Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Equipment Welder

🎯 Role Definition

We are actively searching for an experienced and meticulous Equipment Welder to join our dynamic maintenance team. In this pivotal role, you will be the go-to expert for diagnosing, repairing, and fabricating components for our extensive fleet of heavy construction, mining, or industrial equipment. You will apply your advanced knowledge of various welding processes to perform everything from minor repairs to complete structural overhauls, ensuring every piece of machinery meets stringent safety and operational standards. This position requires a proactive problem-solver who can work independently and as part of a collaborative team to minimize downtime and maximize equipment longevity. If you have a passion for precision and a strong mechanical aptitude, we invite you to apply.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

Welder Apprentice / Helper
Production Welder
Automotive Body Technician

Advancement To:

Lead Welder / Welding Foreman
Maintenance Supervisor
Welding Inspector (with CWI certification)

Lateral Moves:

Field Service Technician
Heavy Equipment Mechanic
Custom Fabricator

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Perform high-quality multi-pass welding on heavy equipment components such as booms, buckets, frames, and chassis using GMAW (MIG), FCAW (Flux-Cored), and SMAW (Stick) processes.
Read and interpret complex engineering blueprints, technical drawings, and weld procedure specifications (WPS) to determine project requirements and material needs.
Diagnose and assess equipment damage to determine the most effective repair strategy, including the need for fabrication of new parts or reinforcement of existing structures.
Operate carbon arc gouging equipment to effectively remove old welds, cracks, and damaged material in preparation for repair work.
Fabricate and assemble custom metal components, guards, and attachments for machinery according to precise specifications and operational needs.
Perform intricate out-of-position welding (vertical, overhead, horizontal) on machinery both in the shop and potentially in field environments.
Utilize a variety of metalworking tools, including plasma cutters, oxy-acetylene torches, grinders, and hydraulic presses, to cut, shape, and prepare metal for welding.
Conduct thorough pre-heating and post-heating of weldments as specified to prevent cracking and ensure the metallurgical integrity of high-strength steels.
Execute line boring and bore welding techniques to repair and restore worn or oversized pin bosses and articulation points on heavy machinery.
Inspect and test completed welds visually and, when required, through non-destructive testing (NDT) methods like dye penetrant or mag particle to ensure they meet quality and safety standards.
Perform structural repairs on cracked frames and major equipment components, often requiring reinforcement plating and advanced welding techniques.
Rebuild and apply hard-facing to high-wear components like buckets, blades, and ground-engaging tools to extend their service life.
Maintain precise records of all repairs, materials used, and time spent on each job order for tracking and billing purposes.
Work closely with heavy equipment mechanics to disassemble and reassemble machinery to gain access to areas requiring welding repairs.
Ensure all repairs restore equipment to OEM specifications or better, focusing on structural soundness and long-term durability.
Plan and lay out welding sequences to manage and mitigate heat distortion in large or complex weldments.
Safely operate overhead cranes, forklifts, and other material handling equipment to move large components and position them for welding.
Adhere strictly to all company and industry safety protocols, including proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE) and hot work permit procedures.
Perform cosmetic welding and finishing on repaired areas to provide a professional appearance and protect against corrosion.
Troubleshoot and make adjustments to welding equipment to maintain optimal performance and weld quality throughout the workday.

Secondary Functions

Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work environment in the welding bay and surrounding areas.
Perform routine preventative maintenance and calibration checks on all welding machines and associated equipment.
Assist in managing inventory of welding consumables, gases, and raw materials, and notify supervisors of replenishment needs.
Mentor and provide guidance to apprentice welders or mechanic helpers on proper welding techniques and safety practices.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

Advanced Welding Proficiency: Expert-level skill in GMAW (MIG), FCAW, and SMAW (Stick) welding processes. TIG (GTAW) is a plus.
Blueprint & Schematic Interpretation: Ability to read and accurately interpret detailed engineering drawings, weld symbols, and technical specifications.
Metal Fabrication: Proficient in using shears, press brakes, grinders, plasma cutters, and torches to cut and form metal parts.
Air Arc / Carbon Arc Gouging: Skilled in using carbon arc gouging equipment for efficient and clean removal of old welds and defects.
Thermal Cutting: Expertise in operating oxy-acetylene and plasma cutting systems for precise cuts on various metal thicknesses.
-Measurement & Layout: Competency in using precision measuring tools like calipers, micrometers, and squares for accurate layout and fabrication.
Material Knowledge: Strong understanding of the properties of different metals, including mild steel, high-strength alloys (T-1, AR400), and cast iron.
Equipment Operation: Experience safely operating forklifts, overhead cranes, and other heavy material handling equipment.
Weld Inspection: Ability to perform visual inspections and familiarity with basic Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) methods.
Mechanical Aptitude: Solid understanding of heavy equipment mechanics, enabling effective collaboration with service technicians.

Soft Skills

Problem-Solving: Strong analytical skills to diagnose complex structural failures and devise effective repair solutions.
Attention to Detail: Meticulous and precise in all aspects of work, from measurement and cutting to the final weld bead.
Safety Conscious: A deep-rooted commitment to following safety procedures without compromise.
Work Ethic: Self-motivated and reliable, with the ability to work efficiently with minimal supervision.
Teamwork & Communication: Excellent ability to collaborate with mechanics, supervisors, and other team members to coordinate repairs.
Adaptability: Capable of working effectively in both a controlled shop environment and challenging field conditions.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

High School Diploma or GED.

Preferred Education:

Diploma or Certificate from an accredited Welding Technology program.
AWS (American Welding Society) or CWB (Canadian Welding Bureau) certifications.

Relevant Fields of Study:

Welding Technology
Metal Fabrication

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range: 3-7+ years of professional experience performing structural welding and fabrication, specifically on heavy industrial or construction equipment.

Preferred:

Verifiable experience working on specific equipment brands (e.g., Caterpillar, Komatsu, John Deere).
Experience in a heavy industry setting such as mining, construction, forestry, or large-scale manufacturing.
Documented experience with line boring and bore welding repair processes.