Welder - Petrochemical Industry

We are looking for highly skilled and versatile Welders to join upcoming petrochemical projects across South Africa and Namibia. We are hiring Coded, Plate and Pipe Welders.

This role ensures that all welding activities meet the highest quality, safety, and operational standards while supporting project deliverables in high-risk industrial environments such as fuel storage depots and refineries.

• Department: Projects
• Location: Various locations within South Africa and/or Namibia
• Employment Type: Fixed-Term Contract
• Reports To: Construction Manager / Site Supervisor

Key Responsibilities

• Perform pipe, plate, structural, and coded welding according to project specifications fabrication drawings, and isometric drawings.
• Confirm accurate alignment, joint integrity, and fit-up of piping systems and structures.
• Maintain a 0% failure rate (pass rigorous NDT/X-ray inspections).
• Maintain high standards of safety, quality, and compliance in all welding activities.
• Collaborate with team members, supervisors, QA/QC, scaffolding, and mechanical teams to achieve project goals.
• Keep work areas clean, organised, and compliant with site regulations.
• Follow all safety protocols, HSE procedures, and ISO/QCP guidelines (including permit-to-work systems).
• Promptly report deviations, non-conformances, and potential hazards.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• Quality of Fabrication & Installation: Accuracy of fabricated structures and piping against drawings, QCPs, and project specifications. Target: Zero defects, reworks, or NCRs.
• Adherence to Project Schedule: Completion of fabrication and installation tasks within planned timeframes (daily/weekly progress vs project schedule).
• Safety Compliance & Incident Prevention: Compliance with site-specific HSE procedures, permit-to-work, PPE adherence, and safe working practices. Target: Zero safety deviations and zero incidents/near-misses.
• Workmanship Efficiency & Productivity: Output of work per shift in relation to allocated tasks (fit-up time, fabrication speed, and installation efficiency).
• Reporting & Communication Accuracy: Timely reporting of hazards, deviations, and work progress to supervisors and QA/QC.

Requirements

Qualifications

• Recognised Welding certification (Red Seal or equivalent) in relevant welding processes (SMAW, GTAW, GMAW, etc.).
• Proof of recent certification to an ASME IX or AWS D1.1 welding procedure in 4G (Plate) and/or 6G (Pipe) positions.
• Strong understanding of Permit-to-Work Systems.
• Valid Working at Heights training certificate.
• Valid Confined Space Entry training certificate.
• Valid driver’s license.

Experience

• Minimum 2 - 5 years as a Pipe, Plate, or Coded Welder in industrial or petrochemical environments
• Prior experience in petrochemical, fuel terminal, or high-risk industrial environments is highly preferred (e.g., tank repair, refurbishment, fabrication, and piping installation).
• Cross-functional experience coordinating with scaffolding, painting, civil, QA/QC, and safety teams.

Skills & Knowledge

• Expertise in welding techniques (SMAW, GTAW, GMAW) and joint preparation.
• Ability to read and interpret isometric, technical, and fabrication drawings.
• Familiarity with alignment, fit-up, and NDT inspection procedures.
• Understanding of ISO-compliant QCPs, emergency responses in hazardous
• environments, and working with flammable materials.
• Strong communication, time management, and problem-solving skills.

Competencies

• Adaptable & Alert: Adjusts effectively to changing site conditions and proactively identifies hazards.
• Calm under Pressure: Responds to dynamic environments and emergencies with composure.
• Humble & Respectful: Open to learning, collaborative, and treats all stakeholders with professionalism.
• Quick Thinking: Makes timely, effective decisions in challenging situations.