Summary of Functions

Lay out, fit, and fabricate metal components to assemble structural forms, such as machinery frames, bridge parts, and pressure vessels, using knowledge of welding techniques, metallurgy, and engineering requirements. Includes experimental welders who analyze engineering drawings and specifications to plan welding operations where procedural information is unavailable.

Essential duties and responsiblities  

• Lays out, positions, and secures parts and assemblies according to specifications, using straightedge, combination· square, calipers, and ruler.
• Tack-welds or welds components and assemblies, using electric, gas, arc, or other welding equipment.
• Cuts workpiece, using powered saws, hand shears, or chipping knife.
• Melts lead bar, wire, or scrap to add lead to joint or to extrude melted scrap into reusable form.
• Inspects grooves, angles, or gap allowances, using micrometer, caliper, and precision measuring instruments.
• Removes rough spots from workpiece, using portable grinder, hand file, or scraper.
• Welds components in flat, vertical, or overhead positions.
• Heats, forms, and dresses metal parts, using hand tools, torch, or arc welding equipment.
• Ignites torch and adjusts valves, amperage, or voltage to obtain desired flame or arc.
• Analyzes engineering drawings and specifications to plan layout, assembly, and welding operations.
• Develops templates and other work aids to hold and align parts.
• Determines required equipment and welding method, applying knowledge of metallurgy, geometry, and welding techniques.
• Identifies information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.  Reports such to Plant Manager.
• Inspects equipment structures or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
• Performs routine maintenance on equipment and determines when and what kind of maintenance is needed.
• Repairs machines or systems using the needed tools.
• Installs equipment, machines, wiring, or programs to meet specifications of the job.           

Physical Demands and Abilities  

• The ability to keep your hand steady while moving your arm or while holding your arm and hand in one position. 
• The ability to quickly move your hand, your hand together with your arm, or your two hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble objects.
• The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
• The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule, or set of rules (e.g., patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).
• The ability to bend, stretch, twist, or reach with your body, arms, and/or legs.
• The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
• The ability to choose the right mathematical methods or formulas to solve a problem.
• The ability to add, subtract, multiply, or divide quickly and correctly.
• The ability to imagine how something will look after it is moved around or when its parts are moved or rearranged.
• The ability to quickly and repeatedly adjust the controls of a machine or a vehicle to exact positions.

ORGANIZATIONAL RELATIONSHIPS

Reports directly to the plant manager. 

QUALIFICATIONS  

A high school diploma or GED is required; vocational training is preferred. Welder certification is desired. Good mechanical aptitude, dexterity, and hand-eye coordination are required.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Ability to communicate orally with management and coworkers is important.  Regular use of a variety of machines and tools is essential.  Standing for extended periods is common.  Hearing and vision within normal ranges is important for conversations, to receive ordinary information and to prepare or inspect documents, manuals, and drawings.

Some medium lifting is expected.  Exertion of up to 25 lbs. of force occasionally is required.  Good manual dexterity for the use of mechanical equipment such as drills, lathes, mills, grinders, and other machines or measuring tools is required. 

Good math and reasoning abilities are essential. Must be able to understand and utilize engineering drawings, operating manuals, and blueprints to conduct business.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The job is typically performed indoors, on a manufacturing floor.  Exposure to loud noises, dust, dirt, heat, sparks, and smoke may occur.  Protective safety equipment – including appropriate clothing, shoes, gloves, hardhat, and safety goggles – are needed.  Activities include extended periods of standing and extensive work with measuring devices and heavy machinery.