ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Independent Contractor Rig Welder Jobs in Texas (NOW HIRING)

Royal Electric

Welder Mechanic

Irving, TX · On-site

$22 - $35/hr

... builders, contractors and facility owners who value relationships, trust, expertise, and a ... Ability to work independently and with a team. * Ability to take instruction and proactively learn ...

StaffMode

Be Seen First

Structural Fitter

Houston, TX · On-site

$23 - $30/hr

... Drilling Rig yard Key Responsibilities: * Read and interpret fabrication drawings and shop work ... Safely operate welding/cutting equipment (cutting torch, track torch, magnetic drill). * Tack weld ...

New

Urgent

StaffMode

Be Seen First

Structural Fitter

Houston, TX · On-site

$23 - $30/hr

... Drilling Rig yard Key Responsibilities: * Read and interpret fabrication drawings and shop work ... Safely operate welding/cutting equipment (cutting torch, track torch, magnetic drill). * Tack weld ...

New

Urgent

NABORS

Principal Mechanical Engineer

Houston, TX

... with a drilling contractor and/or drilling services company * Bachelor of Science degree in ... welding, machining, etc.). * Knowledge and experience with rig and equipment testing and ...

NABORS

Senior Engineer- Structural

Houston, TX · On-site

$96K - $130K/yr

... contractor and/or drilling services company * Bachelor of Science degree in civil/structural ... Drilling and rig crew functions and How drilling structures are used during operation. * How ...

PROENERGY

Structural Fabrication Fitter

Houston, TX · On-site

$19.75 - $25/hr

... contracted power. And our worldwide service centers ensure local service expertise near our ... Position Summary Use of MIG welders and flame-cutting equipment to build power plant components as ...

Pro Energy Services

Structural Fabrication Fitter

Houston, TX · On-site

$19.25 - $24.50/hr

... contracted power. And our worldwide service centers ensure local service expertise near our ... Position Summary Use of MIG welders and flame-cutting equipment to build power plant components as ...

Actalent

Welding Inspector

Houston, TX

Communicate inspection findings clearly and professionally to refinery staff, contractors, and ... Ability to work independently in the field while maintaining close collaboration with office-based ...

New

Actalent

Welding Inspector

Houston, TX

Communicate inspection findings clearly and professionally to refinery staff, contractors, and ... Ability to work independently in the field while maintaining close collaboration with office-based ...

New

Actalent

Welding Inspector

Houston, TX

Communicate inspection findings clearly and professionally to refinery staff, contractors, and ... Ability to work independently in the field while maintaining close collaboration with office-based ...

New

NABORS

Project Engineer I

Houston, TX · On-site

Previous work experience for a drilling contractor or other related company with direct contact to ... e., welding, machining, etc.) is preferred. * Knowledge and experience with rig and equipment ...

Royal Electric

Welder Mechanic

Irving, TX · On-site

$22 - $35/hr

... builders, contractors and facility owners who value relationships, trust, expertise, and a ... Ability to work independently and with a team. * Ability to take instruction and proactively learn ...

Royal Electric

Welder Mechanic

Irving, TX · On-site

$22 - $35/hr

... builders, contractors and facility owners who value relationships, trust, expertise, and a ... Ability to work independently and with a team. * Ability to take instruction and proactively learn ...

previous page

Showing results 41-60

All JobsIndependent Contractor Rig Welder JobsIndependent Contractor Rig Welder Jobs in Texas

Independent Contractor Rig Welder information

See Texas salary details

$4

$43

$77

How much do independent contractor rig welder jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 10, 2026, the average hourly pay for independent contractor rig welder in Texas is $43.40, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $32.45 and $44.81 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an independent contractor rig welder?

An Independent Contractor Rig Welder is a skilled professional who operates their own welding rig and provides welding services on a contract basis. They typically work in industries such as oil and gas, construction, and manufacturing, handling tasks like pipeline welding, structural welding, and equipment repairs. As independent contractors, they are responsible for sourcing their own jobs, maintaining their equipment, and handling business expenses. This role requires extensive welding expertise, certifications, and often the ability to work in remote or hazardous environments. Successful rig welders must also have strong business skills to manage contracts and finances effectively.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an independent contractor rig welder?

An Independent Contractor Rig Welder needs advanced welding skills, a solid knowledge of metallurgy, and familiarity with industry safety standards, usually backed by several years of experience and relevant trade certifications. Proficiency with welding equipment such as stick, MIG, and TIG welders, as well as certifications like AWS or API, is typically expected. Strong communication, problem-solving abilities, and reliability help welders efficiently coordinate with crews and adapt to changing site conditions. These competencies are crucial for ensuring high-quality welds, minimizing hazards, and maintaining productivity in demanding and remote rig environments.

What are the typical working conditions and schedules for independent contractor rig welders?

Independent Contractor Rig Welders often work in rugged outdoor environments, such as oil fields or construction sites, where weather conditions and physical demands can vary significantly. Schedules may involve long hours, shift work, or extended rotations (for example, multiple weeks on-site followed by time off), depending on the project's requirements. Welders are expected to work both independently and as part of a team to meet tight deadlines and strict safety standards. Flexibility, a willingness to travel, and the ability to adapt to changing work conditions are essential for success in this role.

What are the most commonly searched types of Rig Welder jobs in Texas? The most popular types of Rig Welder jobs in Texas are:
What are popular job titles related to Independent Contractor Rig Welder jobs in Texas? For Independent Contractor Rig Welder jobs in Texas, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Independent Contractor Rig Welder jobs in Texas look for? The top searched job categories for Independent Contractor Rig Welder jobs in Texas are:
What cities in Texas are hiring for Independent Contractor Rig Welder jobs? Cities in Texas with the most Independent Contractor Rig Welder job openings:
Independent Contractor Rig Welder jobs near you
Infographic showing various Independent Contractor Rig Welder job openings in Texas as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 96% Full Time, and 4% Nights. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $90,262 per year, or $43.4 per hour.

Principal Mechanical Engineer

Nabors Industries Limited

Houston, TX • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 3 days ago

Nabors Industries rating

6.7

Company rating: 6.7 out of 10

Based on 14 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

58th of 86 rated oil and gas companies

Job description


Serve as an experienced, lead Mechanical engineer within the Engineering and Technical Support group, responsible for designing drilling rigs and associated sub-systems to meet operational requirements. Responsible for drilling equipment system design, engineering for equipment upgrades, troubleshooting of existing equipment, and evaluation / selection of new equipment. Provide technical support to Operations, Marketing, and Purchasing groups to maintain and improve rig productivity, while evaluating equipment performance and implementing engineering solutions to enhance reliability and efficiency.
Responsibilities
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.
  • Develop and execute engineering design scopes for New Rig Construction, Refurbishing, Modification / Upgrade, and Maintenance activities, including scope of work development, drafting oversight and final drawing approval and issuance - from conceptualization through execution.
  • Performs engineering calculations, drawing review and other engineering functions in relation to above
  • Provides construction management (including scheduling and cost control) and engineering support for rig construction activities
  • Leads failure analysis and participates in root cause analysis for drilling machinery
  • Provides technical support to the Operations, Marketing, and Purchasing departments, including on-site troubleshooting
  • Maintains current knowledge of new drilling equipment and practices
  • Review research, analyses, internal and supplier specifications, manuals, and other data supporting team and project needs to evaluate the feasibility, cost, and maintenance requirements of designs or applications
  • Participates in the evaluation of new equipment. Reviews product design for compliance with engineering principles, company standards, client contract requirements, and related specifications; and, review and recommend capital equipment for Capital and Equipment Standards committees
  • Manage external engineers and support staff including subcontractors and consultants to ensure timely delivery of project documents.
  • Assists in audits of sub-contractors
    #LI-JA1

Qualifications
  • 10+ years of experience with a minimum of 5 years with a drilling contractor and/or drilling services company
  • Bachelor of Science degree in mechanical engineering from an accredited university is required
  • Highly proficient in drilling equipment, systems, and components - including both equipment design & troubleshooting
  • Proficient with analysis software, preferably SolidWorks Simulation and Ansys, etc.
  • Intimately familiar with API equipment design codes and inspection/repair codes
  • Proficient with drafting software such as AutoCAD and/or Solidworks

Preferred Qualifications
  • Professional Engineer License in Mechanical Engineering
  • Experience with maintenance (including predictive), preservation, life extension of drilling equipment.
  • Working knowledge of project management concepts related to project initiation, project planning, project execution, project monitoring and controlling, and project closing.

BEHAVIORAL COMPENTENCIES
  • Strong analytical skills
  • Conflict resolution related to designs through technical coordination.
  • Holistic and Interdisciplinary approach to solving problems. Dependable and adaptable to change
  • Encouragement of team members and engineering group with mentorship and guidance to individual performers
  • Reliable self-starter able to establish priorities and organize workload on a daily basis with minimal direction
  • Good interpersonal skills. Excellent written and oral communication skills
  • Must be a team player with a positive attitude

TECHNICAL COMPENTENCIES
  • Knowledge of machine design concepts and mechanisms, hydraulic systems, and thermal fluid concepts (thermodynamics, heat transfer, and fluid dynamics)
  • Ability to establish design inputs and perform engineering calculations such as finite element analysis
  • Ability to check drawings, perform tolerance stack up verification, prepare assembly instructions, and bill of materials. Able to read, interpret, and explain mechanical system drawings to field personnel and/or junior engineers
  • Able to estimate & quantify real world effects of design changes and perform cost-benefit analysis of proposed changes
  • The individual should have proficient drilling knowledge related to the following items:
    • Drilling equipment, structures, well control, and process/utility systems. Drilling operations and rig crew functions.
    • Code requirements pertaining to the design, construction, safety, and operation of both land and offshore drilling rigs including but not limited to API, ASME, ASCE, IEEE, ASHRAE, etc.
  • Discipline specific fabrication and manufacturing design, processes, and testing (i.e., welding, machining, etc.).
  • Knowledge and experience with rig and equipment testing and commissioning, including systems integrated testing (SIT) and integrated acceptance testing (IAT).

physical requirements / working conditions
Engineer position may require periods of extended travel to domestic or international rig locations equating to approximately 25% of time worked.
About Us
Nabors is a leading provider of advanced technology for the energy industry. With operations in about 20 countries, Nabors has established a global network of people, technology and equipment to deploy solutions that deliver safe, efficient and responsible hydrocarbon production. By leveraging its core competencies, particularly in drilling, engineering, automation, data science and manufacturing, Nabors aims to innovate the future of energy and enable the transition to a lower carbon world.
About the Team
Equal Opportunity Employer
Nabors is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants and prohibiting discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, religion, age, color, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. This applies to all terms and conditions of employment including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leave of absence, compensation, and training. To learn more about our Fair Employment practices, please refer to the Nabors Code of Conduct.

What Nabors Industries employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Apply