Day in the life
A Day in the Life of a Welding Machine Operator
What welding machine operators actually do from the start of a shift to the end: the tasks, tools, schedule and realities of the job.
What is a typical day like for a welding machine operator?
Check the weld cell. From there, the day usually includes load fixtures, run weld cycles, and inspect welds. Full time, often shifts.
Hour by hour: a typical shift
No two days are identical, but this timeline reflects a realistic day for a welding machine operator working full time.
- Check the weld cell.
- Load fixtures.
- Run the robot.
- Inspect welds.
- Change contact tips.
- Tear down a test part.
- Log production.
Where welding machine operators work
Operators work in auto, equipment and metal product plants.
Hours and schedule
Full time, often shifts.
Tasks you’ll do most often
- Load fixtures
- Run weld cycles
- Inspect welds
- Change tips and wire
- Adjust settings
- Clean equipment
- Record production
Tools you’ll use every day
- Welding robots
- Spot welders
- Fixtures
- Teach pendants
- Tip dressers
- Weld gauges
The best and hardest parts of the job
What people like
- Robotics experience
- No degree needed
- Path to programmer
- Steady work
What’s hard
- Declining employment
- Fumes and flash
- Repetitive
- Shift work
You’ll likely thrive if…
- I like robots
- I like welding
- I’m detail-oriented
- I can work shifts
- I want short training
- I might program robots
Not sure? Take the free Welding Machine Operator fit quiz or the Career Match Quiz.
Staying safe on the job
- Stay outside robot cells
- Wear welding PPE
- Use fume extraction
- Lock out before entering cells