Senior Welder

Location: Everett WA

The Senior Welder at Fluke produces cosmetically critical leak-tight welds on tanks and other visible water-tight components mentors other welders and partners with engineering and quality to solve welding challenges and improve processes.

Key Responsibilities

Perform precision GTAW/TIG welding on thin-gauge stainless steel and aluminum including tanks and assemblies with high aesthetic requirements.

Control heat input amperage and travel technique to minimize distortion warping and burn-through on thin material.

Produce clean consistent welds that meet cosmetic acceptance criteria free of excessive heat tint/bluing discoloration and surface defects.

Set up and manage shielding gas back-purging and trailing shields to protect weld and heat-affected zone quality.

Maintain strict cleanliness practices (material prep dedicated tooling stainless/aluminum contamination control) and meet surface finish requirements.

Fixture fit up and tack precision sheet metal parts to tight tolerances; plan weld sequences to control distortion.

Read and interpret engineering drawings weld symbols and WPS requirements.

Inspect own work and perform post-weld cleaning heat tint removal and finishing as required.

Troubleshoot weld quality issues (porosity lack of fusion cracking distortion discoloration) and recommend corrective actions with engineering and quality.

Mentor and train less experienced welders; help standardize best practices and work instructions.

Support process improvement efforts including evaluating new technologies such as laser welding to improve quality and reduce rework.

Follow all safety procedures and PPE requirements.

Required Qualifications

High school diploma or equivalent; welding certificate or technical school training preferred.

5 years of hands-on welding experience with a primary focus on thin-gauge stainless steel and aluminum.

Expert GTAW/TIG skills on thin-gauge material including pulsed TIG.

Proven ability to control heat input and distortion on thin-gauge parts.

Experience meeting cosmetic/visual weld acceptance criteria where appearance is critical.

Knowledge of stainless-steel heat tint/discoloration control including shielding purging cleanliness and post-weld cleaning.

Precision sheet metal fabrication experience including fit-up and fixturing.

Ability to read drawings weld symbols and WPS requirements.

Strong attention to detail and pride in workmanship.

Experience with leak-tight water-tight or tank welding including familiarity with leak testing methods.

Preferred Qualifications

Gas-tight welding experience such as tube-to-tube or tube-to-fitting welds (orbital tube welding a plus).

Brazing experience (torch or furnace).

Experience with or knowledge of laser welding

AWS or equivalent GTAW certification on stainless steel and/or aluminum sheet.

Background in sanitary food/beverage pharmaceutical semiconductor or other high-purity/cosmetic fabrication.

Familiarity with visual inspection and dye penetrant testing.

Physical / Work Environment (Typical)

Work is performed in a fabrication shop environment with exposure to noise heat and UV light (with required PPE).

Ability to stand sit or kneel for extended periods and perform detailed work requiring a steady hand and good visual acuity.

Competencies

Craftsmanship and pride in weld appearance

Technical accuracy and attention to detail

Patience and precision on cosmetically critical work

Strong communication and collaboration with engineering and quality

Continuous improvement mindset and openness to new technologies

Willingness to mentor and share knowledge