If you are fascinated by the science of engineering but would prefer to spend more time working in the field than sitting in front of a computer, consider a career as a welding manufacturing engineer. This specialized subset of engineering involves just as much deep science and technical complexity as other forms of engineering, but it also allows you serve as a master welder, too.
Job Description
Welding manufacturing engineers typically support larger manufacturing initiatives by serving as on-site welders. It is their duty to apply precision welds to highly complex pieces of machinery and intricate industrial systems. They work in tandem with other manufacturing engineers to determine exactly where the welds need to be applied, how much weight and stress they need to support, how long they need to last in order to be effective, and other factors that can only be determined through precise calculation. In this way, their job combines the science of engineering with the work of a more traditional tradesman.
Educational Requirements
Welding manufacturing engineers will need to have a Bachelor of Science degree from an accredited four-year university. Some schools offer specialized programs in welding engineering that offer particularly focused training and contribute to a candidate’s chances of finding a job after graduation. These programs combine intense, hands-on training in welding with more classroom and laboratory-based coursework designed to teach students the science behind welding and its broader application for the field of engineering.
Job Outlook
Welding manufacturing engineering is often considered a branch of materials engineering. The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that in 2012, there were 23,200 professionals employed in this capacity earning a median wage of $85,150 per year. They estimate that the field will grow by only one percent by 2022, adding just 200 more jobs. Keep in mind, however, that materials engineering is not a perfect corollary for welding manufacturing engineering, and that the demand for skilled welders is always high.
Current Vacancy
A company in Newall, GA is looking for a welding manufacturing engineer to provide daily shop floor support. This professional will be responsible for troubleshooting issues on the factory floor, machining parts, taking responsibility for quality control measures, and performing specialized maintenance around the plant. Candidates must have a bachelor’s degree paired with six or more years of engineering experience, and it is preferred that they have experience with Fanuc and Panasonic robotic welding cells.
Think of how many common products require welding at some stage in their production. Would you like to posses the specialized skills that worldwide manufacturing depends on? If so, give serious thought to becoming a welding manufacturing engineer. To find more vacancies and to learn effective application and interviewing strategies, work with the top GA engineering staffing firm, Selectek.
