Core Responsibilities
- Weld Seam Finishing: Grind internal and external weld reinforcements to specified heights to ensure smooth transitions for NDT inspection and external/internal coating.
- Defect Removal: Surgically remove surface imperfections such as slivers, scabs, and minor laminations identified by the Quality team, ensuring the remaining wall thickness stays within specified tolerances.
- Bevel & End Cleaning: Prepare pipe ends and bevels for final inspection by removing slag, rust, and burrs using power tools to achieve a Bright Metal finish
- Repair Support: Support the SMAW repair welders by grinding out weld defects (porosity, slag) to create a clean boat-shaped cavity for re-welding.
- Surface Blending: Use various abrasive grades to blend ground areas smoothly into the parent metal to prevent stress concentrators, especially for Sour Service projects.
- Spatter & Slag Removal: Thoroughly clean the pipe body and weld zone of all welding spatter and flux residue using pneumatic chisels and grinders.
Technical Skill Set
- Tool Proficiency: Expert operation of heavy-duty angle grinders (5 & 7), die grinders, pneumatic chipping hammers, and wire brushes.
- Measurement Competency: Proficient use of Ultrasonic Thickness (UT) Gauges to verify wall thickness after grinding and Bridge-cam Gauges to check weld profiles.
- NDT Marking Literacy: Ability to interpret marking codes from Ultrasonic (UT) and Radiographic (RT) teams to locate and remove internal defects accurately.
- Abrasive Knowledge: Selection of correct grinding wheels (zirconia/ceramic) for high-strength steel grades (X65 to X80) to avoid surface overheating.
Key Qualifications
- Education: High school or ITI (Fitter/Mechanical) trade certificate.
- Experience: 3-7 years of experience in an LSAW, HSAW, or heavy fabrication mill. Candidates from similar industries are highly preferred.
- Physical Stamina: Ability to handle heavy vibrating tools and work in confined spaces (internal pipe grinding) for extended shifts.
Preferred Attributes (Aramco & Global Standards)
- Strict adherence to standards regarding the maximum allowable depth of grinding (of wall thickness without mandatory repair).
- Safety Excellence: Mandatory use of full face shields, vibration-dampening gloves, and respiratory protection (especially for internal grinding).
- Understanding that over-grinding can result in the total rejection of a pipe, causing significant financial loss.
Employer-Specific Context
- High-efficiency performance to match the speed of the production line while maintaining export-quality standards.
