Orbital Welder

Bristol
6 days ago
Create job alert

Role Overview
We are looking for a skilled Orbital Welder to set up and operate orbital welding equipment, producing high-integrity pipe and tube welds to approved WPS and quality standards. This role requires strong technical understanding, attention to detail, and a commitment to safety and precision in a controlled manufacturing or site environment

Key Responsibilities

Set up, operate, and maintain orbital welding equipment and associated power supplies

Perform orbital welding on pipes and tubing in accordance with approved Welding Procedure Specifications (WPS)

Prepare materials for welding, including cleaning, alignment, and fit-up

Interpret engineering drawings, isometrics, and technical specifications

Monitor weld quality during and after welding, making adjustments as required

Conduct visual inspections of welds and support NDT processes where applicable

Record welding parameters and complete quality documentation accurately

Maintain welding equipment and report faults or maintenance needs

Adhere to all health, safety, and environmental procedures at all times

Work collaboratively with engineers, inspectors, and production teams

Support continuous improvement initiatives related to welding quality and efficiency

Skills & Competencies

Proficient in orbital welding processes (e.g. TIG/GTAW orbital systems)

Strong understanding of welding metallurgy and heat input control

Ability to read and interpret technical drawings and WPS documentation

High attention to detail and commitment to quality

Good manual dexterity and problem-solving skills

Strong understanding of safety practices in welding environments

Effective communication and teamwork skills

Qualifications & Experience

Proven experience as an Orbital Welder or in a similar precision welding role

Relevant welding qualifications or certifications (e.g. ASME, ISO, AWS, or client-specific approvals)

Experience working with stainless steel, duplex, titanium, or other high-spec materials (role-dependent)

Familiarity with quality standards and inspection requirements

Willingness to undergo site-specific training and certification if required

Subscribe to Future Tech Insights for the latest jobs & insights, direct to your inbox.

By subscribing, you agree to our privacy policy and terms of service.

Industry Insights

Discover insightful articles, industry insights, expert tips, and curated resources.

The Skills Gap in Materials Science Jobs: What Universities Aren’t Teaching

Materials science sits at the heart of innovation — from sustainable energy and advanced manufacturing to aerospace, electronics, healthcare and beyond. It is an interdisciplinary field combining physics, chemistry, engineering and applied science to design and improve materials that power modern technology. Despite the clear strategic importance of materials science, employers across the UK report persistent challenges hiring graduates who are truly job-ready. Organisations need professionals who can contribute immediately to research, development, manufacturing, quality control and product scale-up — yet many recent graduates struggle to bridge the gap between academic preparation and workplace demands. This gap is not caused by a lack of intelligence or enthusiasm. It is a growing skills gap between what universities teach and what real materials science jobs require. This article explores the materials science skills gap in depth: what universities teach well, what they often miss, why the gap exists, what employers want, and how aspiring professionals can bridge the divide to build successful careers in this vital UK industry.

Materials Science Jobs for Career Switchers in Their 30s, 40s & 50s (UK Reality Check)

Thinking about a career switch into materials science in your 30s, 40s or 50s? You’re not alone. In the UK, materials science underpins innovations in aerospace, automotive, healthcare, energy, manufacturing & sustainability — and employers are increasingly open to talent with diverse backgrounds. But the field is often misunderstood as being only for PhDs in labs, which can put off experienced professionals who have valuable transferable skills. This guide gives you a clear, practical UK-focused reality check: which materials science careers are realistic, what skills employers are looking for, how long retraining usually takes, how to position your experience and whether age is a factor (hint: it’s your strengths that matter most). Whether you come from engineering, manufacturing, research support, quality, operations, design, project management or consultancy, this article shows how your background can translate into a materials science career in the UK.

How to Write a Materials Science Job Ad That Attracts the Right People

Materials science underpins many of the UK’s most advanced industries, from aerospace and automotive to energy, semiconductors, construction, defence and advanced manufacturing. Employers rely on materials scientists and engineers to develop, test and optimise materials that meet increasingly demanding performance, safety and sustainability requirements. Yet many employers struggle to attract the right candidates. Materials science job adverts often receive limited applications or applicants whose experience does not match the role’s technical requirements. At the same time, experienced materials professionals ignore adverts that feel vague, overly academic or disconnected from real industrial challenges. In most cases, the issue is not a lack of talent — it is the clarity and quality of the job advert. Materials scientists are evidence-driven, detail-oriented and highly selective. A poorly written job ad signals weak technical understanding and unclear expectations. A well-written one signals credibility, purpose and serious intent. This guide explains how to write a materials science job ad that attracts the right people, improves applicant quality and strengthens your employer brand.