Welding, Soldering, and Brazing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders
Human Advantage 59%
Moderate human-AI collaboration
AI Automation Risk Moderate Risk
3.6 / 10
Some tasks in this role may be augmented by AI, but human oversight and interpersonal skills remain important.
Set up, operate, or tend welding, soldering, or brazing machines or robots that weld, braze, solder, or heat treat metal products, components, or assemblies. Includes workers who operate laser cutters or laser-beam machines.
Also Known As: Aluminum Welder, Arc Welding Machine Operator, Arc and Gas Welder, Billet Assembler, Braze Operator, Brazing Machine Operator, Brazing Machine Setter, Brazing Machine Setter Operator +62 more
Core Tasks
- Read blueprints, work orders, or production schedules to determine product or job instructions or specifications.
- Inspect, measure, or test completed metal workpieces to ensure conformance to specifications, using measuring and testing devices.
- Record operational information on specified production reports.
- Correct problems by adjusting controls or by stopping machines and opening holding devices.
- Set up, operate, or tend welding machines that join or bond components to fabricate metal products or assemblies.
- Select torch tips, alloys, flux, coil, tubing, or wire, according to metal types or thicknesses, data charts, or records.
- Lay out, fit, or connect parts to be bonded, calculating production measurements, as necessary.
- Prepare metal surfaces or workpieces, using hand-operated equipment, such as grinders, cutters, or drills.
- Mark weld points and positions of components on workpieces, using rules, squares, templates, or scribes.
- Set dials and timing controls to regulate electrical current, gas flow pressure, heating or cooling cycles, or shut-off.
- Turn and press knobs and buttons or enter operating instructions into computers to adjust and start welding machines.
- Assemble, align, and clamp workpieces into holding fixtures to bond, heat-treat, or solder fabricated metal components.
- Conduct trial runs before welding, soldering, or brazing, and make necessary adjustments to equipment.
- Give directions to other workers regarding machine set-up and use.
- Clean, lubricate, maintain, and adjust equipment to maintain efficient operation, using air hoses, cleaning fluids, and hand tools.
- Select, position, align, and bolt jigs, holding fixtures, guides, or stops onto machines, using measuring instruments and hand tools.
- Remove completed workpieces or parts from machinery, using hand tools.
- Observe meters, gauges, or machine operations to ensure that soldering or brazing processes meet specifications.
- Transfer components, metal products, or assemblies, using moving equipment.
- Devise or build fixtures or jigs used to hold parts in place during welding, brazing, or soldering.
Supplemental Tasks (9)
- Add chemicals or materials to workpieces or machines to facilitate bonding or to cool workpieces.
- Tend auxiliary equipment used in welding processes.
- Compute and record settings for new work, applying knowledge of metal properties, principles of welding, and shop mathematics.
- Anneal finished workpieces to relieve internal stress.
- Load or feed workpieces into welding machines to join or bond components.
- Fill hoppers and position spouts to direct flow of flux or manually brush flux onto seams of workpieces.
- Start, monitor, and adjust robotic welding production lines.
- Dress electrodes, using tip dressers, files, emery cloths, or dressing wheels.
- Immerse completed workpieces into water or acid baths to cool and clean components.
Education & Training
Job Zone 2 Job Zone Two: Some Preparation Needed
Education: These occupations usually require a high school diploma.
Experience: Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is usually needed. For example, a teller would benefit from experience working directly with the public.
On-the-Job Training: Employees in these occupations need anywhere from a few months to one year of working with experienced employees. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.
Education Level Distribution
Percentage of workers in this occupation with each education level.
Technology & Tools
Hot Technologies
Software (14)
Tools & Equipment (59)
Where This Career Leads
Career progression organized by specialty track and experience level.
Skilled Trades Advanced Manufacturing
Zone 1
Plasterers and Stucco Masons 77% match
Zone 2
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