SO MUCH MORE THAN A JOB

Boilermakers fabricate, install, maintain, and repair boilers, tanks, vats, pressure vessels, and other structures. These structures generate power, provide heat, and function as storage containers for oil, industrial chemicals or other liquids. Boilermakers primarily use welding and cutting equipment, but can also utilize tools to fuse, separate, and shape metal plates, sections, and components. Boilermakers contribute to the building, repair or maintenance of structures, including blast furnaces, bridges, rocket boosters, elevators, dams, and locomotives.

Ironworkers, sometimes referred to as The Cowboys of the Sky, erect and dismantle the metal framework of a wide range of structures, from bridges and antennas to skyscrapers and stadiums. Ironworkers also often erect the cranes and derricks that are used in the construction of these structures, and install and repair the catwalks, elevators, ladders, fire escapes, railings, and fences for commercial and industrial structures. The type of work that an Ironworker performs can usually be categorized into one of the following designations: reinforcing, structural, and ornamental.

Pipefitters are sometimes more specifically known as steamfitters or gasfitters. They fabricate, install, maintain, assemble, and repair piping systems. These systems include cooling, hydraulic, pneumatic, and high-pressure assemblies that transport water, steam, chemicals, or fuel for commercial, industrial, or marine use. In addition to welding, pipefitters often utilize a wide range of other processes throughout the course of their work, including cutting, threading, brazing, soldering, bending, and grooving.

Pipeliners, also known as Pipeline Welders, join and repair tubular products and metallic pipe components and assemblies as part of the construction of buildings, vessels, structures, and stand-alone pipelines. They use a variety of welding processes and equipment, in a wide range of industrial, commercial, and construction environments. Because pipes are routinely set up in fixed positions and situated in ways that make welding difficult, pipeline welders must be well-trained and versatile. As such, they are among the most highly skilled and sought after welders.

Robotic Welding Technicians are responsible for the set-up, maintenance, and operation of robotic welding equipment. Robotic welding technicians are critical to the fabrication of metallic parts or assemblies through welding by the means of a robotic machine. Some operators are responsible for designing and programming the robot, maintaining and troubleshooting welding robots, and implementing robotic welding for manufacturing and production.

Shipfitters fabricate and layout metal for building and repairing ships. They work for private companies as well naval shipyards. A shipfitter can be tasked with building, maintaining, and repairing small boats such as towboats and tugboats, as well as container ships, icebreakers, and ocean liners. Military shipfitters work on aircraft carriers, tankers, and submarines.

Technical Sales Representatives serve a very important function in the welding industry. They are the conduit between manufacturers & distributors and their customer base. They relay information concerning new technologies that can improve the productivity, reliability, and quality of welding processes. Technical sales representatives also offer manufacturers invaluable technical support and guidance in the appropriate application of welding technologies.

An Underwater Welder uses many common arc welding processes to weld and cut in a wide range of aquatic environments. They must use their welding know-how and intricate knowledge of diving procedures and protocol to effectively lay down strong welds, often in tight spaces and less-than-forgiving surroundings. Hyperbaric chambers and cofferdams are used for dry welding, while wet welding is performed in open waters up to several hundred feet deep.

Welding Educators - also known as welding instructors, trainers, or teachers - educate students in the theories and practical methods of welding. Welding educators use their conceptual and practical understanding of welding and welding instruction in order teach a wide range of welding knowledge and skills, including, but not limited to: welding techniques, positioning, fit-up, equipment set-up, welding theory, metallurgy and weldability of metals, print reading, utilizing welding codes and standards, and even inspection of welds.

Welding Engineers employ their extensive knowledge of physics, engineering, metallurgy, materials, welding, and standards to design, examine, and evaluate welds as well as to plan, supervise, and document welding operations in accordance with relevant codes, contracts or drawings. The role of the Welding Engineer is critical to the integrity of the vast number of buildings, vehicles, machinery and products that require welds.

Metal fabrication is the process of creating or building a usable product out of metal. Raw materials are bent, shaped, welded or cut to complete the final product. All of the tasks during the fabrication process, from start to finish, are completed at the hands of a welder fabricator. Many welder fabricators possess the skills, knowledge, and passion to fabricate custom cars, motorcycles, metal art, and much more!

Welding Inspectors employ their extensive knowledge of welding processes, test methods, discontinuities, materials, qualifications, and standards to ensure that weldments and welding-related activities comply with all applicable quality and safety criteria. The role of the Welding Inspector is critical to the safety and structural soundness of the vast number of buildings, vehicles, machinery, and consumer products that require strong, secure welds.

Welding Research Scientists are professionals who specialize in the joining of metals such as steel, aluminum, iron, and copper. They often work with unique metal alloys, where the research and studies they conduct are applied to help solve problems, develop new methods, and broaden the overall application of welding. A welding research scientist generally works in a lab environment, where all necessary equipment can be utilized to properly conduct testing and research for welding applications.

Welding Supervisors combine management skills with an extensive knowledge of welding processes and welding economics to plan, staff, monitor, and safely deliver welding projects according to schedule and budget. These responsibilities place Welding Supervisors in a unique position to increase productivity and product quality in every industry that uses welding as a core process in the manufacturing of products.

Welding Technicians use their extensive knowledge of joining processes, materials, welding equipment, welding techniques, and standards to assist welding engineering personnel with the development, application, evaluation, and documentation of welding techniques, equipment, and processes used to manufacture welded products according to relevant codes. Welding technicians may also play a role in product engineering and research and development.