What is Welding Engineering?
Welding engineering employs science and engineering in joining components made of metals, ceramics, plastics, and other materials. Welding engineering includes the designing of the joints to be welded, the development of the detailed joining procedures to be used, the selection of the materials incorporated in the joint, joint inspection, and the quality control for the final product. Welding engineering can also involve research in these areas, such as developing new welding processes or procedures for new materials. Welding engineers work with design engineers to develop efficient welding designs and fabrication procedures.
Since more than 50 percent of the gross national product of the United States is associated in one way or another with welded or bonded products, it is difficult to find an industry in which welding engineering is not important. Such industries include construction, electronics, power generation, petrochemicals, materials development, transportation, aerospace and hydrospace, robotics, and national defense industries.
Welding engineers may earn the title of professional engineer (PE). They may also become members of professional organizations such as the International Institute of Welding, the American Society for Materials (ASM) International, and the American Welding Society (AWS).
Career Opportunities in Welding Engineering
Welding engineers are involved in research and development, production, construction, and inspection functions involving welded fabrication. They also work in consulting, teaching, management, sales, and service functions. There are also opportunities to be owners or partners in private sector businesses. As the world becomes more conscious of the environment and the need for conservation of natural resources, many new opportunities are available for welding engineers. These opportunities include the design and manufacture of lighter and safer automobiles, trucks, and airplanes with increased fuel economy and improved environment control systems. The exploration of space brings the opportunity of designing and manufacturing space probes and space shuttles.
Welding engineering is a growing profession, and it is expected to continue in this growth for many years.
Salary Trends
In the past 10 years, welding engineers have been among the highest-paid engineering graduates. Beginning salaries for welding engineers range from $39,000 to $75,000, with an average in the low 40s, depending on individual qualifications.
High School Preparation
High school students should have strong high school preparation in science and mathematics. Computer science and communication skills are also very important.
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Rod Hammil, Program Director
Please contact Rodney Hammil for comments
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