Thaddeus Blackwood

Certified Structural Welder

Phone: (713) 555-0847
Address: Houston, TX 77002
Website: https://thaddeus-blackwood-welder.com
Email:
  • Certified structural welder with 8+ years of experience specializing in high-pressure pipeline systems and industrial fabrication
  • Maintained 97% first-pass inspection rate on X-ray testing across 200+ critical welds annually
  • Expert in GTAW, GMAW, and SMAW processes with proficiency in all positions including 6G pipe welding
  • Zero safety incidents over 8-year career in confined space and elevated work environments
  • AWS D1.1 and ASME Section IX certified with experience in carbon steel, stainless steel, and aluminum welding
  • Proven ability to train apprentice welders and lead small welding crews on complex projects

Work Experience

Gulf Coast Pipeline Services

Senior Pipeline Welder

March 2020 - Present
  • Execute 6G pipe welding on high-pressure natural gas transmission lines (up to 1440 PSI) using GTAW root and SMAW fill/cap procedures
  • Achieved 98% pass rate on ultrasonic testing across 300+ pipe joints ranging from 12" to 36" diameter
  • Reduced average weld time per joint by 20% through optimized fit-up and welding sequence techniques
  • Trained 8 apprentice welders in API 1104 pipeline welding standards and safety protocols
  • Completed welds in challenging environments including river crossings and urban installations with zero rework incidents

Baytown Industrial Fabricators

Structural Welder

June 2017 - February 2020
  • Fabricated structural steel components for petrochemical plant construction projects totaling $15M in contract value
  • Maintained 96% weld acceptance rate on visual and magnetic particle testing for AWS D1.1 structural connections
  • Specialized in overhead and vertical welding positions on heavy structural members up to 2" thick carbon steel
  • Collaborated with quality control inspectors to develop improved welding procedures reducing defect rates by 25%
  • Operated overhead cranes and rigging equipment for positioning large structural assemblies safely

Lone Star Manufacturing

Production Welder

August 2015 - May 2017
  • Performed high-volume GMAW welding on pressure vessel components meeting ASME Section VIII standards
  • Consistently exceeded production targets by 15% while maintaining quality standards for radiographic testing
  • Welded stainless steel food-grade equipment requiring sanitary welding techniques and surface finish specifications
  • Implemented lean manufacturing principles reducing material waste by 12% through precise cutting and fit-up
  • Mentored 3 entry-level welders in proper GMAW technique and workplace safety procedures

Certifications

AWS D1.1 Structural Steel - 3G/4G GMAW

American Welding Society

Expires: September 2024

ASME Section IX - 6G GTAW on Stainless Steel Schedule 80 Pipe

ASME

Expires: December 2024

API 1104 Pipeline Welding - 6G SMAW

American Petroleum Institute

Expires: June 2024

OSHA 30-Hour Construction Safety

OSHA

Completed: January 2023

Confined Space Entry Permit

Safety Training Authority

Current

Hot Work Permit Authorization

Safety Training Authority

Current

Technical Skills

Welding Processes:
  • GTAW/TIG: Stainless Steel (Schedule 10-160 pipe), Aluminum (1/16" - 3/4"), Carbon Steel root passes
  • GMAW/MIG: Carbon Steel (up to 2" thick), Stainless Steel, Spray Transfer & Short Circuit modes
  • SMAW/Stick: 6010 root/7018 fill & cap, E308L stainless, All positions including 6G overhead
  • FCAW: Self-shielded and gas-shielded, outdoor structural applications
Technical Competencies:
  • Blueprint Reading: AWS and ISO welding symbols, P&ID interpretation, structural drawings
  • Code Knowledge: AWS D1.1, ASME Section IX, API 1104, AWS D1.5 Bridge Code
  • Testing Methods: Visual inspection, Dye penetrant, Magnetic particle, X-ray positioning
  • Materials: Carbon steel, 304/316 stainless steel, 6061/5356 aluminum, Inconel 625
  • Equipment: Lincoln, Miller, and ESAB welding machines, plasma cutting, oxy-fuel cutting

Education

San Jacinto College

Associate of Applied Science in Welding Technology

Graduated: May 2015
  • Specialized in GTAW, GMAW, SMAW, and FCAW welding processes
  • Completed 480 hours of hands-on welding laboratory experience
  • Achieved AWS D1.1 Structural Steel Welding Certification during program
  • Completed metallurgy, blueprint reading, and welding inspection coursework
  • Graduated Magna Cum Laude with 3.8 GPA

Channelview High School

High School Diploma

Graduated: June 2013

Awards and Recognition

1st Place - GTAW Stainless Steel Pipe Welding Competition

SkillsUSA State Championships, Texas

April 2015
Competed against 52 participants statewide, evaluated on weld quality, speed, and adherence to ASME Section IX standards

Safety Excellence Award

Gulf Coast Pipeline Services

2022
Recognized for 1,000+ hours of accident-free work in confined space and elevated welding environments

Outstanding Student Award

San Jacinto College Welding Program

2015
Awarded for academic excellence and exceptional practical welding skills demonstration

Professional Affiliations

American Welding Society (AWS)

Member since 2015

Texas Gulf Coast Welders Association

Active Member