HDPE SME/Welding Specialists - Power Market

Position Overview

Kiewit Power Constructors is seeking an experienced HDPE Subject Matter Expert (SME) / Welding Engineer Specialist to provide technical leadership and oversight for welding, joining, qualification, and fabrication activities associated with industrial piping systems and equipment. This role is responsible for developing, implementing, reviewing, and governing welding and HDPE joining procedures, qualifications, inspections, and documentation to ensure compliance with project requirements, industry standards, and applicable codes.

The HDPE SME / Welding Engineer Specialist works closely with Engineering, Construction, Quality, Fabrication, Procurement, and Commissioning teams to support welding and HDPE fusion activities throughout project execution. The successful candidate will ensure welding and joining processes meet quality, safety, regulatory, and performance requirements while supporting efficient project delivery and long-term system reliability.

District Overview

Kiewit Power Constructors (KPC) provides direct-hire construction services for Power Generation utilizing a union craft force. Kiewit Power Constructors builds major EPC power plant and solar farm projects throughout North America.

Location

One of the many things that makes Kiewit’s culture unique is that we go where the work is, which exposes your career to abundant opportunities. We relocate our teams based on the work that is available, combined with the development plans, skill sets and career goals of each team member. This means your Kiewit adventure is custom-designed to meet our shared needs. 

Responsibilities

Technical Leadership

• Provide technical support for industrial welding, fabrication, and HDPE joining operations.
• Interpret and apply applicable welding codes, standards, specifications, and project requirements.
• Develop, review, and implement welding and HDPE fusion procedures, qualifications, and technical requirements.
• Serve as a technical resource for welding and HDPE joining activities across project teams.

Welding & HDPE Compliance

• Review welding documentation and qualification records to ensure compliance with applicable requirements.
• Support development and qualification of WPSs, PQRs, welder qualifications, and HDPE fusion procedures.
• Ensure compliance with ASME, AWS, ASTM F2620, NM.1, and project-specific requirements.
• Stay current with industry codes, standards, and best practices.

Field Support & Quality

• Provide field and shop support to welding personnel, inspectors, supervisors, QA/QC, and engineering teams.
• Evaluate welding and HDPE joining processes and resolve technical issues related to quality, fabrication, repairs, and code compliance.
• Support welding inspections, HDPE fusion inspections, NDE/NDT activities, and nonconformance resolution.
• Provide technical guidance on repair procedures and corrective actions.

Documentation & Reporting

• Develop and maintain qualification records, weld maps, fusion records, traceability documentation, and quality records.
• Review engineering drawings, piping specifications, material requirements, and fabrication documents.
• Support audits, technical reviews, and project turnover documentation.
• Prepare technical reports and recommendations related to welding and HDPE joining activities.

Collaboration

• Work closely with QA/QC, Engineering, Construction, Fabrication, Procurement, and Commissioning teams.
• Interface with clients, vendors, and third-party inspectors regarding welding and HDPE requirements.
• Provide mentorship and technical guidance to project teams and field personnel.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives related to welding quality and HDPE fusion operations.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Welding Engineering, Materials Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related technical discipline; equivalent industry experience may be considered.
• 5+ years of industrial welding experience with demonstrated responsibility for welding procedures, qualifications, fabrication, or quality control.
• Strong working knowledge of:
  ASME Section IX
  AWS D1.1
  ASME Section I
  ASME B31.1
  ASME B31.3
  NM.1 requirements
• Experience developing, reviewing, and implementing WPSs, PQRs, and welder qualification records.
• Knowledge and/or experience with HDPE piping systems and thermal joining processes, including butt fusion in accordance with ASTM F2620.
• Experience with industrial welding processes including SMAW, GTAW, GMAW, FCAW, SAW, or similar processes.
• Understanding of welding metallurgy, base materials, filler metals, preheat requirements, heat input, weld discontinuities, and repair methods.
• Ability to interpret engineering drawings, specifications, welding codes, standards, and project requirements.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to travel and support field construction projects as required.

Preferred Qualifications

• Direct experience qualifying and overseeing HDPE fusion operations in accordance with ASTM F2620.
• Experience supporting HDPE piping systems governed by ASME B31.1, ASME B31.3, and NM.1 requirements.
• AWS Certified Welding Inspector (CWI), Certified Welding Engineer (CWE), or similar professional certification.
• Experience supporting EPC or self-perform construction projects.
• Experience in power generation, utility-scale energy, industrial facilities, or other highly regulated industries.
• Experience with NDE/NDT methods, weld acceptance criteria, and inspection programs.
• Familiarity with QA/QC systems, turnover processes, commissioning activities, and project controls.
• Knowledge of applicable ASTM, ASME, AWS, and related industry standards.