ARC WELDER (MARKET COMPETITIVE)

The Arc Welder (BPS-04) serves as a skilled tradesperson within the federal industrial manufacturing establishment, responsible for fabricating, repairing, and maintaining structural steel components, pressure vessels, and heavy machinery parts using Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW) processes. The role operates under the supervision of a Foreman or Workshop Superintendent to execute welding tasks conforming to approved drawings, Welding Procedure Specifications (WPS), and international codes such as AWS D1.1 or ASME Section IX, ensuring structural integrity of defense or industrial production assets.

Daily workflow begins with reviewing job cards and engineering drawings to identify joint configurations, electrode specifications (e.g., E7018, E6013), and preheat requirements. The welder sets up welding rectifiers/transformers, selects correct polarity and amperage, and prepares joint edges through grinding or gas cutting to achieve prescribed root gaps and bevel angles. Tasks include executing root, fill, and cap passes in flat (1G/1F), horizontal (2G/2F), vertical (3G/3F), and overhead (4G/4F) positions, followed by visual inspection for undercut, porosity, and reinforcement limits. The incumbent maintains electrode drying ovens, ensures cable integrity, and logs daily production in the workshop register.

Selection for this position is conducted strictly through a Practical Skill/Trade Test (Category B cadre) followed by an Oral Viva Voce; no written examination is administered. Candidates are provided with base materials, electrodes, and a calibrated welding machine to produce a test coupon (typically a 3G/4G plate or 6G pipe joint) within a fixed timeframe. The test piece is evaluated visually and via destructive bend testing or radiographic inspection. Final merit is determined by the combined score of the practical demonstration and the technical interview assessing metallurgical knowledge, safety protocols, and blueprint reading.

• ✓Interpret engineering drawings and welding symbols to determine joint design, weld size, and electrode classification requirements
• ✓Set up and calibrate SMAW welding machines (AC/DC rectifiers) selecting correct amperage, polarity, and arc length for specific electrode diameters
• ✓Prepare base metal surfaces by grinding, filing, or oxy-fuel cutting to achieve required bevel angles, root faces, and cleanliness standards
• ✓Execute high-quality welds in all positions (1G through 4G/1F through 4F) controlling heat input to minimize distortion and prevent defects
• ✓Perform visual inspection of completed welds checking for cracks, porosity, slag inclusion, undercut, and reinforcement height per acceptance criteria
• ✓Maintain welding equipment including electrode holders, cables, chipping hammers, wire brushes, and electrode drying ovens at prescribed temperatures

• 💡Proficiency in Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW) techniques for carbon steel and low-alloy steel materials
• 💡Ability to read and interpret technical blueprints, welding symbols (ISO 2553 / AWS A2.4), and Welding Procedure Specifications (WPS)
• 💡In-depth knowledge of electrode classifications (AWS A5.1), storage conditions, re-drying cycles, and selection criteria for specific applications
• 💡Understanding of basic metallurgy including heat-affected zone (HAZ) effects, distortion control techniques, and preheat/interpass temperature monitoring
• 💡Strict adherence to occupational safety standards