Welding, Soldering, and Brazing Machine Tender

Career Guide

A Welding, Soldering, and Brazing Machine Tender sets up, runs, and monitors machines that join metal parts using heat and filler materials. The role focuses on safe machine operation, consistent output quality, and meeting production targets in manufacturing environments.

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Key Responsibilities

Load parts and materials into welding, soldering, or brazing machines
Set machine controls based on work instructions and job setup sheets
Start and monitor machine cycles to ensure stable operation
Inspect finished parts for fit, strength, and surface quality
Measure parts using basic gauges and measuring tools
Adjust machine settings to correct defects and keep output within specifications
Replace consumables such as tips, nozzles, wire, and filler materials
Perform basic maintenance such as cleaning, lubrication, and checks
Follow safety rules for heat, fumes, moving equipment, and electrical hazards
Record production counts, scrap, and quality checks

Top Skills for Success

Machine Operation

Quality Inspection

Blueprint Reading

Measurement

Tool Handling

Safety Awareness

Attention to Detail

Troubleshooting

Basic Maintenance

Production Documentation

Career Progression

Can Lead To

Machine Operator Metal Fabricator

Welding Technician

Production Technician Quality Inspector

Transition Opportunities

Welder

CNC Operator

Maintenance Technician

Production Lead

Quality Technician

Common Skill Gaps

Often Missing Skills

Blueprint ReadingMeasurementWeld Quality InspectionMachine SetupDefect IdentificationPreventive MaintenanceProcess Documentation

Development SuggestionsBuild skill through supervised setup practice, repeatable inspection routines, and short courses in measurement and blueprint reading. Ask for cross training on basic maintenance and defect troubleshooting to improve uptime and quality.

Market Intelligence Report

Welding, Soldering, and Brazing Machine Tender 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 32,000 to 40,000

Mid LevelUSD 40,000 to 52,000

Senior LevelUSD 52,000 to 65,000

Growth Trend

Stable demand in many regions, driven by ongoing manufacturing needs. Hiring is strongest where automotive, industrial equipment, and metal fabrication activity is high.

Companies Hiring

Major Employers

Automotive parts suppliersAppliance manufacturersAerospace suppliersIndustrial equipment manufacturersMetal fabrication shopsContract manufacturing firmsShipbuilding suppliers

Industry Sectors

AutomotiveManufacturingMetal FabricationAerospaceDefenseConstruction MaterialsEnergy Equipment

Recommended Next Steps

Learn shop safety standards for heat, fumes, and electrical equipment

Practice reading work instructions and simple prints to confirm part orientation and joint location

Strengthen measurement skills using calipers, micrometers, and gauges

Ask to shadow a setup technician to learn changeovers and parameter adjustments

Track the top three defect types you see and document what settings corrected them

Earn an entry level welding or manufacturing certificate if available locally

Build a resume that highlights machine operation, quality checks, and production results