Automated Welding Operator

NABRICO Marine Products is seeking a safety-oriented, skilled Automated Welding Operator to join our team at our Ashland City, TN, barge manufacturing facility. This position is responsible for performing welding operations and related fabrication activities in support of barge manufacturing. The Operator must demonstrate the ability to produce quality welds in accordance with approved Welding Procedure Specifications (WPS), fabrication drawings, and company quality standards.

The ideal candidate will have experience with Flux Core Arc Welding (FCAW) and/or Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW), the ability to perform fillet welds in multiple positions, and a strong understanding of welding safety and quality expectations. This individual must be able to read and interpret welding symbols, maintain consistent weld quality, safely operate welding equipment, and work collaboratively with supervisors, fitters, and other team members to meet daily production goals.

About NABRICO Marine Products

NABRICO Marine Products, Inc., is part of NABRICO's Inland Barge Group and is a leading manufacturer of barges and marine products serving the U.S. inland waterway system. Our products help transport a wide variety of commodities, including grain, coal, aggregates, petroleum products, fertilizers, ethanol, chemicals, and other liquid cargoes.

NABRICO manufactures dry cargo and tank barges, as well as fiberglass hopper barge covers used primarily on grain barges. The company also provides a full line of marine deck hardware, including hatches, castings, and winches for towboats and dock facilities. Our commitment to quality, safety, and operational excellence supports the reliable movement of goods throughout the nation's inland waterways.

Primary Responsibilities

• Perform FCAW (Flux Core Arc Welding) and/or SMAW (Shield Metal Arc Welding) in accordance with approved Welding Procedure Specifications (WPS), fabrication drawings, and established quality standards.
• Successfully perform flat (2F), vertical (3F), and overhead (4F) fillet welds while maintaining consistent weld quality and proper welding techniques.
• Read and interpret welding symbols, weld sizes, fabrication drawings, and applicable quality requirements.
• Set up, operate, and adjust welding equipment to establish parameters and compliance with approved procedures.
• Visually inspect completed welds to identify defects and verify compliance with applicable quality standards, specifications, and visual acceptance criteria.
• Identify and communicate all defects & concerns to facility leadership.
• Maintain proper welding techniques, including appropriate travel speed, weld angle, electrode or wire placement, and heat control.
• Perform weld seam preparation and related fabrication activities as needed, including cleaning, grinding, and preparing materials for welding.
• Maintain welding equipment, tools, and assigned work areas to maintain a safe condition.
• Follow all company safety policies, procedures, PPE requirements, and established best practices.
• Maintain a clean, organized work area and follow housekeeping expectations.
• Participate in safety initiatives, quality improvement efforts, and continuous improvement activities.
• Work collaboratively with all team members to meet production schedules and quality expectations.
• Communicate production progress, equipment concerns, material defects, and other related challenges to leadership.
• Meet established production goals while maintaining safety, workmanship, and quality standards.
• Perform additional duties as assigned.

Qualifications and Skills

• High school diploma or GED preferred.
• Previous welding experience in a manufacturing, fabrication, construction, marine, or industrial environment preferred.
• Verifiable experience with FCAW and/or SMAW welding processes.
• Ability to successfully perform flat (2F), vertical (3F), and overhead (4F) fillet welds.
• Ability to read and interpret welding symbols, weld sizes, fabrication drawings, and Welding Procedure Specifications (WPS).
• Knowledge of welding techniques, equipment operation, welding parameters, and consumable handling.
• Ability to visually identify weld defects and understand basic visual weld quality requirements.
• Ability to safely operate welding equipment, grinders, and other steel fabrication tools.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to producing consistent, high-quality welds.
• Ability to follow verbal and written instructions, meet production expectations, and work independently with minimal supervision.
• Strong understanding of workplace safety practices and willingness to follow all company policies and procedures.
• Ability to work effectively with all members of the production team.
• Regular and predictable attendance, a positive attitude, and a strong work ethic.
• Ability to work overtime and alternate schedules as business needs require.

Work Environment

This position operates in a heavy manufacturing and industrial fabrication environment. Employees are regularly exposed to welding operations, sparks, fumes, noise, moving equipment, and varying temperatures. Work may take place indoors and outdoors in changing weather conditions. The position requires the use of appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) and adherence to all company safety requirements.

The role requires crawling, standing, walking, bending, reaching, confined spaces and working in various welding positions, including flat, horizontal, vertical, and overhead. Employees must be able to safely handle welding equipment, tools, and materials while performing assigned job duties.

Why Join NABRICO Marine Products?

• Hands-on manufacturing environment with an opportunity to contribute to products used throughout the inland marine transportation industry.
• Be part of a team committed to integrity, execution, and winning together.
• Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance.
• Paid Time Off – Vacation and Sick.
• 11 Paid Holidays.
• Employee Assistance Program.
• 401(k) with company match up to 6%.
• Short-Term and Long-Term Disability.
• Tuition Reimbursement.
• Life and AD&D Insurance.