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Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Welder and Fabricator

💰 $40,000 - $75,000

ManufacturingTradesSkilled Labor

🎯 Role Definition

The Welder and Fabricator performs hands-on metal fabrication and welding to build, repair and assemble components and structures across manufacturing, construction and maintenance environments. This role requires proficiency in MIG, TIG, and stick welding, strong blueprint-reading skills, and a safety-first mindset to produce work that meets engineering tolerances, welding procedure specifications (WPS) and code requirements. Ideal candidates are detail-oriented, able to set up jigs and fixtures, perform fit-up, operate cutting and finishing tools, and collaborate with engineers and production teams to meet deadlines and continuous improvement goals.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Welding Apprentice / Trainee
  • Fabrication Helper / Shop Assistant
  • Maintenance Technician (entry-level)

Advancement To:

  • Lead Welder / Senior Fabricator
  • Welding Supervisor / Shop Foreman
  • Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) / Welding Engineer
  • Fabrication Manager / Production Manager

Lateral Moves:

  • Pipefitter / Boilermaker
  • Structural Steel Erector
  • CNC Plasma / Laser Operator
  • Maintenance Mechanic

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Interpret and apply complex blueprints, engineering drawings and welding symbols to plan and execute fabrications with precision, ensuring parts meet specified dimensions, tolerances and finish requirements.
  • Set up, align and tack-fit assemblies using jigs, fixtures, clamps and measuring tools (calipers, tape, squares, levels) to ensure correct fit-up prior to final welding, minimizing rework and ensuring structural integrity.
  • Perform MIG (GMAW), TIG (GTAW), SMAW (stick) and flux-cored arc welding on mild steel, stainless steel, aluminum and other alloys according to WPS and project specifications while controlling heat input to prevent warping.
  • Execute oxy-fuel cutting, plasma cutting and mechanical cutting operations to prepare components for assembly, optimizing nesting and material yield for cost-effective fabrication.
  • Read and follow welding procedure specifications (WPS), material specifications and quality control checklists; document weld data, consumables, amperage/voltage settings, preheat and interpass temperatures as required.
  • Inspect completed welds visually and with basic non-destructive testing methods (dye penetrant, magnetic particle) and coordinate third-party NDT (ultrasonic, radiographic) when required to ensure conforming weld quality.
  • Grind, finish and dress welds using angle grinders, flap discs and belt sanders to meet surface finish and cosmetic standards while protecting surrounding material from heat and damage.
  • Operate overhead cranes, forklifts and lifting equipment safely to move heavy assemblies and position parts for welding and fabrication, following rigging best practices and lift plans.
  • Fabricate structural steel components, frames, brackets, and assemblies from plate, pipe and structural shapes; calculate layout, cut lists and material offsets for accurate production.
  • Maintain and calibrate welding machines, torches, jigs and hand tools; perform routine preventive maintenance, replace consumables and report equipment faults to minimize downtime.
  • Apply appropriate pre- and post-weld cleaning, degreasing, and surface preparation methods to prevent contamination and ensure sound welds and coatings adhesion.
  • Produce and maintain accurate production records, timecards and welding logs; track material usage and report scrap to support cost control and inventory management.
  • Coordinate with engineers, estimators and QA/QC to clarify tolerances, change requests and as-built requirements; suggest design for manufacturability (DFM) improvements to streamline fabrication.
  • Execute complex assemblies including fixturing, sequence welding, and heat control to minimize distortion in large or asymmetrical fabrications used in machinery, structures and vehicles.
  • Follow confined space, hot work and other site-specific safety procedures; obtain permits, gas checks and fire watch when required and ensure adherence to OSHA and company safety standards.
  • Train, mentor and oversee apprentices and junior fabricators; provide on-the-job coaching on techniques, tool usage and safe work practices to raise overall shop capability.

Secondary Functions

  • Assist in estimating labor and material needs for quotes and job planning by providing hands-on insights into fabrication time, tooling requirements and potential production constraints.
  • Participate in continuous improvement initiatives and lean manufacturing activities to reduce waste, shorten cycle times and improve shop layout and workflow.
  • Support maintenance and repair work for plant equipment and customer on-site service calls, performing weld repairs and modifications under tight schedules while documenting changes.
  • Collaborate with the quality team to close nonconformances, implement corrective actions and update welding procedure documents and work instructions as required.
  • Maintain a clean, organized and safety-compliant work area; manage inventory of welding consumables, PPE and tooling, and place orders to sustain uninterrupted production.
  • Assist in reading simple CAD files or fabrication drawings and communicate required changes back to designers; support basic templating and pattern making for complex shapes.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • MIG (GMAW), TIG (GTAW) and SMAW (Stick) welding proficiency on carbon steel, stainless steel and aluminum with documented experience in each process.
  • Blueprint reading and interpretation of welding symbols, geometric tolerancing and fabrication drawings for accurate part production.
  • Knowledge of welding procedure specifications (WPS), procedure qualification records (PQR) and adherence to AWS, ASME or client-specific codes.
  • Fit-up, tack welding and use of jigs/fixtures to achieve dimensional and positional accuracy prior to final welding.
  • Proficiency with cutting processes: plasma cutting, oxy-fuel cutting, mechanical sawing and CNC cutting equipment basics.
  • Experience with welding inspection methods and basic NDT techniques: visual inspection, dye penetrant and magnetic particle testing; familiarity with arranging ultrasonic/radiographic testing.
  • Metalworking skills: layout, grinding, punch and drill press operation, bending and basic press brake setup.
  • Ability to set and adjust welding machine parameters (amperage, voltage, wire feed) and maintain welding equipment and torches.
  • Rigging and material handling experience with overhead cranes, slings, chains and forklifts; understanding of lift planning and load charts.
  • Familiarity with fabrication-related software or digital tools for tracking work orders, production logs and inspection records; basic CAD familiarity is a plus.
  • Knowledge of corrosion protection methods, pre- and post-weld cleaning, and surface preparation for coating or painting.
  • Understanding of heat control techniques, distortion mitigation and preheat/interpass temperature management for critical fabrications.

Soft Skills

  • Strong attention to detail and commitment to producing welds and assemblies that meet strict quality standards and dimensional tolerances.
  • Safety-first mindset with the ability to follow and enforce PPE, hot work and site-specific safety protocols.
  • Effective communication skills to collaborate with engineers, supervisors and peers, and to clearly document production and quality issues.
  • Problem-solving mindset to diagnose weld defects, interpret nonconformances and propose practical repair or redesign solutions.
  • Time management and organizational skills to meet production schedules, manage multiple work orders and prioritize tasks under pressure.
  • Team player attitude with the ability to mentor apprentices and work cooperatively in a fast-paced shop environment.
  • Adaptability and willingness to learn new processes, certifications and equipment as technology and client requirements evolve.
  • Physical stamina and dexterity for standing for extended periods, lifting heavy materials, and working in varied positions and conditions.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • High school diploma or GED; technical high school coursework or relevant trade school exposure preferred.

Preferred Education:

  • Trade school diploma or certificate in Welding Technology, Fabrication, or Industrial Trades.
  • Additional certifications such as AWS Certified Welder, NCCER Welding, or equivalent industry credentials are highly desirable.

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Welding Technology / Welding Fabrication
  • Metal Fabrication / Structural Fabrication
  • Mechanical or Industrial Maintenance Technology
  • Manufacturing Technology / CAD (basic)

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

  • 2 to 7 years of hands-on welding and fabrication experience in a production, construction or maintenance environment.

Preferred:

  • 5+ years of progressive experience with multiple welding processes (MIG, TIG, SMAW) and exposure to structural, pipe or pressure vessel welding.
  • Experience with AWS/ASME codes, WPS/PQR documentation and basic non-destructive testing.
  • Prior experience in a high-mix, low-volume fabrication shop or industrial manufacturing environment; prior supervisory or mentorship responsibilities a plus.
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