Pipefitter

Galata Chemicals is seeking an experienced Pipefitter to support maintenance and plant operations at our Taft, Louisiana manufacturing facility. The Pipefitter will be responsible for installing, maintaining, repairing, and modifying piping systems and related equipment used throughout the chemical manufacturing operation.

This is a hands-on industrial maintenance position requiring strong mechanical aptitude, knowledge of piping systems, and a commitment to safe work practices. The successful candidate will be comfortable working in an active chemical plant environment and collaborating closely with Maintenance, Operations, Engineering, and EHS personnel.

Key Responsibilities

• Install, assemble, maintain, troubleshoot, and repair industrial piping systems and associated components.
• Read and interpret piping drawings, P&IDs, isometric drawings, blueprints, and equipment specifications.
• Measure, cut, thread, bevel, fit, and align pipe according to specifications.
• Install and replace valves, flanges, gaskets, fittings, supports, and related piping components.
• Perform accurate pipe layout, measurements, and field fabrication.
• Identify piping, valve, flange, and equipment issues and assist with determining appropriate repairs.
• Remove and replace damaged or deteriorated piping and components.
• Perform proper flange alignment and bolting and assist with leak prevention and correction.
• Support preventive and corrective maintenance activities throughout the plant.
• Coordinate with Operations and Maintenance personnel to safely isolate equipment and piping before work begins.
• Assist with equipment installations, shutdowns, turnarounds, plant outages, and special maintenance projects.
• Inspect completed work to ensure proper installation, alignment, and workmanship.
• Follow site procedures for Lockout/Tagout (LOTO), confined space entry, hot work, line breaking, and permit-required maintenance activities.
• Maintain tools, equipment, and work areas in a clean and safe condition.
• Identify safety concerns, equipment deficiencies, and potential hazards and immediately communicate them to supervision.
• Follow all applicable Galata Chemicals safety, environmental, quality, and operating procedures.
• Perform other maintenance-related duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Minimum 3 years of industrial pipefitting experience, preferably in a chemical, petrochemical, refinery, or process manufacturing environment.
• Demonstrated ability to read and interpret P&IDs, piping isometrics, drawings, and specifications.
• Knowledge of industrial piping, valves, fittings, flanges, gaskets, and piping support systems.
• Ability to accurately measure, cut, fit, align, and assemble piping systems.
• Working knowledge of industrial maintenance tools and equipment.
• Understanding of safe work practices associated with industrial piping and chemical manufacturing.
• Ability to work effectively as part of a maintenance and operations team.
• Ability to follow written procedures, work permits, and verbal instructions.
• Ability to safely work at heights, on ladders or platforms, and in confined spaces when required.
• Willingness to work overtime, weekends, call-outs, or alternate shifts as operational needs require.

Preferred Qualifications

• 5+ years of industrial pipefitting experience in a chemical, petrochemical, refinery, or similar process facility.
• NCCER Pipefitting certification or equivalent craft training.
• Experience working during plant turnarounds and shutdowns.
• Familiarity with chemical plant mechanical integrity and maintenance programs.
• Experience with stainless steel, carbon steel, and other industrial process piping systems.
• Rigging experience and knowledge of safe lifting practices.
• Basic welding knowledge or experience is a plus.

Physical & Work Environment Requirements

This position works primarily in an industrial chemical manufacturing environment and may require:

• Standing and walking for extended periods.
• Climbing stairs, ladders, scaffolding, and elevated work platforms.
• Bending, kneeling, crouching, reaching, and working in restricted areas.
• Lifting and carrying tools, piping components, and equipment.
• Working both indoors and outdoors in varying weather conditions.
• Working around industrial equipment, piping systems, chemicals, noise, and other manufacturing hazards.
• Wearing required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
• Working at heights or entering confined spaces where properly trained and authorized.

Work Schedule

This is a full-time position. The employee must be flexible to support plant operating requirements, including overtime, weekends, call-outs, shutdowns, and scheduled plant turnarounds as needed.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Galata Chemicals is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to cultivating a diverse workforce that reflects the communities we serve.