Job Description
Company Overview
Upchurch is a rapidly growing, full-service building engineering company providing mechanical, plumbing, HVAC, and electrical services across the southeastern United States. Founded in 1970 and headquartered in Horn Lake, MS, Upchurch has grown through both organic expansion and strategic acquisitions, establishing a strong reputation for quality, reliability, and service excellence. We offer end-to-end solutions—from design and installation to ongoing maintenance and emergency support—helping clients maximize building performance, energy efficiency, and equipment lifespan.
Position Summary
The Orbital Welder is responsible for performing precision orbital welding on stainless steel and high-purity piping systems for commercial, industrial, pharmaceutical, semiconductor, healthcare, and process mechanical construction projects. This role supports the installation of HVAC, plumbing, process piping, and specialty systems by producing high-quality welds that meet project specifications, industry standards, and quality control requirements.
Key Responsibilities
Set up, operate, and maintain orbital welding equipment and associated tools.
Perform orbital GTAW (TIG) welding on stainless steel tubing and piping systems.
Weld pipe and mechanical system components in accordance with project specifications, weld procedures, and quality standards.
Read and interpret blueprints, isometric drawings, weld maps, and fabrication documents.
Prepare pipe and tubing by cutting, facing, beveling, cleaning, and aligning materials prior to welding.
Verify proper fit-up, purge setups, and joint preparation before welding operations.
Perform tack welding and minor fitting as required.
Conduct visual inspections of completed welds and ensure compliance with quality requirements.
Maintain accurate weld logs, quality documentation, and traceability records when required.
Troubleshoot welding equipment and make process adjustments to achieve acceptable weld quality.
Work closely with pipefitters, fabrication teams, quality control personnel, and project supervisors.
Follow all company safety policies, OSHA requirements, and site-specific safety procedures.
Wear appropriate PPE and maintain a safe work environment at all times.
Maintain a clean, organized, and professional work area.
Participate in toolbox talks, safety meetings, and ongoing training programs.
Assist other trades and construction activities when welding work is not active.
Qualifications
2–5 years of orbital welding experience in commercial, industrial, pharmaceutical, semiconductor, healthcare, or process piping environments.
Demonstrated experience operating orbital GTAW welding equipment.
Proficient in welding stainless steel tubing and piping systems.
Ability to read and interpret blueprints, weld procedures, isometric drawings, and welding symbols.
Knowledge of purge systems, weld documentation, and quality control standards.
Familiarity with ASME B31.3, AWS, or other applicable welding codes and standards preferred.
Experience with high-purity, sanitary, or process piping systems preferred.
Ability to perform quality welds that meet visual, radiographic, or borescope inspection requirements.
OSHA 10 certification preferred.
Ability to pass orbital welding qualification tests and customer-specific weld procedures.
Basic knowledge of fitting, layout, rigging, and pipe installation practices.
Physical Requirements
Ability to lift up to 50 pounds.
Ability to stand, bend, kneel, squat, climb ladders, and work in confined spaces.
Ability to work at heights, in varying weather conditions, and on active construction sites.
Manual dexterity and vision sufficient to perform precision welding work.
Preferred Qualifications
Experience with pharmaceutical, semiconductor, data center, healthcare, or food-grade process piping installations.
Exposure to manual GTAW (TIG) welding in addition to orbital welding.
Current welding certifications or documented weld qualifications.
Experience working with stainless steel, high-purity tubing, and cleanroom construction environments.
Benefits:
Competitive salary based on experience.
Health, dental, and vision insurance.
Paid time off and holiday pay.
Opportunities for professional development and certification assistance.
Equal Employment Opportunity:
Upchurch Companies provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any type based on race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.