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.

• 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 ($± 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).

• 2+ years of sheet metal fabrication experience.

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

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.

EOE – Openwork is an Equal Opportunity Employer.