Grind, blend, grain, and polish weld seams using orbital sanders, dynabrade belt files, Scotch-Brite wheels, and pickling/passivation paste to meet food-grade, sanitary, or architectural cosmetic requirements.

• Quality Assurance: Inspect welded assemblies against flat layouts and assembly prints using dial calipers, height gauges, protractors, and squares.

• Safety & Bay Upkeep: Maintain argon/shielding gas lines, tungsten grinders, and torch hardware; follow all OSHA guidelines and PPE standards (auto-darkening helmet with appropriate shading, respirators when working stainless/aluminum, safety glasses, leather sleeves).

What We're Looking For: 

• 3+ years of Welding experience (TIG)

• 2+ years of sheet metal fabrication experience

• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs

• Knowledge of shop safety in a manufacturing environment 
• Knowledge of AWS D1 Standards 
• Ability to pass a 3G open root test on 1" plate 

Why Openwork?

For more than 59 years, Openwork has connected talented people with leading employers. We offer competitive pay, weekly pay, opportunities for advancement, and a people-first approach to staffing. We connect driven individuals to long-term careers with reliable companies. Our Houston facility is part of a network of 19 manufacturing sites across 10 states.

Apply today to start your next opportunity with Openwork! 

EOE – Openwork is an Equal Opportunity Employer.