Pipefitters – Up to $40/hr – Journeyman Role – Abilene TX RK Industries is hiring Journeyman Pipefitters for industrial mechanical installation projects in Abilene, TX. This hands-on role involves reading blueprints, installing piping systems, and performing quality control. The position offers strong career development potential and the chance to work alongside experienced tradespeople. Candidates must hold a Journeyman or Master-level license. Perks & benefits: • Up to $40/hr • Medical, dental, vision, and life insurance • Retirement benefits and paid vacation • Apprenticeship and leadership development programs What you’ll need: • Valid Journeyman or Master Pipefitter license • Ability to read isometric drawings and perform pipe layout • Strong knowledge of trade tools and building codes • Physical ability to work at heights and lift 50 lbs • Experience with carbon steel and HDPE piping What will make you stand out: • Master license and/or supervisory experience • Familiarity with diagnostics, system testing, and layout tasks • Excellent communication and attention to detail
See More Details >>Benefits and retirement Purpose: Lay out, fabricates, assembles, installs, and maintains piping and piping systems and supports, fixtures and equipment for industrial piping systems on basis of knowledge of system operation and study of building plans or working drawings. This includes carbon steel, stainless steel, chrome, and PVC systems as well as directing and training pipefitter helpers to perform the same. Work Schedule: Varies by location. Must have open availability any time any day of the week. Length of employment is limited to job assignment and/or project duration. Essential Skills (may include but are not limited to the ability to:) Practice safety rules Identify power tools Identify hand tools Move, store, and transport oxyacetylene and argon bottles safely. Housekeeping procedures Make measurements to the 1/16" using a measuring tape Use power tools, drill motors, end and angle grinders, and portabands Identify and sort nuts, bolts, and screws by size and material Identify threaded pipe fittings Basic Blueprint Reading Perform flange makeup (torque) Identify socket weld fittings Perform basic math: add, subtract, multiply, and divide Identify all thread rod by size and left or right-hand threads Identify PVC pipe and fittings Identify Rigging equipment Identify pipe fittings by size, type, material, and service type SetUp and operate oxyacetylene torch for heating and cutting Read and interpret isometric drawings Cut gaskets with gasket cutter Identify and discriminate cutting and welding gases Setup and purge stainless steel pipe Install reinforced concrete pipe Give crane and heavy equipment hand signals Read and interpret hanger and support drawings Identify gaskets materials by size, material, type, and ratings Perform craft math Identify hanger components by type, kind, size, and material composition Identify and sort valves by size, type, and materials Install cast iron push joint pipe Install ductile iron mechanical joint pipe Fabricate PVC pipe from isometrics Use isometrics to fabricate for socket weld pipe, butt weld pipe, and threaded pipe Use threading machine to thread pipe Job Description: Pipefitter Alternative Titles: Journeyman Pipefitter Page 2 of 3 Job Description: Pipefitter Rev.0, 6-3-21 Identify pipe by size, type, and wall thickness Transfer benchmarks and layout elevations Perform simple rigging operations Install steam traps Use power actuated anchor gun/red head Install fabricated pipe butt weld, socket weld, and screw pipe from orthographies Prepare material & pipe-takeoffs for buttweld, socket weld, & threaded pipe Use blueprints to erect and fabricate piping systems (Ortho, ISO, P&ID, GA) Fabricate pipe hanger, supports, anchors, and guides Install pipe hangers, supports, anchors, and guides Read and interpret pipe and hanger drawings Fabricate, weld, and fiberglass piping Install high pressure and high heat piping systems Install and set spring hangers/supports Perform advanced craft math Work within company policy as outlined in the Samuel EPC Craft Handbook and maintain compliance with both the Samuel EPC Human Resources Policy Manual and the Samuel EPC Safety Manual. Perform other duties as assigned by the foreman/supervisor as needed. Essential Qualifications Three (3) years minimum Field experience in trade Ability to perform material take-offs, figure offsets, take-off of fittings, and pipe rigging Ability to work with others to achieve job goals Read, write and communicate using the English language sufficient to perform job functions (other preferences will be given for special language skills where there is a business need) Physical Requirements Stand or walk for long periods of time Use arms and hands to reach for, handle or manipulate objects Lift and carry materials weighing up to 50 pounds; occasionally lift items weighing more than 50 pounds with assistance Climb up and down ladders, scaffolds and other objects Stoop, kneel, crouch and crawl See well (naturally or with correction) Eyehand coordination Good physical fitness Good sense of balance Work at great heights Page 3 of 3 Job Description: Pipefitter Rev.0, 6-3-21 Tool Requirements Steel toed work boots Pipefitter Blue Book Torpedo Level 25' Steel Measuring Tape 12" Adjustable Wrench Leather Gloves Flat Screwdrivers Phillips Screwdrivers Toolbox (with lock) At least one set of 2-Hole, flange alignment pins 10" Channel Lock Pliers 2@ 4" C-clamps 2@ 8" C-clamps 2@ 11" Vice-grip locking C-clamps #9 Side Cutters 4" Wraparound 2@ Ballpeen hammer: 16 oz. and 32 oz. 24" Pipefitter's or Framing Squares 24" Level 12" Tri Square Plumb bob 3/4" x 6" Cold Chisel Pipe Wrenches: 12", 14", 18" and 24" Center Punch Spud Wrench or Lineup Bar Combination Wrenches: 3/4", 7/8", 15/16", 1-1/16", 1-1/8", and 1-1/4" Degree Finder Protractor LineUp Dogs Hickey Bar Smart Level Raincoat or poncho Environment: Construction Workers perform physically demanding work including lifting and carrying heavy objects, stooping, kneeling, crouching or crawling in awkward positions. Some work at great heights, or outdoors in all weather conditions. With some projects, work exposure to harmful/hazardous materials, chemicals, fumes, odors, lead-based paints, asbestos, loud noise, or dangerous machinery may exist. To avoid injury, workers in these jobs wear safety clothing, such as gloves, hardhats, protective chemical suits, and devices to protect their eyes, respiratory system, or hearing. While working in underground and/or confined spaces, Construction Workers must be especially alert to safely follow procedures and must deal with a variety of hazards.
See More Details >>The Journeyman Pipefitter is a key contributor to our field operations, performing critical work that ensures mechanical systems are built to last. From reading isometric drawings and setting pipe runs to welding, rigging, and system testing, this role demands precision, skill, and a strong understanding of complex piping systems. Working alongside seasoned leaders and trusted teammates, you’ll continue to grow your expertise in industrial and commercial systems while making a visible impact on major projects. Whether you're pursuing leadership or aiming to become a technical authority in your trade, this position is a stepping stone toward long-term career success. Journeyman Pipefitters are respected for their deep knowledge, accuracy, and dedication to quality. Their work ensures systems operate safely and efficiently, making them indispensable to project timelines and performance in the field. RK Overview RK Industries (RK) is a second-generation family-owned business built on hard work and strong values. Led by brothers Rick and Jon Kinning, we take pride in delivering a wide range of hands-on services including construction, manufacturing, custom fabrication, and building services. With seven specialized business units working in close coordination, we ensure every job is done right from start to finish. Our proven methods, focus on safety, and commitment to quality help bring our customers’ biggest ideas to life. Position Summary Performs the full range of Journeyman or Master Journeyman level duties for Plumbing, Piping, Sheet Metal, Electrical, Ironworking, and Welding in the construction, finishing, repair, etc. of buildings. Role Responsibilities • Perform trade-specific tasks on a construction site. • Oversee the productivity of crew. • Ensure schedules and deadlines are met. • Perform some layout activities. • Perform some material takeoffs as necessary. • Trade-related material, tool, and equipment requisitions. • Perform planned maintenance tasks as assigned. • Perform equipment start-up with associated documentation. • Perform quality control inspections. • Technical troubleshooting and diagnostics when needed. • Experience in carbon steel and HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene.) • Other duties as assigned. Qualifications • High school degree or GED preferred or equivalent combination of skills and experience. • Journeyman or Master License required. • Good physical condition and ability to stand for extended periods of time. • Good dexterity and eye-hand coordination. • Aptitude for technical problem-solving. • Familiarity with building codes and current laws/regulations. • Ability to maintain clean and orderly tools/work area. • Good communication skills both verbal and written. • Expert knowledge of trade tools, equipment, and materials. • Keen eye for detail. Minimum Physical Requirements and Accountability • Work outside, inside, and in dusty, noisy and hazardous areas. • Work in high places, tight places, confined spaces and/or other adverse locations. • Climb, balance, squat, kneel and crouch. • Work in all types of weather. • Ability to lift, move, and/or carry 50 lbs. What Sets RK Industries Apart Safety: Our unmatched culture of safety is our foremost core value, guiding everything we do each day: Health, Safety, & Environmental Awards: Whether in Construction, Manufacturing, Fabrication, or Service, RK Industries is highly recognized and accredited throughout the industry: Accreditations & Recognition Benefits: RK Industries offers competitive benefits to support your growth and well-being: Benefits & Rewards Philanthropy: RK Industries not only builds our community through our projects, but also invests in it by supporting local services for over a decade through the RK Foundation: RK Foundation Development: Through RK University, we provide hands-on training and development opportunities that empower employees to advance their careers and grow within the company, to include leadership and technical learning opportunities, we well as our accredited apprentice program: RK University & RK Apprenticeship Program Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis.
See More Details >>Becoming a pipefitter in Abilene, TX typically begins with an apprenticeship, combining hands-on experience and classroom learning, allowing individuals to earn while they learn. Apprenticeships last about four to five years, requiring many hours of training under licensed professionals. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there are 1818 pipefitters in Abilene, TX, with an average weekly wage of $924.17. The employment outlook is positive, with a projected 6% job growth from 2022 to 2032. Trade schools, unions, and platforms like Gild help aspiring pipefitters find apprenticeship opportunities, leading to a career with strong earning potential—often exceeding $100,000 annually for experienced professionals.
