Structural Welder Job Description Example, Duties, and Responsibilities

This post provides detailed information on the structural welder job description, including key duties, tasks, and responsibilities they commonly perform.

It also highlights the major requirements that employers/recruiters usually expect candidates to meet to be hired for the structural welder role.

What Does a Structural Welder Do?

Structural welders are responsible for the design, lay out, and fabrication of metal framework for commercial and industrial buildings.

The structural welder job description involves cutting, repairing, and assembling of girders, beams, columns, and other building components to form complete structures.

In performing their duties, structural welders operate a variety of manual and automated equipment.

They use powersaws in cutting metal materials into desired shapes and sizes.

They also check angles and gap allowances by means of precision measuring instruments such as micrometers and calipers.

They also operate electric cranes and forklifts to transport workpieces and metal components.

The role of structural welders also entails assessing equipment condition to verify they are in good working order and to facilitate repairs in case of a defect or damage.

They conduct periodic preventative maintenance such as lubricating moving parts to ensure efficient operations.

They also clean and prepare metal workpieces using scrapers, chemical solutions, and grinders to ensure a smooth and contaminant-free surface.

Usually, welders set up welding equipment in order to ensure efficient project completion.

They employ their knowledge of metallurgy and geometry to determine most suitable welding process or configuration for a project.

They also ensure compliance with health safety regulations when performing hazardous welding operations such as oxyacetylene or plasma arc welding.

As part of their responsibilities, structural welders read and interpret spoolsheets, schematics, and other structural diagrams.

Their work description also entails carrying out repairs of metal structures such as bridges, building framework, and auto body parts.

They also ensure welding tasks are performed in accordance with all external building codes and legislation.

Evaluating finished welds to ensure they are flawless and meet set specifications is also part of structural welder description.

They collaborate with pipefitters, electricians and other construction workers to achieve building goals.

They also carry out post-welding activities such as grinding, cleaning, and polishing of workpieces.

The structural welder job requires a high school diploma and training as a welding apprentice.

Some of the qualities required for success on this job include technical, analytical, and problem solving skills.

Structural Welder Job Description Example/Template

The various functions performed by structural welders are given in the job description example below:

Calibrate welding tools and equipment according to the parameters listed in the welding procedure specification (WPS)
Analyze blueprints and structural drawings to layout the framework of a structure
Secure and fasten structural components using clamps, braces, jacks, and bolt straps
Carry out post-welding treatment of structures by cleaning, buffing, and polishing finished workpieces
Inspect and evaluate welds to ensure they are free of defect and conform to set specifications
Conduct estimates to determine the cost of materials required for a welding project
Employ appropriate welding methods in completing structural fabrications
Operate cranes and forklifts to convey metal components and work materials to construction site
Utilize manual and mechanical processes to weld in various positions
Carry out fillet, tack, and full penetration welding on steel foundations and structural joints in aerospace carriers and submarines
Apply welding processes such as GMAW (Gas Metal Arc Welding), FCAW (Flux Core Arc Welding) and SMAW (Shielded Metal Arc Welding)
Carry out welding operations under intense conditions such as extreme heights, confined spaces and inclement weather
Troubleshoot structures to identify and initiate repair of welding defects
Fit and weld metal components for pipelines, boilers, tanks and structural steel
Set equipment to weld in vertical, horizontal, flat or overhead positions.

Requirements-Skills, Abilities and Knowledge – for Structural Welder Job

If you are seeking employment as a structural welder, you will have to meet certain qualification requirements to be selected for an interview.

Given below are major requirements most employers will expect you to fulfill to qualify to work with them as a structural welder:

Education and Training: To become a structural welder, you require a high school diploma, which is a prerequisite for entry into an accredited trade school. You are required to pass welding competency tests from a recognized welding association. About 2-6 years of welding experience is also required for the job. Certifications in specialized welding processes, such as gas metal arc or submerged arc welding is a plus
Technical Skills: Structural welders are able to set up, evaluate, and operate various welding equipment and tools
Analytical Skill: They are able to carry out appropriate tests to identify and fix faults in framework of a structure
Problem-solving Skill: They employ their knowledge of metallurgy and geometry to provide welding solutions and recommendations
Pre-employment tests: To qualify to access the structural welder job, or considered for placement in an apprenticeship position, you may be required to take an assessment test. Find out about the assessment test for this position and how you can obtain top score in it.