Welding, Soldering, and Brazing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders

What the job really is

Set up, operate, or tend welding, soldering, or brazing machines or robots that weld, braze, solder, or heat treat metal products, components, or assemblies. Includes workers who operate laser cutters or laser-beam machines.

At a glance

• Sector: Production
• O*NET-SOC code: 51-4122
• O*NET job zone: 2 — some preparation
• Work sample tasks on file: 12
• Tools and technologies listed: 12

What you actually do

Work sample tasks recorded for this occupation:

• 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.
• Select torch tips, alloys, flux, coil, tubing, or wire, according to metal types or thicknesses, data charts, or records.
• Lay out, fit, or connect parts to be bonded, calculating production measurements, as necessary.
• Prepare metal surfaces or workpieces, using hand-operated equipment, such as grinders, cutters, or drills.
• Mark weld points and positions of components on workpieces, using rules, squares, templates, or scribes.
• Set dials and timing controls to regulate electrical current, gas flow pressure, heating or cooling cycles, or shut-off.
• Turn and press knobs and buttons or enter operating instructions into computers to adjust and start welding machines.
• Assemble, align, and clamp workpieces into holding fixtures to bond, heat-treat, or solder fabricated metal components.

Tools and technology

Linux, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Office software, Microsoft Outlook, Microsoft PowerPoint, Microsoft Windows, Microsoft Word, SAP software, Adjustable widemouth pliers, Arc welding equipment, Ball peen hammers, Bench vises

What employers expect you to already be comfortable with.

Where this job leads

Related occupations — the usual moves up and sideways:

• Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers
• Milling and Planing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
• Structural Metal Fabricators and Fitters
• Lathe and Turning Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
• Aircraft Structure, Surfaces, Rigging, and Systems Assemblers
• Electrical and Electronic Equipment Assemblers
• Industrial Machinery Mechanics
• Multiple Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic

Getting in

O*NET assigns this occupation job zone 2 (some preparation). The related occupations above are the realistic routes in and out.

Find openings

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Check this against the source

O*NET OnLine: Welding, Soldering, and Brazing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders — the authoritative public-domain profile this page is derived from, including the full task list, reported skills and the wage estimates for your region.

Derived and rewritten from the public-domain O*NET database (U.S. Department of Labor / Employment and Training Administration). Figures are observations, not promises — always confirm salary, licensing and visa requirements with the employer and the relevant authority.