Pipefitter – Data Center Construction

Kelso Southwest (KSW)

Location: Okmulgee, Oklahoma (Tulsa Area)
Employment Type: Full-Time | Project-Based
Compensation: Up to $45.00 per hour, depending on experience
Schedule: Full-Time - Overtime opportunities
Per Diem: Available for eligible traveling employees, subject to company policy
Project Duration: Multi-year project with anticipated work through 2027 and potential continuation into 2029, subject to project schedules and future phases

About Kelso Southwest

Kelso Southwest (KSW), part of Kelso Industries, is a growing mechanical construction contractor specializing in complex commercial, industrial, and mission-critical projects. We provide mechanical piping, HVAC, process piping, and equipment installation services for demanding construction environments.

We are expanding our team for a major data center construction project in Okmulgee, Oklahoma, and are seeking experienced Pipefitters to join our field operations.

This is an opportunity to work on a large-scale, multi-year project with a growing mechanical contractor committed to quality workmanship, safety, and long-term employee development.

Position Summary

The Pipefitter will be responsible for installing, assembling, aligning, and maintaining industrial mechanical piping systems supporting critical data center infrastructure.

The initial phase of the project will focus heavily on underground HDPE piping installation, including pipe preparation, fusion welding, alignment, trench installation, and related mechanical construction activities.

As the project progresses, additional work is expected to include carbon steel and stainless steel piping systems, equipment connections, and installation of mechanical systems supporting chillers, pumps, tanks, and other mission-critical equipment.

Ideal candidates have experience working for self-performing mechanical contractors on industrial, commercial, data center, semiconductor, or other large-scale construction projects.

Key Responsibilities

• Install, assemble, and align industrial piping systems according to construction drawings, specifications, and project requirements.

• Perform underground HDPE piping installation, including pipe preparation, cutting, facing, alignment, and fusion joining.

• Operate HDPE fusion equipment after completing required training and qualification.

• Assist with positioning and installing piping within excavated trenches and underground mechanical systems.

• Read and interpret piping drawings, isometric drawings, blueprints, and installation specifications.

• Measure, cut, prepare, and fit piping materials to required dimensions and tolerances.

• Install piping supports, hangers, restraints, fittings, flanges, and mechanical connections.

• Support installation and connection of chillers, tanks, pumps, skids, and associated mechanical equipment.

• Assist with carbon steel and stainless steel piping installation as additional project phases begin.

• Work safely around excavation activities, cranes, rigging operations, forklifts, and heavy construction equipment.

• Coordinate with Foremen, Superintendents, and other trades to maintain production schedules.

• Participate in site-specific safety orientations, HDPE fusion training, and required project certifications.

• Support pressure testing, inspections, and quality-control activities.

• Maintain clean, organized, and safe work areas.

• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• Previous experience as a Pipefitter in commercial, industrial, mechanical, or process-piping construction.

• Working knowledge of piping installation methods, fittings, supports, and mechanical connections.

• Ability to read and interpret construction drawings, measurements, and piping layouts.

• Experience using standard pipefitting tools and equipment.

• Ability to work safely in active construction environments, including around excavations and heavy equipment.

• Ability to perform physically demanding construction work, including lifting, bending, standing, and working outdoors.

• Willingness to complete project-required safety orientation, training, and site-access requirements.

• Ability to work scheduled overtime and weekends as project needs require.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with HDPE piping and butt-fusion welding.

• Experience with underground process piping, utility piping, or large-diameter piping systems.

• Industrial mechanical experience on data centers, semiconductor facilities, manufacturing plants, or other mission-critical projects.

• Experience with carbon steel and stainless steel piping systems.

• Familiarity with mechanical equipment installation, including chillers, pumps, tanks, and prefabricated piping assemblies.

• Experience working with excavation crews, trenching operations, and underground pipe installation.

• OSHA 10 or OSHA 30 training.

• Previous experience on large-scale, fast-paced construction projects.

Note: Prior HDPE fusion experience is preferred but not required for otherwise qualified Pipefitters. Project-specific fusion training will be provided as needed.

Compensation and Benefits

• Competitive hourly compensation of $35.00–$45.00, based on qualifications and experience.

• Overtime opportunities based on project needs and applicable law.

• Per diem for eligible traveling employees in accordance with company policy.

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance.

• Retirement benefits, paid time off, and other benefits in accordance with company eligibility requirements.

• Opportunity to work on a major mission-critical construction project with potential long-term employment opportunities.