In this article, we’ll look at the best practices for onboarding your new Welding Engineer. We’ll look at the employee onboarding process/steps you can add to your own reusable Welding Engineer checklist.
Need help with onboarding new Engineering team members? See the templates and resources we recommend for successful onboarding experiences.
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Are you looking for help setting up a staff orientation process so that when your new Welding Engineer starts their role, they can learn about their responsibilities and your company as quickly as possible? Whether you’re keen to use buddy onboarding, want to automate your Engineering onboarding experience or just need an onboarding checklist for your new Welding Engineer, you’re in the right place. We’ve put together a sample Welding Engineer onboarding checklist below and have created onboarding templates & resources to help.
1. Introduction to company policies and procedures: The new welding engineer should be provided with a comprehensive overview of the company’s policies and procedures, including safety protocols, quality standards, and code of conduct. This task is typically performed by the HR department or a designated onboarding specialist.
2. Familiarization with welding equipment and tools: The new welding engineer should receive training on the specific welding equipment and tools used by the company. This includes understanding the different types of welding machines, their functionalities, and proper usage. The task is usually performed by a senior welding engineer or a designated trainer.
3. Review of welding codes and standards: It is crucial for the welding engineer to be familiar with the relevant welding codes and standards applicable to the industry. This task involves studying and understanding codes such as AWS D1.1, ASME Section IX, or ISO 15614. The responsibility for this task may lie with the welding engineering department or a designated technical expert.
4. Introduction to welding procedures: The new welding engineer should be introduced to the company’s welding procedures, including the specific techniques, parameters, and documentation required for each welding process. This task is typically performed by a senior welding engineer or a designated welding procedure specialist.
5. Safety training and certification: Safety is of utmost importance in welding engineering. The new welding engineer should undergo comprehensive safety training, including understanding the hazards associated with welding, proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE), and emergency response procedures. This task is usually conducted by the company’s safety department or a designated safety officer.
6. Familiarization with welding materials and consumables: The new welding engineer should be educated about the different types of welding materials and consumables used in the company’s operations. This includes understanding the properties, specifications, and storage requirements of various welding alloys, filler metals, and shielding gases. The task may be performed by a senior welding engineer or a designated materials specialist.
7. Introduction to welding inspection and quality control: The new welding engineer should receive training on welding inspection techniques, quality control procedures, and non-destructive testing methods. This task involves understanding how to interpret welding inspection reports, conduct visual inspections, and ensure compliance with quality standards. The responsibility for this task may lie with the welding engineering department or a designated quality control manager.
8. Collaboration with other engineering disciplines: Welding engineers often work closely with other engineering disciplines, such as mechanical, structural, or materials engineers. The new welding engineer should be introduced to the key personnel in these departments and understand how to collaborate effectively to achieve project goals. This task is typically facilitated by the engineering department or project managers.
9. Introduction to project management processes: Depending on the company’s structure, the new welding engineer may be involved in project management activities. Therefore, it is important to provide an overview of project management processes, including planning, scheduling, budgeting, and reporting. This task is usually performed by project managers or the engineering department.
10. Mentoring and shadowing opportunities: To facilitate a smooth transition, the new welding engineer should be paired with a mentor or experienced welding engineer who can provide guidance, answer questions, and offer support during the initial period. This task is typically coordinated by the HR department or the welding engineering department.
11. Introduction to company culture and values: Understanding the company’s culture and values is essential for the new welding engineer to align their work and behavior accordingly. This task involves attending orientation sessions, team-building activities, and company-wide meetings to gain insights into the organization’s culture. The responsibility for this task may lie with the HR department or a designated culture ambassador.
12. Continuous professional development opportunities: To enhance their skills and knowledge, the new welding engineer should be informed about the company’s continuous professional development programs, such as training workshops, conferences, or certifications. This task is typically coordinated by the HR department or the welding engineering department.
13. Introduction to relevant software and technology: Depending on the company’s practices, the new welding engineer may need to familiarize themselves with specific software or technology used for welding design, simulation, or documentation. This task involves training sessions or self-guided learning, and it is typically performed by the welding engineering department or a designated IT specialist.
14. Understanding project-specific requirements: If the company works on specific projects, the new welding engineer should be briefed on the unique requirements, specifications, and challenges associated with those projects. This task is usually performed by project managers or the engineering department.
15. Performance evaluation and goal setting: The new welding engineer should be informed about the company’s performance evaluation process, including how goals are set, progress is monitored, and feedback is provided. This task is typically coordinated by the HR department or the welding engineering department.
16. Introduction to company resources and support systems: The new welding engineer should be provided with information about the various resources and support systems available within the company, such as technical libraries, online databases, or internal knowledge-sharing platforms. This task is typically performed by the HR department or the welding engineering department.
17. Networking opportunities: To foster professional relationships and expand their network, the new welding engineer should be encouraged to participate in industry events, conferences, or professional associations. This task may be facilitated by the HR department or the welding engineering department.
18. Introduction to company-specific documentation and reporting: The new welding engineer should be trained on the company’s documentation and reporting requirements, including how to prepare welding procedure specifications (WPS), welding inspection reports, or project progress reports. This task is typically performed by the welding engineering department or a designated documentation specialist.
19. Understanding supply chain and procurement processes: Depending on the company’s structure, the new welding engineer may need to be familiar with supply chain and procurement processes, including how to request welding materials, consumables, or equipment. This task is usually coordinated by the procurement department or a designated supply chain manager.
20. Introduction to company-specific software and systems: The new welding engineer should receive training on any company-specific software or systems used for project management, document control, or communication. This task involves learning how to navigate and utilize these tools effectively. The responsibility for this task may lie with the IT department or a designated software trainer
From reading through the items in the example Welding Engineer checklist above, you’ll now have an idea of how you can apply best practices to getting your new Welding Engineer up to speed and working well in your Engineering team. Scroll up to see the link to our onboarding templates & resources or get in touch to discuss getting help setting up your systems and processes in this area.
