Welder – Self Propelled Harvester (SPH/Valiant)

Role Overview

You will be the go-to welding specialist for a fleet of Self-Propelled Harvesters (SPH/Valiant) operating across the tea estate, keeping these complex machines running at full capacity. Your daily focus is to diagnose wear and damage, carry out structural and repair welds, and contribute directly to reducing downtime so harvest schedules and tea quality targets are met. This role matters because every hour a harvester is offline affects productivity; your work keeps these machines available, reliable, and safe for the field teams who depend on them.

Key Responsibilities

• Execute precision welding on harvester frames, support arms, cutting decks, and other load-bearing or stressed components using manual and semi-automatic equipment in vertical, horizontal, and overhead positions.
• Inspect and assess damaged parts, then decide whether a weld repair, component replacement, or custom fabrication is the most effective and safe solution.
• Read and interpret engineering drawings, fabrication sketches, and technical specifications to prepare accurate layouts and ensure weld placement matches design intent.
• Select appropriate filler metals, welding methods, and pre-heat or post-weld treatments based on base material composition, thickness, and structural role.
• Operate power saws, grinders, and other metal preparation tools to cut, bevel, and clean components before welding, while keeping tight dimensional tolerances.
• Complete routine servicing of welding machines, torches, cables, hand tools, and portable equipment so every job starts with reliable, well-maintained gear.
• Follow hot work permit procedures, isolate energy sources, and maintain clear safety barriers when performing repairs in the workshop or out in the field.
• Act as a technical mentor for junior welders, demonstrating correct technique, quality standards, and safe working practices during shared repair tasks.
• Maintain a clean, orderly workshop and ensure all completed work meets engineering codes and estate quality checklists before a machine is released back to operations.

Requirements & Qualifications

• Certificate in Mechanical Engineering or an equivalent recognised technical qualification.
• Government Trade Test certification in welding (electric and/or gas) is mandatory.
• At least 3 years of hands-on welding experience, ideally involving heavy agricultural equipment, harvesters, or similar mobile plant machinery.
• Demonstrated ability to produce sound, defect-free welds on steel and other common structural alloys in both repair and fabrication settings.
• Solid working knowledge of safety protocols, hot work permits, and relevant local or national engineering codes.
• An added advantage if you hold a certificate in auto electrician work, MVM (motor vehicle mechanics), or a multi-skilled driving licence covering classes B, C, E, and G.
• A methodical, detail-oriented approach, especially when documenting work, preparing weld joints, and ensuring dimensional accuracy on load-bearing assemblies.