Welding, Soldering, and Brazing Machine Setter

Career Guide

A Welding, Soldering, and Brazing Machine Setter prepares and adjusts automated or semi-automated equipment that joins metal parts. They set up machines for the right materials, align parts, run test pieces, and fine-tune settings so production meets quality and safety standards.

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Key Responsibilities

Review work orders, drawings, and joining requirements
Select the correct fixtures, tips, nozzles, and consumables
Set machine parameters such as heat, speed, pressure, and feed
Load and align parts using jigs and fixtures
Run test cycles and verify joint quality
Monitor production runs and adjust settings to maintain quality
Perform basic equipment checks and routine maintenance
Replace worn consumables and record changes
Inspect output using gauges and visual checks
Follow safety rules for heat, fumes, gases, and electrical hazards
Document setup sheets, settings, and production results
Coordinate with quality, maintenance, and supervisors when issues occur

Top Skills for Success

Blueprint Reading

Machine Setup

Parameter Adjustment

Fixture Setup

Process Monitoring

Quality Inspection

Measurement Skills

Attention to Detail

Troubleshooting

Safety Compliance

Preventive Maintenance

Recordkeeping

Career Progression

Can Lead To

Welding Machine Operator

Assembly Technician

Manufacturing Helper

Transition Opportunities

Welder

Welding Technician

Manufacturing Technician Quality Inspector Maintenance Technician

Production Lead

Welding Supervisor Process Technician

Common Skill Gaps

Often Missing Skills

Reading Welding SymbolsGauge CalibrationRoot Cause AnalysisStatistical Process ControlRobotic Welding SetupElectrical Fundamentals

Development SuggestionsBuild a strong base in welding symbols and measurement. Ask to shadow a senior setter during setups. Practice documenting settings and results to make repeatability easier. Add training in basic electricity and robotics if your site uses automated cells.

Market Intelligence Report

Welding, Soldering, and Brazing Machine Setter is part of the Production Operations category.Explore our market intelligence report to see how AI and hiring demand are shifting for these roles.

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Salary & Demand

Median Salary Range

Entry LevelUSD 35,000 to 45,000

Mid LevelUSD 45,000 to 60,000

Senior LevelUSD 60,000 to 80,000

Growth Trend

Stable demand. Hiring tends to track manufacturing output, with continued need in automotive, aerospace, metal fabrication, and electronics assembly. Employers value setters who can support automation and reduce scrap.

Companies Hiring

Major Employers

BoeingLockheed MartinGeneral DynamicsCaterpillarJohn DeereGeneral MotorsFordToyotaTeslaHoneywellRaytheonJabil

Industry Sectors

Automotive ManufacturingAerospace ManufacturingDefense ManufacturingHeavy Equipment ManufacturingMetal FabricationElectronics ManufacturingAppliance ManufacturingIndustrial Machinery Manufacturing

Recommended Next Steps

Create a one page setup log template you can use for every job

Ask your supervisor to rotate you onto at least two different machine types over the next 60 days

Complete an OSHA safety course and a basic manufacturing safety refresher

Take a blueprint reading course focused on weld symbols and tolerances

Practice measurement skills weekly using calipers and gauges with known standards

Learn your site quality checks and request feedback on your first article inspections

Partner with maintenance to learn daily checks and common failure signs

Update your resume with quantified results such as scrap reduction, downtime reduction, or faster changeovers