Since its foundation in 1986, Thompson Construction Group, Inc. has grown from a small, local company into one of the largest privately held companies based in South Carolina. Our diverse services portfolio includes capital projects, power services, maintenance services, disaster recovery, hydro consulting and commercial construction. We believe in investing in our employees to help them reach their professional goals, as well as their personal goals. Thompson promotes a work environment that fosters learning, leadership, and development along with a safety culture that never waivers. Thompson is headquartered in Sumter, South Carolina with offices spanning the United States, primarily southeast and central United States. Position Description Lay out, fit, and weld fabricated, cast, and forged components to assemble structural forms. This will be completed in a safe and timely manner with the highest quality possible. Job Responsibilities • Lay out, position, align, and secure parts and assemblies prior to assembly. • Examine work pieces for defects and measure work pieces to ensure conformance with specifications. • Weld together metal components of products such as piping systems, plate, pipe and tube or structural shapes, as specified by layout, blueprints, diagram, work order, welding procedures, or oral instructions, using electric arc-welding equipment. • Obtain specified electrode and insert electrode into portable holder or thread consumable electrode wire through portable welding gun. • Connect cables and adjust welding unit to obtain amperage, voltage, polarity, and pulse, as specified by welding procedure or supervisor. • Start power supply to produce electric current. • Strike (form) arc which generates heat to melt and deposit metal from electrode to work piece and join edges of work piece. • Manually guide electrode or gun along weld-line, maintaining length of arc and speed of movement to form specified depth of fusion and bead, as judged from color of metal, sound of weld, and size of molten puddle. • Weld in flat, horizontal, vertical, or overhead positions. • Examine weld for bead size and other specifications. • May manually apply filler rod to supply weld metal. • May clean or degrease weld joint or workplace, using wire brush, portable grinder, or chemical bath. May repair broken or cracked parts and fill holes. • May prepare broken parts for welding by grooving or scarfing surfaces. • May remove excess weld, defective weld material, slag, and spatter, using carbon arc gouge, hand scraper, grinder or power chipper. • May preheat work piece, using hand torch or heating furnace. • May position and clamp work piece together or assemble then in a jig or fixture. • May tack weld assemblies together. • May cut metal plates or structural shapes. • May fit up parts (pipe, tube, structural shapes, or plate) and inspect fit before welding. • May be required to use Gas-Metal Arc, Flux-Cored Arc, Gas-Tungsten Arc, Submerged Arc, or Shielded-Metal Arc welding processes. • Respiratory protection is common and may be required. • Responsible for observing and complying with all safety and project rules. • Other duties as assigned. Job Qualifications • Must be at least 18 years of age. • Must be able to TIG and stick weld on stainless and/or carbon (pipe size and material welded varies per site). • Must pass required weld tests (varies per site). • Must be willing to work outside craft. • Workers are surrounded by hot materials and strong light. • Must wear safety gear, including protective goggles, masks, face shields and safety shoes. • Must be able to read, write and communicate clearly with supervisor/co-workers and understand direction from supervisor. • Utilize basic math and a calculator to solve geometric problems associated with Instrument Fitting. • May be required to work outside and be subject to severe weather as well. • Employee must be able to climb, bend, twist, stand and reach repetitively, operate moving equipment and work in hot/cold/damp/cramped environments. • Candidate may be required to pass a drug test and criminal background check based on job location/requirements. • Required Tool List For Pipe Welder: • Must have own TIG Rig and Stinger • 1 each 12” Crescent Wench • 1 each Stinger (whip) for Stick Welding • 1 each Tig Rig w/Hose and Gauges • 1 each 25’ Tape Measure • 1 set Burning Goggles • 1 each Chipping Hammer • 1 set Brushes • 1 pair Welding Gloves • 1 pair Leathers (optional) • 1 each Welding Hood and Lens (Must be attached to hard hat or will attach to hard hat) • *No Soft Cap Hoods • Must be at least 18 years of age • Must be able to lift 50 pounds, climb, bend, twist, stand and reach repetitively. • Work in hot/cold/damp/cramped environments • 40 or more hours per week with possible weekend work • Background check and drug screen based on job location/requirements Benefits • We strive to provide a competitive compensation and benefits package. This includes but is not limited to medical, dental, vision, life insurance, 401(k), wellness programs and career development. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
See More Details >>About the position Thompson Construction Group, Inc. is seeking a skilled Structural Welder to join our team in Arkadelphia, AR. The successful candidate will be responsible for welding metal structural steel components together to fabricate and install metal structures or supports according to customer specifications or blueprints. This position requires proficiency in MIG and Stick welding techniques, as well as the ability to perform related tasks such as thermal cutting and grinding. The Structural Welder will work closely with the erection team to complete assigned tasks efficiently and safely. In this role, you will be expected to position and clamp together components prior to welding, ensuring that all work meets the highest standards of quality and safety. You will also be responsible for cleaning and maintaining the tools and equipment used in welding, as well as maintaining control over welding filler metal. The job may involve other duties as assigned, requiring flexibility and a willingness to adapt to changing work conditions. The work environment can be challenging, as welders are often surrounded by hot materials and strong light. Therefore, it is essential to wear appropriate safety gear, including protective goggles, masks, face shields, and safety shoes. The position may require working outdoors and being subject to severe weather conditions, so candidates must be prepared for these challenges. Responsibilities • Weld metal structural components together. , • Perform related tasks such as thermal cutting and grinding. , • Work with erection team to complete the assigned tasks. , • Position and clamp together components prior to welding. , • Clean and maintain tools and equipment used in welding. , • Maintain welding filler metal control. , • Other duties as assigned. Requirements • Must be able to MIG and stick weld. , • Must pass required weld tests (varies per site). , • Utilize a torpedo level. , • Must be willing to work outside craft. , • Must be able to read, write and communicate clearly with supervisor/co-workers and understand direction from supervisor. , • Must be able to utilize basic math and read a tape measure or rule. , • Must be at least 18 years of age. , • Must be able to lift 50 pounds, climb, bend, twist, stand and reach repetitively. Nice-to-haves • Experience in a construction environment. , • Knowledge of safety protocols and procedures. Benefits • Medical insurance , • Dental insurance , • Vision insurance , • Life insurance , • 401(k) , • Wellness programs , • Career development opportunities
See More Details >>About the position Thompson Construction Group, Inc. is seeking a skilled Tube Welder to join our team in Arkadelphia, AR. The successful candidate will be responsible for laying out, assembling, installing, and maintaining pipe systems, pipe supports, and related hydraulic and pneumatic equipment. This role is crucial for ensuring the proper functioning of steam, hot water, heating, cooling, lubricating, sprinkling, and industrial production and processing systems. The Tube Welder will apply their knowledge of system operations while following blueprints and specifications to complete their tasks efficiently and safely. In this position, the Tube Welder will select the appropriate type and size of pipe and related materials, such as supports and hangers, according to project specifications. They will plan installations or repairs to avoid obstructions and ensure that their work does not interfere with the activities of other workers. The role requires proficiency in cutting, threading, and bending pipes using various tools and machines. The Tube Welder will also be responsible for assembling and installing a variety of metal and nonmetal pipes, securing them to structures, and maintaining hydraulic and pneumatic components, including pumps and cylinders. The successful candidate will be expected to increase pressure in pipe systems and observe connected pressure gauges to test the systems. They may also be required to weld pipe supports to structural steel members and observe production machines to detect malfunctions. Safety is a top priority, and the Tube Welder will be responsible for adhering to all safety and project rules. Other duties may be assigned as necessary, and the role may require respiratory protection in certain situations. Responsibilities • Select type and size of pipe and related materials and equipment according to specifications. , • Plan installation or repair to avoid obstructions and interference with other workers. , • Cut pipe using saws, pipe cutter, hammer and chisel, cutting torch, and pipe-cutting machine. , • Thread pipe using a pipe-threading machine. , • Bend pipe using pipe-bending tools and pipe-bending machine. , • Assemble and install a variety of metal and nonmetal pipes using various joint methods and hand tools. , • Secure pipes to structure with brackets, clamps, and hangers using hand tools and power tools. , • Install and maintain hydraulic and pneumatic components or machines and equipment, such as pumps and cylinders. , • Install and maintain compressors, pumps, meters, pneumatic and hydraulic controls, and piping following specifications and blueprints. , • Increase pressure in pipe system and observe connected pressure gauge to test system. , • Weld pipe supports to structural steel members as needed. , • Observe production machines to detect machinery malfunctions and operate machinery to verify repairs. , • Comply with all safety and project rules. Requirements • Must be able to pass employer welding test or standard test to meet certification standards of government agencies or professional and technical associations. , • Must be at least 18 years of age. , • Must be able to lift 50 pounds, climb, bend, twist, stand, and reach repetitively. , • Ability to work in hot, cold, damp, and cramped environments. , • Background check and drug screen based on job location/requirements. Nice-to-haves • Experience with various welding techniques and certifications. , • Familiarity with safety protocols and equipment in construction environments. Benefits • Medical insurance , • Dental insurance , • Vision insurance , • Life insurance , • 401(k) retirement plan , • Wellness programs , • Career development opportunities
See More Details >>Becoming a welder in Arkadelphia, AR, typically begins with an apprenticeship, which combines hands-on experience with 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 latest data, there are approximately 402,333 welders nationwide, with a significant demand for new professionals due to an aging workforce and infrastructure expansion. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a steady growth in the welding sector, with estimates ranging from 2% to 3% annually. Apprentices in Arkadelphia earn an average of $500 per week, with experienced welders often exceeding $108,000 annually. Trade schools, unions, and platforms like Gild help aspiring welders find apprenticeship opportunities, leading to a career with strong earning potential and diverse specialization options.
