Welding, Soldering, and Brazing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders
Production
Welding, Soldering, and Brazing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders configure and oversee machines that join or treat metal parts, ensuring precision and durability in products ranging from industrial components to consumer goods. Their work is vital to manufacturing and construction, as strong, reliable metal assemblies form the backbone of infrastructure, machinery, and everyday items. Daily tasks include preparing equipment, monitoring machine operations, inspecting finished pieces, and making adjustments to maintain quality. This role offers fulfillment through hands-on craftsmanship, contributing to tangible, long-lasting structures and products while providing opportunities to refine technical expertise in a skilled trade.
What you might do
- Set up welding, soldering, or brazing machines according to specifications
- Operate machines to weld, braze, solder, or heat treat metal products
- Monitor machine operations to ensure quality and adherence to standards
- Perform routine maintenance and troubleshooting on machines
- Inspect finished products for defects and ensure compliance with specifications
- Follow safety protocols to prevent accidents and injuries
AI & the future of this role
While some welding tasks are automated by robots, manual setup, inspection, and adjustments for complex or custom work still require human oversight. However, advances in AI-driven robotics and computer vision are rapidly reducing the need for human intervention.
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Includes O*NET® 30.3 Database information by USDOL/ETA under CC BY 4.0; modified by LostInCareer. Wage/outlook from BLS. Attribution details