Overview
WELDER, MASTER
Mission Department
AWEF, Test Area C-64A/B/C
Open Position Request Number R-45-21
Welder, Master; CBA Rate $28.49/hr
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: The Master Welder applies accepted trade methods to weld commonly used metals and alloys as well as recently developed or experimental metals and alloys with welding properties that are not fully known. The Master Welder routinely modifies welding procedures, and recommends the most suitable metals and alloys for new or prototype applications. Master Welders apply an unusually high degree of skill to make welds that must pass very high standards of radiographic examination to ensure that piping systems and pressure vessels such as boilers can meet extreme operational requirements. For example, such welding may be required on piping systems that carry gases or liquids that are extremely volatile or lethal, at pressures above 150 pounds per square inch, or at temperatures over 650 degrees Fahrenheit.
Master Welders apply in-depth knowledge of welding principles and skill to meet the most difficult requirements. When welding with experimental base metals, electrodes, filler metals, fluxes, and shielding, the Master Welder considers elements such as arc stability, degree of penetration, surface tension, and viscosity of the flux and shielding slag to determine adequacy of the welding performance. In comparison with lower level welders, the Master Welder applies a greater degree of manual skill and a higher level of concentrated attention for prolonged periods of time to weld piping systems and pressure vessels, such as boilers, that must meet critical requirements.
Master Welders use special techniques such as flowing insert rings to achieve internal finishes within prescribed tolerances, mirrors to observe the weld site when access if difficult because of obstructions or other space limitations, and blocking methods to prevent distortion when there are problems of uneven heat dissipation. They also apply more skill in constantly changing the “angle of attack” (welding position and electrode angle) while welding, in completing welds from one side only (with no possibility of back gouging the weld root to remove defects.
Master Welders work independently on the basis of oral or written instructions from supervisors, engineers, or scientists, and from blueprints, sketches, drawings, work orders, or other specifications which indicate the requirements to be met. Master Welders may modify details of shielding procedures, make trial welds to select the best welding process for new applications, and recommend changes in joint design or in the base metals to be used.
EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS: Incumbents must have either: Formal training in welding acquired through vocational or military service school training or a certified apprenticeship program and 10 years of welding experience, of which five years was acquired on the E-OMS contract or, 15 years of welding experience, including 5 years of E-OMS range experience. May be required to be certified in various types of welding techniques and materials.