Structural Welders – Paducah, KY

We are seeking experienced Stick Welders (SMAW) to join our team at a busy tugboat repair facility in Paducah, Kentucky. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience welding with 3/16" E6010 electrodes and performing structural repairs on inland river vessels, including tugboats, towboats, barges, and related marine equipment.  Successful candidates must be capable of producing high-quality welds in all positions while working in demanding shipyard environments aboard vessels, in dry docks, and within confined spaces.

Key Responsibilities

• Perform structural welding using the Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW) process.
• Demonstrate proficiency welding with 3/16" E6010 electrodes for open-root and structural applications.
• Weld carbon steel components on tugboats, towboats, barges, and other inland marine vessels.
• Complete repairs involving hull plating, deck structures, bulkheads, foundations, brackets, stiffeners, and structural framing.
• Read and interpret blueprints, welding symbols, repair drawings, and work instructions.
• Prepare materials through grinding, beveling, fitting, and cleaning prior to welding.
• Perform welding in flat, horizontal, vertical, and overhead positions.
• Work safely in confined spaces, elevated work areas, and aboard vessels under repair.
• Operate welding equipment, grinders, oxy-fuel cutting equipment, and carbon arc gouging equipment as required.

Required Qualifications

• Minimum of 3 years of SMAW welding experience in a shipyard, heavy industrial, marine, or structural steel environment.
• Must be highly proficient welding with 3/16" E6010 electrodes.
• Experience performing structural repairs on tugboats, towboats, barges, or other marine vessels is strongly preferred.
• Ability to pass a hands-on welding test using 3/16" E6010 rod in multiple welding positions.
• Ability to read fabrication drawings, welding symbols, and repair specifications.
• Experience using oxy-fuel cutting, air arc gouging, and grinding equipment.
• Strong understanding of weld quality, fit-up, distortion control, and repair procedures.

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior experience in an inland river or commercial marine repair facility.
• Experience with FCAW or FCAW-G welding processes in addition to SMAW.
• Knowledge of ABS, U.S. Coast Guard, or other marine industry welding standards.
• OSHA 10 or OSHA 30 certification.
• Experience working during vessel dry dockings and emergency repair projects.