How Do I Become a Welding Engineer?

Unlike many other welding positions, you will need a college education in order to become a welding engineer. You will need a background in math and science, as you will be responsible for developing welding procedures and in many cases implementing those procedures yourself. If you have not graduated high school, you will need to do so, or earn an equivalent qualification, in order to become a welding engineer. You will then need to complete a college education that focuses on engineering. Structural engineering is a good choice, as is mechanical engineering.

Once you graduate from college, you will need to take additional steps to become a welding engineer. It helps to join a professional organization that can help you find employment; the American Welding Society (AWS), for example, will give you plenty of resources that will help you become a welding engineer. You will need to earn appropriate certifications applicable in your area, and you will need to secure employment, most likely as an apprentice or entry-level engineer. During this phase of your training, you will work full-time with more experienced welding engineers who can give you a solid foundation for accomplishing various engineering tasks as they relate to welding. You may also need to complete training in welding concepts if you want to become a welding engineer, particularly if you did not cover such topics during your degree program.

Be prepared to start your career in a lower level position that may not directly relate to welding engineering. This is a good opportunity to improve your skills and gain the necessary job experience to move up in a company that will allow you to become a welding engineer. Such jobs can be highly competitive, so be patient and persistent.

It is very likely that you will need to gain other professional certifications or licenses as you work as a welding engineer. Be prepared to take part in job training throughout your career and to renew various licenses or certifications. You will need to stay abreast of various advances within the field and adjust your job performance accordingly. While a master's degree may not be necessary to get or keep a job, it may be a good idea to take part in a master's program not only to make yourself more valuable as a job candidate, but also to enhance your knowledge of the industry and the processes therein.