Automated Tig Welder

Senior Bird Bellows; Congleton; On-site; GBP 32,000 - 34,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

4-day work week

Excellent pension

Life assurance

Employee Assistance Programme

Social & wellbeing events

Job summary

Senior Bird Bellows in Congleton, UK, is seeking an experienced Automated TIG Welder to join our aerospace manufacturing team. This role focuses on programming, setting up and operating TIG welding machines to produce high-quality components to exacting standards.

You will read engineering drawings, select tooling, follow welding procedures, and maintain records in line with NADCAP requirements. The position offers a 4-day week, pension, life assurance and wellbeing programs.

Qualifications

• Experience in automated TIG welding on thin materials (0.4–3 mm).
• Ability to read engineering drawings and follow job cards.
• Knowledge of NADCAP requirements and welding procedures.

Responsibilities

• Operate automated TIG welding machines to manufacture precision components.
• Programme and set welding parameters for quality and performance.
• Inspect tooling, read drawings, and ensure products meet specifications.
• Maintain production records and comply with NADCAP standards.

Skills

Automated TIG welding

Reading drawings

Inspection & quality checks

Thin material welding

Education

NVQ Level 3 in Welding Engineering

Tools

TIG welding equipment

Job description

Company Description

Based in Congleton, Cheshire, Senior Bird Bellows was established in 1975 as a family run operation serving the petro-chemical and gas industries. Since then, we have evolved to become one of the industry leaders in the design, development and manufacture of pressure duct systems, flexible joints and insulation for highly regulated industries. We have established customers in aerospace (both civil and military), as well as in the nuclear, oil and gas, chemical and pharmaceutical sectors.

Job Description

We are looking for an experienced Automated TIG Welder to join our aerospace manufacturing team. This is an exciting opportunity to work within a precision engineering environment, producing high-quality components to exacting customer and industry standards.

Working with automated TIG welding equipment, you will be responsible for setting up, programming, and operating welding machines while ensuring all products meet stringent quality and compliance requirements. You will play a key role in maintaining the high standards expected within the aerospace sector.

Key duties and responsibilities:

• Operate automated TIG welding machines to manufacture precision components and assemblies.
• Programme and set welding parameters to achieve optimal welding performance and product quality.
• Select, inspect, and set up tooling in accordance with job cards and work instructions, reporting any defects or excessive wear to the Team Leader.
• Ensure tooling and equipment are correctly stored and maintained after use.
• Read and interpret engineering drawings, job cards, kitting lists, and work instructions to ensure products are manufactured to specification.
• Follow approved welding procedures and schedules to consistently produce high-quality welds.
• Conduct visual inspections and quality checks to ensure compliance with company, customer, and industry standards.
• Maintain accurate production and quality records in line with aerospace and NADCAP requirements.
• Maintain qualified welder status through successful completion of internal and customer-required weld approval tests.
• Adhere to all welding process controls, including material identification, filler wire traceability, and NADCAP requirements.

Qualifications

The ideal candidate will have solid experience working within an engineering environment, with essential hands-on skills in automated TIG welding on thin materials, typically between 0.4mm and 3mm thick.

Whilst not mandatory, an NVQ Level 3 in Welding Engineering (apprenticeship route) is desirable, along with aerospace-standard welding approvals. The candidate must possess the ability to inspect work to both company and customer standards, read engineering drawings, follow job cards, and interpret welding procedures and schedules accurately.

Minimum of 3 Level 2 qualifications, including:

• Maths
• English
• One other qualification

Experience working with Titanium, Stainless Steel, and Nickel Alloys is preferred. The role demands someone who is enthusiastic, with a can-do attitude, able to work under pressure and meet deadlines, with good eyesight (correctable) and excellent hand-eye coordination.

Additional Information

We offer a supportive and rewarding work environment that values your wellbeing and work-life balance.

• 4-day working week
• excellent pension scheme
• life assurance
• Employee Assistance Programme
• social and wellbeing events

Contract Information

Monday - Thursday (36hrs) £17.42 p/h