Welder jobs in Raleigh
A welder is a skilled tradesperson who joins metal parts together using various welding techniques. Welders work in a range of industries, including construction, manufacturing, automotive, aerospace, and shipbuilding. Their primary responsibility is to fuse materials, often metals, to create strong, durable joints that meet specific structural or design requirements.
Key Responsibilities of a Welder:
Reading Blueprints and Schematics: Welders interpret technical drawings and specifications to understand the dimensions, materials, and welding techniques required for a project.
Preparing Materials: They prepare the materials to be welded, which may involve cutting, cleaning, and positioning the metal pieces.
Selecting Welding Techniques: Welders choose the appropriate welding method based on the materials and specifications. Common techniques include MIG (Metal Inert Gas), TIG (Tungsten Inert Gas), arc welding, and oxy-acetylene welding.
Performing Welds: Using welding equipment, they apply heat and pressure to fuse the materials together, creating a strong joint.
Inspecting Welds: Welders inspect their work for quality, accuracy, and adherence to specifications, often using tools like calipers and weld gauges.
Finishing and Cleaning: They clean and finish the welded joints, removing any slag, spatter, or excess material to ensure a smooth and precise finish.
Repairing and Maintaining: Welders may also be responsible for repairing and maintaining existing metal structures and machinery.
Skills and Tools Used by Welders:
Technical Skills: Ability to read and interpret blueprints, technical drawings, and welding symbols.
Manual Dexterity: Skilled use of welding tools and equipment, including torches, electrodes, and welding machines.
Precision: Attention to detail and accuracy in positioning and welding materials.
Safety: Knowledge of and adherence to safety protocols and procedures, including wearing protective gear like helmets, gloves, and aprons.
Problem-Solving: Ability to troubleshoot and address welding issues, such as cracks, warping, and incomplete fusion.
Types of Welding Techniques:
MIG (Metal Inert Gas) Welding: Uses a wire feeding gun that feeds wire at an adjustable speed and flows an argon-based shielding gas or a mix of argon and carbon dioxide over the weld puddle to protect it from atmospheric contamination.
TIG (Tungsten Inert Gas) Welding: Uses a non-consumable tungsten electrode to produce the weld, with an argon-based shielding gas to protect the weld area.
Arc Welding: Uses an electric arc to create heat to melt and join metals.
Oxy-Acetylene Welding: Uses a mixture of oxygen and acetylene gases to produce a flame for welding.
Welders play a crucial role in constructing and repairing metal structures and products, ensuring their strength, durability, and safety.
Raleigh, North Carolina has emerged as a fast-growing hub for the life sciences industry:
Part of the Research Triangle region along with Durham and Chapel Hill, home to Duke University, UNC Chapel Hill, and NC State - major research universities.
Numerous biotech companies spawned from university research located in the Triangle, as well as offices for large pharmas like Biogen, Bayer, Merck.
Raleigh specifically has over 250 life sciences companies with more in nearby Research Triangle Park. Key presence in biopharmaceuticals.
Home to contract research organizations like IQVIA providing clinical/research services.
Strong talent pipeline from the universities and presence of companies creates opportunities.
North Carolina offers tax incentives, grants, and initiatives aimed at biotech growth. The Biotech Center accelerates industry development.
Lower costs of living and real estate compared to legacy hubs like Boston/San Francisco.
Still growing and emerging compared to established biotech hubs but has very positive momentum.
Raleigh has become a magnet for biotech in North Carolina, demonstrating fast growth that aligns with the broader Research Triangle's strengths in life sciences research and commercialization.