Pipe Welder Foreman

Job description

SUMMARY

The Pipe Welder Foreman supervises a crew of pipe welders who build, install, and repair piping systems on new construction, overhaul, and repair projects. These include fuel, ballast, firemain, hydraulic, steam, potable water, and HVAC piping. The foreman plans and assigns the crew's work, makes sure welds meet code and quality requirements, keeps jobs on schedule, and enforces safety rules in the shop and aboard ship. They usually report to a General Foreman, Pipe Superintendent, or Pipe Department Manager.

DUTIES

• Plan, assign, and direct daily work for the pipe weld crew, both in the pipe shop (spool fabrication) and on the vessel (installation and repair welds).
• Read piping isometrics, system drawings, and weld maps to set the sequence of work and the materials needed.
• Make sure the crew follows the correct Welding Procedure Specifications (WPS) for each joint, including process, filler metal, preheat, interpass temperature, and purge.
• Track welder qualifications and certifications so welders are only assigned to joints they're qualified for.
• Coordinate with pipefitters on fit-up, with QA/QC and NDT (RT, UT, PT, MT) on inspections, and with the ship's rep or classification society surveyor (ABS, USCG, or NAVSEA on Navy work).
• Track weld joints, repair rates, and rework, and correct problems when weld quality slips.
• Enforce safety practices, including hot work permits, fire watch, confined space entry, ventilation, PPE, and gas cylinder handling.
• Enter time, enforce company policies, evaluate performance, and handle discipline and attendance issues.
• Train and mentor welders, especially newer welders working toward pipe certifications.
• Report progress, labor hours, and material needs to supervisors, and flag schedule risks early.
• Make sure welding machines, ovens, purge equipment, and tools are maintained and stored properly.

Qualifications

• Typically 5 to 10 years or more of pipe welding experience, ideally in a shipyard, and some lead or supervisory experience.
• Thorough knowledge of GTAW (TIG), SMAW (stick), and often FCAW and GMAW on pipe.
• Experience with common shipboard materials such as carbon steel, stainless steel, copper-nickel, and sometimes chrome-moly or aluminum.
• Has held or currently holds pipe certifications such as 6G or 6GR.
• Working knowledge of relevant codes, such as ABS rules, USCG regulations, ASME Section IX, AWS D1.1/B31-type standards, or NAVSEA Tech Pub 248 and MIL-STD-1689 for Navy work.
• Able to read isometrics, weld symbols, and shipboard compartment layouts.
• Strong communication, organization, and problem-solving skills.

Requirements

• Must be at least 18 years of age.
• Must be US Citizen or PR
• Must be physically capable of working at heights.
• Must be able to safely work in confined and enclosed spaces.
• Must be able to perform duties in varying weather conditions.
• Must possess a basic understanding of construction materials, construction methods, and blueprint interpretation.
• Must be comfortable working independently in challenging and demanding environments.