Overview

POSITION SUMMARY

Responsible for permanently joining metal parts using high heat application to form a permanent bond. May specialize in different processes of welding to join metals together.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Use electrical currents to create heat and bond metals.
  • Weld materials such as steel and aluminum.
  • Use a rod and heat to join metals.
  • Operate welding machine that feeds wire to bond materials.
  • Plan work by interpreting blueprints.
  • Determine welding position and type of metal to be fused.
  • Select and set up welding equipment.
  • Ensure welds meet standards and specifications.
  • Supervise machines or robots that perform automated welding tasks.
  • Load parts correctly and monitor machine constantly.
  • Use heat from an electric arc to cut and trim metal objects.
  • Dismantle large objects such as different types of trailers.
  • Use of small power tools.
  • Other duties may be assigned to meet business needs. Incumbent will follow other job-related instructions and perform other job-related duties from time to time if requested by department management.

QUALIFICATIONS / REQUIREMENTS (Education, experience, certifications, proficiency, etc.)

  • Formal training in high school technical education courses, post-secondary institutions, such as vocational and technical institutes, community colleges, and private welding, soldering, and brazing schools. Welding training can also be gained through the U.S. Armed Forces.
  • An understanding of electricity also is helpful, and knowledge of computers is gaining importance as welding, soldering, and brazing machine operators become more responsible for programming robots and other computer-controlled machines.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

In addition, they may have to lift heavy objects and work in awkward positions while bending, stooping, kneeling or standing to work overhead. They wear steel-toed safety shoes, heat-resistant gloves, masks with protective lenses, and other equipment to prevent burns and eye injuries and to protect them from falling objects.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.

Welders and cutters may work outdoors, often in inclement weather, or indoors, sometimes in a confined area designed to contain sparks and glare.