Laser Welder or Laser Welding Operator or Laser Welding Technician is a skilled professional who uses laser technology to join or repair materials (primarily metals). They operate and maintain advanced laser welding equipment. They contribute to creating the critical components used in everything from space exploration to medical devices. Laser welders are commonly found in industries such as automotive, aerospace, manufacturing, and medical device production. The profession requires certain qualifications, education, skills, certification, experience, etc. In this article, read all about the laser welder job description in detail.
Post Highlights:
- Position Levels
- Education Level
- Course Types
- Certification/License
- Work Experience
- Duties/Responsibilities
- Equipment Types
- Abilities/Skills
- Work Environment
- Physical Demands
- Resume Format
- Top Industries
- Job Types
- Salary Information
- Benefits/Perks
Position Levels
Some common job levels include-
- Laser Welding Trainee/Apprentice
- Junior Laser Welder/Assistant Laser Welder
- Laser Welder
- Senior Laser Welder
- Lead Laser Welder/Supervisor
- Laser Welding Specialist/Engineer
- Laser Welding Manager/Department Head
- Laser Welding Research Scientist/Engineer
- Laser Welding Consultant/Trainer
Education Level
Some common education levels include-
- High School Diploma or Equivalent
- Vocational/Technical Training
- Associate’s Degree in Welding Technology
- Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering or a related field (Optional)
- Relevant AWS/IIW Certifications
Course Types
Some common course types include-
- Advanced Laser Welding Courses
- Associate’s Degree in Welding Technology
- Basic Welding Courses
- Continuing Education and Workshops
- Customized Training Programs
- Laser Safety Courses
- Laser Welding Technology Courses
- Online Laser Welding Courses
- Welding Certification Programs
Certification/License
Some common certification types include-
- AWS Certified Laser Welder (CLW) certification
- AWS Certified Welding Engineer (CWE) Certification
- Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) Certification
- Educational Institution Certificate
- IIW Laser Welding Certification
- Industry-Specific Certification
- ISO 9001 Laser Welding Certification
- Laser Safety Certification by Laser Institute of America (LIA)
- Manufacturer-Specific Certification
Work Experience
Some common experience types include-
- Consulting/Training Experience
- General Laser Welding Experience
- Hybrid Laser Welding Experience
- Industry-Specific Experience
- International (global projects) Experience
- Macro Laser Welding Experience
- Materials Specialized Experience
- Micro Laser Welding Experience
- Precision Component Welding Experience
- Quality Control/Inspection Experience
- R&D/Process Development Experience
- Thick Section Welding Experience
- Thin Sheet/Foil Welding Experience
- Welding Automation Experience
- Welding Equipment Operation/Maintenance Experience
Duties/Responsibilities
Some common duties include-
- Adhere to strict safety protocols/guidelines
- Adjust welding parameters
- Conduct non-destructive testing (NDT)
- Generate welding reports for traceability
- Identify/address any defects in the welds
- Inspect welded joints for quality
- Maintain accurate records of welding activities
- Maintain equipment/tools in working conditions
- Manage welding projects (in some roles)
- Operate the laser welding equipment with precision
- Perform routine maintenance on laser welding equipment
- Prepare welding materials
- Provide guidance/training to junior/apprentices
- Report project activities to supervisors
- Seek to optimize welding processes
- Set up laser welding equipment
- Stay up-to-date with industry regulations
- Suggest/implement process improvements
- Troubleshoot equipment malfunctions
- Use personal protective equipment (PPE)
- Work closely with team members
Equipment Types
Some common equipment types include-
- CO2 Laser Welding Machines
- Diode Laser Welding Machines
- Fiber Laser Welding Machines
- Handheld Laser Welding Devices
- Laser Welding Workstations
- Multi-Axis Laser Welding Machines
- Pulsed/Continuous Wave (CW) Laser Welding Machines
- Robot-Assisted Laser Welding Systems
- YAG Laser Welding Machines
Abilities/Skills
Some essential skills include-
Technical Skills-
- Automated welding automation familiarity
- Equipment maintenance ability
- Equipment operation expertise
- Laser safety protocols awareness
- Laser welding proficiency
- Proper material knowledge
- Understanding of quality control
- Weld inspection skills
- Welding documentation proficiency
- Welding process optimization ability
Soft Skills-
- Attention to detail
- Continuous learning temperament
- Critical thinking skills
- Effective communication skills
- Leadership skills (for lead welders)
- Problem-solving skills
- Teamwork spirit
- Time management skills
- Work adaptability/flexibility
Work Environment
Some common working conditions include-
- May operate in smaller workshops
- May work in laboratory settings
- May work in remote or offshore locations
- May work in specialized facilities
- Often work alongside other professionals
- Perform on-site welding
- Work in clean and controlled environments
- Work in fabrication shops
- Work in manufacturing facilities
Physical Demands
Some common physical demands include-
- Demands excellent hand-eye coordination
- Employ proper lifting techniques
- Handle heavy welding equipment
- Handle small components with accuracy
- May need to stoop, bend, or crouch
- May need to move, lift, and position materials
- May require the use of hearing protection
- May work in adverse environmental conditions
- Often spend extended periods while standing
- Perform frequent repetitive movements
- Requires body flexibility
- Requires fine motor skills
- Wear personal protective equipment (PPE)
- Work requires good stamina/strength
- Working in confined spaces can be physically challenging
Resume Format
A suggested resume format includes-
Contact Information
- Full Name
- Phone Number
- Email Address
- Location (city and state)
Summary/Objective (Optional)
- Summarize your career goals briefly
Professional Experience
- List your work experience (most recent job)
- For each position, include the following-
Job Title
Company Name
Location
Dates of Employment
Responsibilities/Achievements
Education
- List your educational background (most recent first)
- This includes the following details-
Degree Name
Institution Name
Location
Date of Graduation
Certifications (if applicable)
Skills
- List both role-relevant technical and soft skills
- Also, add any other skills that make you a qualified candidate
Additional Sections (Optional)
- Awards and Honors
- Language Proficiency
- Professional Memberships
- Publications or Presentations
References
- Generally, note required (available upon request)
- Ensure you have permission from your references
Resume Formatting Tips-
- Avoid excessive jargon
- Keep the resume concise (1-2 pages)
- Maintain consistent formatting throughout the resume
- Make key points stand out
- Proofread carefully for errors (grammar/spelling)
- Use a professional font
- Use bullet points for readability
Top Industries
Some common employment areas include-
- Academic/Training Institutions
- Aerospace/Defense Industry
- Automotive Manufacturing Sectors
- Automotive Repair Customization Units
- Aviation Maintenance/Repair Facilities
- Construction/Architecture Sector
- Electronics Manufacturing Industry
- Energy/Renewable Energy Sector
- Jewelry/Fine Metalwork Industry
- Manufacturing Industry
- Medical Device Manufacturing Industry
- Metalworking/Fabrication Shops
- Offshore Wind Energy Sector
- Oil and Gas Industry
- Repair/Maintenance Services
- Research/Development Labs
- Shipbuilding/Maritime Industry
- Tool and Die Manufacturing Industry
Job Types
Some common job types include-
- Aerospace Laser Welder
- Artistic Metalworker
- Automotive Laser Welder
- Construction Laser Welder
- Contract Laser Welder
- Electronics Laser Welder
- Jewelry Laser Welder
- Laser Welding Technician
- Lead Laser Welder or Supervisor
- Medical Device Laser Welder
- Offshore Wind Energy Jacket Welder
- Production Laser Welder
- Prototype/R&D Laser Welder
- Welding Inspector (with laser welding expertise)
- Tool and Die Laser Welder
- Welding Instructor/Trainer
Salary Information
The average hourly wage of a Laser Welder in the United States is $22. But factors such as education, experience, location, skills, certification, company size, and employer type affect salary figures.
However, the approximate salary ranges for a Laser Welder include.
Hourly Wage
- Entry-Level – $15 to $25
- Experienced – $25 to $40 or more
- Highly Skilled/Specialized – $40 or more
Monthly Salary
- Entry-Level – $2,400 to $4,000
- Experienced – $4,000 to $6,666 or more
- Highly Skilled/Specialized – $6,666 or more
Yearly Salary
- Entry-Level – $28,800 to $48,000
- Experienced – $48,000 to $80,000 or more
- Highly Skilled/Specialized – $80,000 or more
These salary ranges are just estimates, actual figures can vary from place to place depending on various local factors and market trends.
Benefits/Perks
Some common benefits include-
- Employee Assistance Programs (EAP)
- Employee Discounts
- Employee Recognition Programs
- Flexible Work Arrangements
- Health Insurance
- Health/Wellness Programs
- On-Site Amenities
- Overtime Pay
- Paid Time Off (PTO)
- Performance Bonuses
- Profit Sharing
- Relocation Assistance
- Retirement Planning Assistance
- Retirement Plans (4k plan)
- Safety Equipment/Gear Provision
- Training/Professional Development Programs
- Transportation Benefits
- Tuition Reimbursement
Summary
Laser Welders play a critical role in ensuring the integrity and precision of welds. They are skilled professionals who use laser technology to join materials in various industries they work in manufacturing, aerospace, automotive, and medical device-making industries. Laser welders need a combination of both technical and soft skills. They can work in a wide range of industries for specialization and advancement. They obtain good salaries despite variations along with various job benefits and perks. Overall, laser welders are integral parts of many industries, and create durable products.
