Welder Mechanic is a skilled professional who performs welding, fabrication, repairing, and mechanical maintenance tasks. They are also referred to as Welder-Maintenance Mechanic or Welding Maintenance Technician. Welder Mechanics ensure the safe and efficient operation of machinery and equipment in various industrial settings. They support the production process and maintain a safe working environment. The profession requires certain qualifications, education, experience, skills, duties, etc. So, let us dive into the details of a welder mechanic job description.
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-
- Entry-Level Welder Mechanic
- Junior Welder Mechanic
- Intermediate Welder Mechanic
- Senior Welder Mechanic
- Lead Welder Mechanic or Supervisor
- Welding Inspector
- Certified Welding Engineer (CWE)
- Welding Instructor or Trainer
Education Level
Some common education levels include-
- High School Diploma or Equivalent
- Vocational or Technical Training
- Bachelor’s Degree in Welding Engineering or Mechanical Engineering
- Associate’s Degree in Welding Technology
- Relevant AWS Welding Certification
Course Types
Some common course types include-
- Advanced Welding Course
- Aluminum/Stainless Steel Welding Course
- Basic Welding Course
- Blueprint Reading/Welding Inspection Course
- Combination Welding/Mechanical Maintenance Course
- Mechanical Maintenance Course
- Pipe Welding Course
- Safety/Welding Procedure Course
- Specialized Workshops
- Structural Welding Course
- Welding Certification Course
- Welding Technology Program
Certification/License
Some common certification types include-
- Certified Welder (CW) by AWS
- Certified Welding Educator (CWE) by AWS
- Certified Welding Engineer (CWE) by AWS
- Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) by AWS
- Certified Welding Supervisor (CWS) by AWS
- API 1104 Welding Certification by API
- ASME Section IX Certification by ASME
- AWS WPQ Certification
- Manufacturer-Specific Certification
- NACE Coating Inspector Certification by NACE International
- NDE Certification
- Pressure Welder Certification
- WPS and PQR Certification
Work Experience
Some common experience types include-
- Aerospace welding experience
- Automotive welding experience
- Basic welding experience
- Educational experience (teaching)
- Formal welding apprenticeship experience
- Industrial setting experience
- Marine welding experience
- Mechanical maintenance experience
- Multi-material welding experience
- Pipeline welding experience
- Pressure vessel welding experience
- Quality control/inspection experience
- Specialized welding experience
- Structural welding experience
- Supervisory/leadership experience
Duties/Responsibilities
Some common duties include-
- Adhere to safety protocols, and use PPE
- Apply lubricants and conduct lubrication maintenance
- Assist in the installation of new machinery or equipment
- Collaborate with other maintenance team members
- Create/update welding procedures, and manuals
- Diagnose equipment malfunctions
- Ensure the alignment and precision of moving parts
- Ensure welding work meets company standards
- Evaluate welds and ensure quality standards
- Execute preventative maintenance schedules
- Identify potential workplace safety hazards
- Join materials using brazing or soldering techniques
- Maintain detailed records of repair activities
- Maintain welding/maintenance tools, and equipment
- Perform maintenance, and repair of mechanical components
- Perform welding tasks using various processes
- Provide training to less experienced welders
- Stay updated on welding/mechanical maintenance techniques
- Use cutting equipment
- Use various inspection methods (NDT) techniques
Equipment Types
Some common equipment types include-
Welding Equipment-
- Welding Machines (Tig, Mig, Stick)
- Welding Torch
- Oxy-Fuel Torch
- Plasma Cutter
- Welding Gloves
- Welding Hood
- Welding Jacket or Apron
Mechanical Maintenance Equipment-
- Hand Tools
- Hoists/Cranes
- Hydraulic/Pneumatic Tools
- Lubrication Equipment
- Multimeters/Measuring Tools
- NDT Equipment
- Power Tools
- Torque Wrenches
- Welding Positioners
Safety Equipment-
- Fall Protection Equipment
- Hearing Protection (earplugs)
- Respirators
- Safety Glasses/Face Shields
- Safety Shoes/Boots
- Welding Curtains/Screens
Abilities/Skills
Some key skills include-
Technical Skills-
- Basic math skills
- Blueprint reading skills
- Equipment operation proficiency
- Mechanical maintenance expertise
- Metallurgical knowledge
- Non-destructive testing (NDT) skills
- Precision/attention to detail
- Proficiency in various welding processes
- Welding inspection ability
- Welding procedure development capability
Soft Skills-
- Attention to safety regulations
- Communication skills
- Continuous learning temperament
- Good customer service skills
- Problem-solving skills
- Strong commitment to safety
- Teamwork collaboration
- Time management skills
- Work adaptability
Work Environment
Some typical working conditions include-
- Exposure to chemicals/solvents
- Exposure to fumes and gases
- May exposed to radiation
- May exposed to varying weather conditions
- May need to travel to different job sites
- May need to work in confined spaces
- May work irregular hours
- May work outdoors
- Might work in cleanroom environments
- Must follow safety protocols (PPE)
- Often work under tight deadlines
- Work in indoor settings
- Work in training facilities
- Working with heavy noisy machinery
Physical Demands
Some common physical demands include-
- Frequently lift/carry heavy materials
- Good eyesight is essential
- May need to climb ladders or scaffolding
- May need to kneel, crouch, or squat
- Often need to stoop or bend while working
- Often require working overhead
- Perform repetitive hand/arm movements
- Possess respiratory endurance
- Precise manual dexterity is necessary
- Require adaptation to heat and noise
- Require to balance while working in elevated positions
- Use protective measures to prevent ionizing radiation
Resume Format
A suggested resume format includes-
Contact Information
- Full name
- Phone number
- Email address
- Location (city and state)
Resume Summary (Optional)
- Highlight your key qualifications briefly
- Mention the number of years of experience and any specializations
Objective (Optional)
- Add an objective statement revealing your career goals
Skills
- Add both relevant technical and soft skills
Professional Experience
- List your work experience (most recent job first)
- This included the following details-
Job Title
Company Name
Location
Dates (month and year)
Responsibilities
Education
- List your educational background (most recent first)
- This includes the following details-
Degree or Certification
School Name
Location
Graduation Date
Certifications (if applicable)
- Add any relevant AWS certification
Additional Sections (Optional)
- You may add here awards, projects, or professional affiliations
References
- Generally, not required (available upon request)
Resume Formatting Tips-
- Keep the resume concise (1-2 pages)
- Proofread your resume carefully
- Use a professional font (11-12 points)
- Use a professional layout with clear headings
- Use bullet points for easy readability
Top Industries
Some common employment areas include-
- Aerospace Companies
- Automotive Industry
- Construction Industry
- Consulting/Inspection Services
- Defense Industry
- Educational Institutions
- Energy/Power Plants
- Equipment Maintenance Companies
- Fabrication/Metalworking Shops
- Government Agencies
- Heavy Equipment Industry
- Manufacturing Plants/Factories
- Mining Industry
- Oil and Gas Sector
- Power Generation
- Railroad/Transportation Industry
- Research/Development Centers
- Shipyards/Maritime Companies
Job Types
Some common job types include-
- Aerospace Welder
- Automotive Welder
- Certified Welding Inspector (CWI)
- Maintenance Welder
- Marine Welder
- NDT Specialist
- Nuclear Welder
- Pipeline Welder
- Pressure Welder
- Research/Development Welder
- Specialized Welder
- Structural Welder
- Underwater Welder
- Welder Fabricator
- Welding Educator or Instructor
- Welding Supervisor
Salary Information
The average hourly wage of a welder mechanic in the United States is $24. But factors like education, experience, certification, skills, employer type, location, and specialization affect salary trends.
However, the approximate salary ranges for Welder Mechanics include.
Hourly Wage
- Entry-Level Welder Mechanic – $15 to $20
- Experienced Welder Mechanic – $20 and $30
- Highly skilled Welder Mechanic – $30 or more
Monthly Salary
- Entry-Level Welder Mechanic – $2,400 to $3,200
- Experienced Welder Mechanic – $3,200 to $4,800
- Highly skilled Welder Mechanic – $4,800 or more
Yearly Salary
- Entry-Level Welder Mechanic – $28,800 to $38,400 or more
- Experienced Welder Mechanic – $38,400 to $57,600 or more
- Highly skilled Welder Mechanic – $57,600 or more
These salary figures are just estimates, and actual salary can vary from employer to employer depending on various local factors and market trends.
Benefits/Perks
Some common benefits include-
- Bonus/Incentive Programs
- Disability Insurance
- Educational Assistance
- Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs)
- Health and Wellness Programs
- Health Insurance
- Life Insurance
- Overtime Pay
- Paid Time Off (PTO)
- Retirement Plans (401k)
- Safety Incentives
- Tool/Equipment Allowances
- Training/Professional Development
- Uniforms/Safety Gear Provision
- Union Benefits
- Work Flexibility
Summary
Welder Mechanics play crucial roles in various industries by performing tasks like welding, equipment maintenance, and safety inspections. They are experts in welding and mechanical maintenance. The role demands certain qualifications and experience to obtain success. Besides this, the job demands precision, physical strength, and adaptability to different working conditions. These individuals can find employment in different industries ranging from manufacturing to aerospace. Welder Mechanics receive compensation packages in the form of job benefits and perks. The salaries and benefits vary from profile to profile depending on various local factors and circumstances. Overall, Welder Mechanics contribute to creating, maintaining, and repairing various metal structures in the welding industry.
