Welding, Soldering, and Brazing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders
What is a Welding, Soldering, and Brazing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders?
Welding, Soldering, and Brazing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders are skilled professionals who work in the manufacturing and construction industries, operating and controlling machines and equipment to join metal components together. Their primary responsibility is to set up, operate, and tend machines that weld, solder, or braze metal parts to fabricate products or to prepare for assembly. These workers must understand various welding techniques, materials, and specifications to ensure the quality and strength of the joints they create. They may work with a variety of welding processes, including arc welding, resistance welding, and laser welding, and they often interpret blueprints and technical drawings to determine the appropriate methods and requirements for each task. Attention to detail, precision, and a strong understanding of safety protocols are critical in this role, as they deal with high temperatures and potentially hazardous materials. Overall, their expertise ensures that metal structures and components are fabricated to meet specific standards and durability requirements.
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.
Technology Skills
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Operating system software
- Linux
- Microsoft operating system
- Microsoft Windows
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Presentation software
- Microsoft PowerPoint
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Electronic mail software
- Email software
- Microsoft Outlook
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Spreadsheet software
- Microsoft Excel
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Enterprise resource planning ERP software
- SAP software
Tools Used
- Spot welding machine
- Calipers
- Welding robots
- Welding or brazing tip cleaner file
- Welding electrode
Knowledge
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Production and Processing
Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.
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Administration and Management
Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.
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Design
Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.
Skills
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Operations Monitoring
Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
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Operation and Control
Controlling operations of equipment or systems.
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Active Listening
Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
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Complex Problem Solving
Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
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Critical Thinking
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
Abilities
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Near Vision
The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
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Control Precision
The ability to quickly and repeatedly adjust the controls of a machine or a vehicle to exact positions.
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Arm-Hand Steadiness
The ability to keep your hand and arm steady while moving your arm or while holding your arm and hand in one position.
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Manual Dexterity
The ability to quickly move your hand, your hand together with your arm, or your two hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble objects.
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Visualization
The ability to imagine how something will look after it is moved around or when its parts are moved or rearranged.
Education
How much education does a new hire need to perform a job in this occupation?
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Post-secondary certificate
Awarded for training completed after high school (for example, in Personnel Services, Engineering-related Technologies, Vocational Home Economics, Construction Trades, Mechanics and Repairers, Precision Production Trades)
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High school diploma or equivalent
or: GED, High School Equivalency Certificate
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Less than high school diploma
Work Activities
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Controlling Machines and Processes
Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).
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Getting Information
Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
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Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials
Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
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Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events
Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
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Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings
Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
Detailed Work Activities
- Read work orders or other instructions to determine product specifications or materials requirements.
- Review blueprints or other instructions to determine operational methods or sequences.
- Measure dimensions of completed products or workpieces to verify conformance to specifications.
- Operate welding equipment.
- Record operational or production data.
Work Interests
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Realistic
Work involves designing, building, or repairing of equipment, materials, or structures, engaging in physical activity, or working outdoors. Realistic occupations are often associated with engineering, mechanics and electronics, construction, woodworking, transportation, machine operation, agriculture, animal services, physical or manual labor, athletics, or protective services.
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Conventional
Work involves following procedures and regulations to organize information or data, typically in a business setting. Conventional occupations are often associated with office work, accounting, mathematics/statistics, information technology, finance, or human resources.

Job Outlook
Projected salary and job growth
$35270.0 - $63260.0
New job opportunities are less likely in the future. : Below Average
Assessment
Related assessments and tests
No assessment available.