Cargo Tank Welder / Tank Repair Technician

Description

Cargo Tank Welder / Tank Repair Technician

Department: Tank Repair / Maintenance

Reports To: Shop Foreman

FLSA Classification: To Be Determined

Employment Status: Full-Time

1. Position Summary

The Cargo Tank Welder / Tank Repair Technician is responsible for performing welding, fabrication, structural repairs, and general maintenance on cargo tank trailers and associated equipment. This position requires the ability to perform a variety of welding applications, including TIG (GTAW) welding, MIG (GMAW) welding, and other processes as required by the repair.

Job responsibilities range from minor piping repairs and component fabrication to more extensive shell, head, and vessel repairs on cargo tank trailers. The position requires attention to detail, an understanding of metal fabrication and repair practices, and the ability to perform work in accordance with established repair procedures, applicable regulatory requirements, and company quality and safety standards.

In addition to welding and fabrication, this position will participate in suspension refurbishments, trailer mechanical repairs, and general equipment maintenance. Additional mechanical and suspension-related skills will be developed through on-the-job training.

The Cargo Tank Welder / Tank Repair Technician works under the direction of the Shop Foreman to ensure repairs are completed safely, efficiently, and in accordance with company expectations.

2. Essential Duties and Responsibilities

A. Welding and Fabrication

• Perform TIG (GTAW) welding on stainless steel and other applicable metals, including piping, fittings, valves, and tank components.
• Perform MIG (GMAW) and other welding processes as required for repairs and fabrication.
• Perform welding repairs on cargo tank trailer shells, heads, compartments, piping, brackets, supports, and structural components.
• Perform larger-scale shell and vessel repairs in accordance with approved repair procedures and applicable welding requirements.
• Fabricate replacement components, brackets, supports, piping assemblies, and other repair-related parts.
• Interpret basic fabrication drawings, measurements, and repair instructions.
• Properly prepare, fit, align, and secure materials prior to welding.
• Inspect completed welds for workmanship, quality, and conformance to applicable requirements.
• Operate cutting, grinding, drilling, and other metalworking equipment.
• Maintain proper welding equipment settings and ensure tools and equipment are maintained in good working condition.

B. Cargo Tank Repair and Maintenance

• Assist with and perform repairs to cargo tank trailers and associated components.
• Perform repairs to tank piping systems, fittings, manways, valves, brackets, and other tank-related equipment.
• Assist with shell, head, and structural repairs as assigned and authorized.
• Follow established repair procedures, welding procedure specifications (WPS), and applicable inspection requirements.
• Work with inspection personnel and the Shop Foreman to address repair findings and required corrective work.
• Identify damaged, worn, or defective components and communicate repair needs to the Shop Foreman.
• Ensure completed repairs meet established quality and workmanship expectations.

C. Suspension and Trailer Mechanical Repairs

• Assist with suspension refurbishment projects, including disassembly, inspection, component replacement, and reassembly.
• Develop skills in suspension systems, including axles, air springs, bushings, hangers, brakes, and related components.
• Assist with general trailer mechanical repairs and maintenance.
• Learn and perform mechanical repair procedures under the direction of experienced technicians and the Shop Foreman.
• Properly use hand tools, power tools, and shop equipment associated with trailer maintenance and repair.

D. Shop Operations and Documentation

• Follow daily work assignments and priorities established by the Shop Foreman.
• Maintain an organized and clean work area.
• Properly care for and maintain company tools, equipment, and assigned resources.
• Report material shortages, equipment issues, and unexpected repair conditions to the Shop Foreman.
• Complete required job documentation, work orders, and repair records as assigned.
• Communicate repair progress, delays, and additional work requirements to the Shop Foreman.
• Work cooperatively with other technicians and departments to meet production schedules and customer expectations.

3. Safety and Regulatory Responsibilities

• Follow all company safety policies, procedures, and safe work practices.
• Comply with applicable OSHA requirements and company welding, hot work, and confined-space procedures.
• Verify that appropriate tank preparation, cleaning, atmospheric testing, permits, and other required safety controls are in place before beginning work on cargo tank equipment.
• Never perform welding, cutting, grinding, or other hot work on a cargo tank unless the required authorization and safety conditions have been established.
• Properly use and maintain required personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Follow established lockout/tagout procedures when applicable.
• Identify and immediately report unsafe conditions, incidents, near misses, and equipment hazards.
• Follow applicable Department of Transportation (DOT), National Board, and other regulatory requirements associated with assigned cargo tank repairs, as applicable to the work being performed.
• Maintain awareness of potential hazards associated with welding fumes, chemicals, compressed gases, fire, electrical equipment, and elevated work.

4. Qualifications and Experience

Required Qualifications:

• Demonstrated welding experience, preferably in a commercial, industrial, manufacturing, or equipment repair environment.
• Ability to perform quality welding and fabrication work.
• Basic understanding of welding processes, materials, and metal preparation.
• Ability to read measurements, use precision measuring tools, and follow repair instructions.
• Ability to safely operate welding equipment, grinders, cutting equipment, and general shop tools.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality workmanship.
• Ability to work independently when assigned and as part of a team.
• Dependable attendance and willingness to learn new skills and repair procedures.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with TIG (GTAW) welding, particularly stainless steel.
• Experience with MIG (GMAW) welding and carbon steel fabrication.
• Previous experience repairing tank trailers, pressure vessels, or industrial equipment.
• Experience with aluminum welding and fabrication.
• Knowledge of cargo tank construction and repair practices.
• Experience with trailer suspension systems and general trailer mechanical repairs.
• Previous welding certifications or qualifications applicable to the work being performed.

5. Training and Development

This position is expected to develop additional technical skills through hands-on training, mentoring, and direction from the Shop Foreman and experienced technicians.

Training opportunities may include:

• Cargo tank construction and repair practices.
• Applicable welding procedures and qualifications.
• Cargo tank shell, head, and structural repair techniques.
• Tank piping and component repairs.
• Suspension system inspection, refurbishment, and repair.
• General trailer mechanical systems and maintenance.
• Company quality procedures and applicable regulatory requirements.

The employee is expected to demonstrate a willingness to learn, accept direction, and progressively develop the technical abilities necessary to perform a broader range of tank and trailer repair work.

6. Physical Requirements and Working Conditions

This position is performed primarily in a heavy-duty tank repair shop environment.

The employee must be capable of:

• Standing, walking, bending, kneeling, and working in various physical positions for extended periods.
• Lifting and carrying materials and equipment as required by assigned tasks, with assistance or mechanical lifting equipment when appropriate.
• Working in elevated positions and accessing various areas of cargo tank trailers.
• Working in confined or restricted spaces when properly trained, authorized, and equipped.
• Wearing required PPE, including welding helmets, respirators when required, protective clothing, gloves, and hearing protection.
• Working around welding equipment, heavy machinery, compressed gases, electrical equipment, and industrial repair operations.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.

7. Performance Expectations

Successful performance in this position will be evaluated based on the following:

• Quality and consistency of welding and fabrication work.
• Ability to complete repairs in accordance with established procedures and specifications.
• Productivity and effective use of assigned work time.
• Compliance with company safety policies and procedures.
• Attention to detail and reduction of rework.
• Proper care and use of tools and equipment.
• Ability to learn and develop additional welding and mechanical repair skills.
• Communication with the Shop Foreman and other team members.
• Dependability, attendance, teamwork, and overall work ethic.

8. Supervisory Relationship

This position reports directly to the Shop Foreman.

The Shop Foreman is responsible for assigning work, establishing repair priorities, providing technical direction, monitoring work progress, and ensuring that completed repairs meet company quality and safety expectations.

The employee is expected to follow established work assignments, communicate repair concerns, and seek guidance when encountering unfamiliar repairs, technical questions, or conditions outside their level of training or authorization.