Welder I
Location: Richland, WA
Company: Columbia Energy & Environmental Services, Inc.
Employment Type: Full-time, Non-Exempt
Company Overview
Columbia Energy & Environmental Services, Inc. (Columbia Energy) has been in business for over 30 years and is headquartered in Richland, Washington. The company began as an engineering firm supporting nuclear cleanup operations for the U.S. Department of Energy at the Hanford Site in Richland, Washington.
Since that time, Columbia Energy has grown into a full-service engineering and fabrication company providing cost-effective solutions across the nuclear, defense, energy, and hazardous waste industries. Our capabilities include engineering, design, fabrication, instrumentation and controls, electrical systems, and database and software engineering.
Columbia Energy continues to grow and expand operations and is currently seeking Welder I candidates to join our team at our Richland, WA facility.
Position Summary
The Welder I position supports fabrication operations by assisting with the layout, preparation, fitting, and welding of components in accordance with engineering drawings, work instructions, and qualified Welding Procedure Specifications (WPS).
This role works under the guidance of experienced welders and fabrication personnel while developing proficiency in welding techniques, blueprint interpretation, and fabrication practices. The Welder I plays an important role in supporting safe, high-quality fabrication work that meets project requirements and company standards.
This position is based at the Richland, WA facility and is performed primarily in a manufacturing shop environment.
Welding & Fabrication Responsibilities
- Assist with welding operations on fabricated components in accordance with qualified Welding Procedure Specifications (WPS).
- Perform welding on parts and assemblies per engineering drawings, project travelers, and work instructions.
- Read and interpret basic engineering drawings and welding symbols.
- Assist with layout, cutting, fitting, preparation, tack welding, welding, and polishing of components.
- Learn and apply proper weld sequencing to minimize distortion and maintain dimensional accuracy.
- Select appropriate filler metals and shielding gases as specified in WPS requirements.
- Support fabrication activities including grinding, deburring, and preparation of weld joints.
- Assist with assembly of structural components, piping systems, and fabricated equipment.
- Work toward certification in applicable welding processes such as FCAW, GMAW, GTAW, and SMAW as required.
Quality & Compliance Responsibilities
- Perform basic self-checks of completed work prior to inspection.
- Measure workpieces to verify conformance with drawing requirements.
- Assist with maintaining accurate weld documentation and fabrication records.
- Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work area.
- Report unsafe conditions or equipment concerns to supervisors.
- Work collaboratively with QA/QC personnel, fabrication team members, and engineering staff as needed.
Core Competencies & Qualifications
- Approximately 1 year of welding experience or completion of a welding training program.
- Ability to pass Columbia Energy welding qualification tests.
- Basic knowledge of welding symbols and blueprint interpretation.
- Familiarity with AWS and/or ASME welding standards preferred.
- Ability to safely operate fabrication tools and equipment.
- Ability to read, write, and follow written and verbal instructions.
- Basic math skills required for fabrication layout and measurements.
- Reliable transportation to and from work.
Additional Requirements
- U.S. Citizenship required due to the nature of government contracts.
- Must successfully pass a background check and drug screening as part of the pre-employment process.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience in a fabrication or manufacturing environment.
- Exposure to ASME or NQA-1 quality programs.
- Experience performing welds subject to inspection or testing such as ultrasonic testing (UT) or radiographic testing (RT).
- Ability to weld pipe, sheet metal, or structural steel.
Key Success Attributes
- Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality workmanship.
- Willingness to learn and develop welding and fabrication skills.
- Positive attitude and ability to work well within a team environment.
- Dependable work ethic with the ability to maintain productivity throughout the workday.
- Ability to follow direction and work safely in an industrial environment.
Work Environment
This position is performed primarily in a fabrication shop and industrial manufacturing environment. The work environment is fast-paced and deadline-driven, with a strong emphasis on safety, quality, and teamwork.
Physical Requirements
- Ability to stand, walk, bend, squat, and move throughout the workday.
- Ability to lift, carry, and move materials weighing up to 50 pounds.
- Ability to climb ladders and work from elevated platforms or lifts when required.
- Ability to safely use hand tools and operate fabrication equipment.
Employees must wear required personal protective equipment (PPE) including hard hats, safety glasses, hearing protection, respirators, gloves, and protective footwear.
Compensation & Benefits
This is a full-time, non-exempt position. Compensation will be based on experience and qualifications.
Eligible employees may participate in the company’s benefit programs in accordance with plan terms and eligibility requirements, including:
- Medical, Dental, and Vision Coverage
- Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
- Health Reimbursement Account (HRA)
- Company-Paid Life Insurance
- Tuition Reimbursement
- Paid Time Off (PTO)
- Paid Holidays
- 401(k) Plan
Equal Opportunity Employer
Columbia Energy & Environmental Services, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.
