There are many opportunities for professional welders or sheet metal workers within the aviation industry. Earning potential for aviation welding jobs ranges from £30k (US$50k) to £65k (US$100k), so it’s an attractive career option.
Aviation welding technicians will need to be thoroughly familiar with safety requirements and ‘practice safe’ work habits. They will know how to set up, operate, and maintain all welding equipment.
It will help to have dexterity, coordination and patience. After all, it takes time to develop the skills required of proficient welding.
It’s important that aviation welding technicians and managers remain up to speed with welding technology and welding standards. In some cases, specialist aviation welding training will be given by employers.
Aviation welders and sheet metal workers tend to work in heavy engineering fabrication workshops. Aviation welding focuses on securing deck plates on aircraft, or perhaps working on sealed flexible joints and duct components for aircraft ducting systems.
Senior welding jobs may involve inventory management and ordering consumable welding materials. There will also be team management responsibilities and the need to observe health and safety standards, and working time regulations.
Requirements
Successful candidates applying for aircraft welding jobs tend to be educated to HND or equivalent in welding engineering or metallurgy. It might also help to have professional membership of a welding institute or qualifications as a European welding engineer.
Employers will want to see a proven background and experience within welding and metallurgy. You might specifically be expected to be competent in resistance and fusion welding, using MIG welding and TIG welding procedures.
The contract type can sometimes be temporary for aviation welding jobs depending on the size of the project. Salaries range from £30,000 per annum for a junior post, to £65,000 for senior aircraft welders.
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