Justin Vargo
Mantua,NJ
Summary
Highly skilled Maintenance Mechanic and Welder with extensive experience in industrial and chemical plant environments. Proven ability to diagnose, repair, and maintain mechanical systems, process equipment, and piping. Proficient in welding carbon steel, stainless steel, and copper-nickel using TIG, MIG, and stick processes. Experienced in pipe layout, isometric drawing, and the safe operation of aerial lifts and rigging equipment. Strong understanding of OSHA regulations and hazardous chemical handling. Dependable team player with a strong commitment to safety, precision, and plant reliability. Active member of the Emergency Response Team with hands-on experience in critical shutdowns, turnarounds, and high-risk maintenance activities
Overview
6
6
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Maintenance Mechanic / Welder
Valtris Specialty Chemicals
Bridgeport, NJ
08.2024 - Current
- Perform critical maintenance and mechanical repair on process equipment, piping systems, and rotating machinery to ensure safe and efficient plant operations.
- Weld and fabricate carbon steel, stainless steel, and copper-nickel pipe using TIG, MIG, and stick welding processes, adhering to industry standards and plant specifications.
- Execute precise pipe layout, fit-up, and cutting based on field measurements, and draft isometric drawings for fabrication and installation planning.
- Operate pipe threading machines and associated tools to prepare and install threaded piping systems for steam, chemical, and utility services.
- Perform removal, servicing, and reinstallation of heat exchangers, pumps, valves, and other critical process components.
- Safely rig and move pipe, vessels, and equipment using chain falls, come-alongs, slings, and mobile lifting devices in accordance with plant rigging protocols.
- Work in boiler houses, on steam lines, and within active process units, including confined spaces and elevated platforms.
- Handle and work around OSHA-regulated hazardous chemicals daily, following strict PPE and safety guidelines.
- Operate aerial lifts such as boom lifts, high-reaches, and scissor lifts for elevated work across various plant zones.
- Interpret P&IDs, structural drawings, and isometrics to ensure accurate and code-compliant installation.
- Participate in emergency plant shutdowns, turnarounds, and critical path work with a focus on safety, precision, and minimal downtime.
- Serve as an active member of the Emergency Response Team (ERT), trained in hazardous material response, first aid, and incident containment.
- Work closely with operations, engineering, and safety teams to support process improvements and mechanical integrity.
Lead Pipe Welder / Fitter
Rhoads Industries
08.2023 - 08.2024
- Company Overview: Boilermakers
- Group Lead Welder / Fitter for Northrop Grumman at Rhoads Industries.
- Pipe Welder for US Department of Defense
- Fabricate piping and structural systems per drawings using the GTAW process.
- Weld, Cut, Bend and Tack piping to be installed on assemblies being built.
- Rigging of built pipe assemblies and structural supports using overhead cranes
- Installation of Built piping systems, valves, and structural pieces
- Managing a crew of 2-3 Welders and Fitters to effectively finish projects in a timely manner while adhering to all safety protocols.
- Resolve welding and fitting issues identified throughout the work day.
- Complete required paperwork accurately and efficiently.
- Boilermakers
- Welding Certifications Include:
- Socket and tube Restricted test with acid etch testing
- 6g GTAW Carbon and Stainless ring insert pipe test in restricted position
- 6g Stainless GTAW restricted pipe cert in accordance to ASME Section IX
- 6g Carbon Steel GTAW pipe cert in accordance to ASME Section IX
Structural Welder / Fitter
Rhoads Industries
12.2021 - 08.2023
- Company Overview: Boilermakers
- Structural Welder for General Dynamics Electric Boat at Rhoads Industries.
- Fabricate structures per drawings using the GMAPLS, GMASPS, GTAW, and SMAW processes.
- Welding to different weld procedures on a piece to piece basis, sometimes referring to multiple procedures at once
- Cutting and repair of material with use of Grinders, Carbon Arc gouging, plasma cutting, and Oxy-Acetylene Torches.
- Maintaining preheat and interpass temperatures to maintain integrity of the material being welded.
- Fit up of structures to drawing specifications
- Rigging with the use of overhead cranes to perform critical lifts.
- Stud Welding
- Boilermakers
Pipe Welder / Industrial Mechanic
Global Mechanical
12.2019 - 12.2021
- Working in industrial and chemical plant settings
- Working at elevated heights at times which includes climbing ladders, towers, and in confined spaces
- Fabricate and weld piping systems for chemical plants and other process systems
- Welding using processes such as GTAW, and SMAW to ASME Section IX on material such as carbon steel, stainless steel and other precious alloys such as Hastaloy and Inconnel
- Operating an Orbital Welding machine for Sanitary Tubing
- Reading and drawing ISO drawings for pipe layout and fit up
- Prepping pipe for welding with the use of grinders and saws, as well as cutting piping to proper measurement, cleaning of pipe for welding and manual beveling of pipe
- Pipe Threading
- Pipe Pressing
- Rigging
- Tube Bending
- Demolition of existing piping and structures with the use of band saws, grinders, and flame cutting
- Install fabricated piping, pumps and other process equipment
- Fit up of piping in preparation to be welded
Refinery Operator
Philadelphia Energy Solutions
08.2019 - 08.2019
- Maintain process unit tank levels and other process vessel levels
- Transfer product throughout refinery and through outside pipeline systems while maintaining proper communication to ensure safe movement of product
- Writing work permits, hot work permits and maintenance requests for work being done in area
- Offloading of oil from railcar to tankage
- Sample components, additives and finished products to produce quality oil and gasoline products
- Ensure all operating equipment is in proper working order
- Monitor flows, levels, and pressures from computers and gauges
Skills
Welding
Fabrication
Pipefitting
Rigging
Maintenance
Trouble Shooting
Isometrics
Equipment Repair
Valve Replacement
Confined spaces
Emergency Response
Certification
- Elite Welder Training
- Fundamentals of Refining Apprenticeship
- Fork Truck and High Reach Certified
- South Jersey Safety Council
- TWIC Card
- OSHA Hazwopper
- OSHA 10 Construction
- Gloucester County Fire School Confined Space Rescue
- General Dynamic Electric Boat Fitter Class
References
References Upon Request
Timeline
Maintenance Mechanic / Welder
Valtris Specialty Chemicals
08.2024 - Current
Lead Pipe Welder / Fitter
Rhoads Industries
08.2023 - 08.2024
Structural Welder / Fitter
Rhoads Industries
12.2021 - 08.2023
Pipe Welder / Industrial Mechanic
Global Mechanical
12.2019 - 12.2021
Refinery Operator
Philadelphia Energy Solutions
08.2019 - 08.2019