Orbital Welding Technician is a skilled professional who operates and maintains orbital welding equipment to produce high-quality welded joints. They work closely with quality control teams, engineers, and other welding professionals to ensure the welded components meet strict desired standards. The profession requires a strong understanding of materials, welding processes, equipment, and precision. Orbital Welding Technicians work in various industries such as manufacturing, aerospace, oil and gas, and more. The profession requires certain qualifications, certifications, skills, etc. In this article, read all about the orbital welding technician job description in detail.
Post Highlights:
- Position Levels
- Educational Qualifications
- Course Types
- Certification/License
- Work Experience
- Duties/Responsibilities
- Equipment Types
- Abilities/Skills
- Work Environment
- Physical Requirements
- Resume Format
- Top Industries
- Job Types
- Salary Information
- Benefits/Perks
Position Levels
Some potential job levels include-
- Entry-Level Orbital Welding Technician
- Junior Orbital Welding Technician
- Intermediate Orbital Welding Technician
- Senior Orbital Welding Technician
- Lead Orbital Welding Technician/Supervisor
- Orbital Welding Specialist/Engineer
Educational Qualifications
Typical educational levels include-
- High School Diploma or Equivalent
- Technical or Vocational Training program
- Associate’s Degree or Higher Education
- Relevant Certification Program (CWT, CW)
Course Types
Some common course types include-
- Advanced Training/Specialization
- Apprenticeship Program
- In-house Training by Employers
- Online Courses and E-learning
- Orbital Welding Technology Program
- Short-Term Workshops and Seminars
- Welding Certification Preparation Course
- Welding Technology Associate’s Degree Program
Certification/License
Some common certification types include-
- ASME Section IX Certification by ASME
- Certified Welder (CW) by AWS
- Certified Welding Technician (CWT) by AWS
- Company-Specific Certifications
- Orbital Welding Equipment Manufacturer Certifications
- Welding Inspector Certification by AWS
Work Experience
Some common experience types include-
- Apprenticeship Training Program
- Different Materials Working Experience
- Equipment Operation/Maintenance Experience
- Experience through Certification Exams/Test Welds
- Experience through Entry-Level Positions
- Experience with Supervisory Roles
- On-the-Job Training experience
- Project Management Experience
- Quality Control/Inspection experience
- Specialized Workshops/Seminars
- Team Collaboration Experience
Duties/Responsibilities
Some common duties include-
- Adhere to industry codes/standards
- Adhere to safety protocols/guidelines
- Complete welding procedure specifications (WPS)
- Configure welding parameters
- Conduct non-destructive testing (NDT) methods
- Identify opportunities for process improvement
- Inspect welded joints for defects
- Maintain accurate records of relevant data
- Operate orbital welding equipment
- Perform routine maintenance/calibration
- Prepare/set up orbital welding equipment
- Prepare materials for welding
- Program orbital welding machines
- Provide regular project reports
- Stay updated with the latest welding industry trends
- Train/mentor junior welding technicians
- Troubleshoot equipment malfunctions or issues
- Wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE)
- Work closely with team members
Equipment Types
Some common equipment types include-
- Cooling Systems
- Gas Supply System
- Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) Equipment
- Orbital Welding Head
- Orbital Welding Power Supply
- Positioning Equipment
- Programming and Control Interfaces
- Tube-to-Tube Welding Clamp or Fixture
- Weld Cameras and Visual Inspection Tools
- Weld Monitoring and Data Logging Devices
- Welding Torch
Abilities/Skills
Some essential skills include-
- Attention to Safety Standards
- Basic computer skills
- Blueprint Reading Ability
- Communication Skills
- Continuous Learning temperament
- Documentation Skills
- Equipment Operation Skills
- knowledge of safe work practices
- Mechanical Skills
- Precision/Attention to Detail
- Problem Solving skills
- Proficiency in various welding techniques
- Proper Material Knowledge
- Organizational Skills
- Quality Control Capability
- Safety Awareness
- Teamwork/Collaboration Ability
- Time Management skills
- Work Adaptability
Work Environment
Some typical working conditions include-
- Can be exposed to noise/vibration
- Collaborate with team members
- Exposure to fumes/gases
- May be exposed to temperature extremes
- Might need to travel to different work sites
- Might need to work in variable shifts
- Might require to work in confined spaces
- Must adhere to strict quality standards
- Often work on projects with specific deadlines
- Wear personal protective equipment (PPE)
- Work both indoors/outdoors
Physical Requirements
Some common physical demands include-
- Be comfortable working in warm environments
- Confined spaces require welding in tight areas
- Fine motor skills/precise movements
- Good hand-eye coordination
- May need to walk around the work areas
- Might need to climb to access work areas
- Need physical endurance to remain focused
- Need to adapt to varying environmental factors
- Need to lift/carry loads
- Often need to stand for extended periods
- Require prolonged stamina
- Stoop, bend, and kneel frequently
- Wear respiratory protection is essential
- Work may involve repetitive movements
Resume Format
A suggested resume format includes-
Contact Information
- Full Name
- Address (City, State, ZIP Code)
- Phone Number
- Email Address
- LinkedIn Profile (if applicable)
Summary/Objective
- Briefly highlight your skills, experience, and career goals
Skills
- List relevant technical and soft skills
- Include skills like welding techniques, safety protocols, quality control, equipment operation, and any specialized certifications
Experience
- Provide detailed information about your experiences (most recent first)
- Include the following for each role-
Job Title: Orbital Welding Technician
Company Name: XYZ Company
Location: City, State
Dates: Month Year – Month Year
Responsibilities
- List your key duties using bullet points
- Highlight your experience with orbital welding equipment, quality control, materials, and collaboration with teams
- Add any specific projects you worked on
Achievements
- Mention any notable achievements (welding efficiency, project contributing, or earning certifications)
Education
Enlist all about relevant education/certifications-
- Degree: Associate’s Degree in Welding Technology
- School: ABC Technical College
- Location: City, State
- Dates: Graduation Year
Certifications-
- AWS Certified Welding Technician (CWT)
- Any other relevant certifications (e.g., ASME)
Training/Workshops
- If applicable, add training, workshops, or courses you have completed
Awards/Recognitions
- As a Welding Technician, include any work recognition, awards, or commendations
Additional Information
- Add any other relevant information that might strengthen your application
- This can include relevant hobbies, language proficiency, or relevant memberships in professional organizations
References
- Generally, not required (can produce upon request)
Resume Formatting Tips-
- Keep your resume concise and focused (1-2 pages enough)
- Use bullet points to make information more readable
- Tailor your resume for each job application
- Ensure no grammatical mistakes or errors
Top Industries
Some common employment areas include-
- Aerospace/Aviation Industries
- Automotive/Transportation Industries
- Construction/Infrastructure Companies
- Contract Welding Services
- Food/Beverage Industry
- Manufacturing/Fabrication Industry
- Nuclear Power Industry
- Oil and Gas Industry
- Petrochemical/Chemical Processing Industries
- Pharmaceutical/Biotechnology Industries
- Power Generation Facilities
- Research/Development Settings
- Semiconductor/Electronics Industry
- Shipbuilding/Maritime Industries
- Specialized Manufacturing Industries
Job Types
Some common job types include-
- Consultant
- Field Service Technician
- Freelance Welder
- Maintenance Technician
- Orbital Welder
- Nuclear Welding Technician
- Welding Engineer
- Project Welder
- Quality Control Technician
- Welding Inspector
- Research/Development Technician
- Welding Supervisor
- Robotics Welding Technician
- Specialized Welder
- Welding Trainer/Instructor
Salary Information
On average, an Orbital Welding Technician earns $26 per hour in the United States. But factors like education, certification, experience, location, company size, etc. affect salary trends.
However, the approximate salary ranges for Orbital Welding Technicians include.
Hourly Wage
- Entry-Level – $18 to $25
- Mid-Career – $25 to $35
- Experienced – $35 to $45 or more
Monthly Salary
- Entry-Level – $3,500 to $5,000
- Mid-Career – $5,000 to $7,000
- Experienced – $7,000 to $9,000 or more
Yearly Salary
- Entry-Level – $42,000 to $60,000
- Mid-Career – $60,000 to $84,000
- Experienced: $84,000 to $108,000 or more
These salary ranges are just estimates, actual figures can vary from location to location depending on various local market trends. Additionally, Orbital Welding Technicians may get higher salaries in industries like nuclear power, aerospace, or pharmaceuticals.
Benefits/Perks
Some common benefits include-
- Bonus/Incentive Programs
- Career Advancement Opportunities
- Certification Reimbursement
- Competitive Salary
- Employee Assistance Programs (EAP)
- Employee Discounts
- Employee Recognition Programs
- Employee Wellness Programs
- Flexible Work Arrangements
- Health Insurances
- Networking/Professional Connections
- Overtime Pay
- Paid Time Off
- Professional Development
- Referral Bonuses
- Relocation Assistance
- Retirement Plans (401k)
- Safety Gear and Equipment
- Travel Opportunities
- Work-Life Balance
Summary
Orbital Welding Technicians play a crucial role in ensuring the quality, precision, and integrity of welded joints in various industries. These technicians contribute to projects ranging from aerospace to energy production. The profession requires a focus on operating advanced equipment, maintaining safety protocols, and adhering to industry standards. Their skills in equipment operation, quality control, welding techniques, and collaboration make them valuable assets in creating durable welded components. The demand for skilled Orbital Welding Technicians has grown multifold due to the evolution in technology and industry. Overall, the profession offers rewarding career opportunities in various fields.
