Christopher Hopkins
Monteagle,TN
Summary
Accomplished Fabrication Welder with extensive experience at Astec and Boilermakers Local 454. Expert in GMAW, SMAW, and GTAW, Enhancing equipment reliability through proactive maintenance and inspections. Recognized for improving safety protocols and training junior team members, fostering a culture of teamwork and efficiency in high-pressure environments.
Overview
19
19
years of professional experience
Work History
Fabrication Welder
Astec
Chattanooga, TN
10.2021 - Current
Boilermaker Mechanic
Boilermakers Local 454
Chattanooga, TN
04.2006 - 04.2021
- Streamlined repair processes by maintaining an organized inventory of tools, parts, and equipment.
- Improved equipment reliability by performing regular maintenance and repairs on boilers and associated machinery.
- Participated actively in safety meetings to maintain awareness of emerging risks or changes in procedures that could affect job performance.
- Enhanced workplace safety with thorough inspections of boiler systems, identifying potential hazards and addressing them promptly.
- Collaborated with other mechanics and tradespeople to troubleshoot issues and complete projects efficiently.
- Assisted in the design and fabrication of custom parts for specialized applications within the facility.
- Provided training to junior team members on safe work practices and proper use of equipment, enhancing overall team efficiency.
- Completed complex installations of new boiler systems, adhering to manufacturer guidelines and industry best practices.
- Performed welding tasks as needed, ensuring strong connections between components for long-lasting repairs or installations.
- Interpreted blueprints, sketches, and specifications for each job.
- Diagnosed mechanical issues in a timely manner, minimizing downtime for critical operations.
Education
GED - General Studies
Marion County High School
Jasper, TN07.2000
Welding Engineering Tech
Chattanooga State
Chattanooga, TNSkills
- MIG welding
- Pipe welding
- Grinders
- Grinding and finishing techniques
- Fabrication
- Plasma cutting
- Hand tool safety
- Parts fabrication
- Welding safety procedures
- Carbon steel welding
- Jig fabrication
- Defect repair
- Gas metal arc welding
- Stainless steel welding
- Blueprints
- Flux core arc welding
- Welding symbols
- Welding codes and standards
- Custom fabrication
- Stick welding
- Crane and rigging safety
- Production
- Flux-cored arc welding
- Aluminum welding
- Lockout and tagout procedures
- Shielded metal arc welding
- Oxy-acetylene welding
- Structural fabrication
- Shop drawings
- Personal protective equipment
- Gas tungsten arc welding
- Visual inspection
- Weld inspections
- Job orders
- Power tools
- Pipe fitting
- Hand and power tool operation
- Combination metal welding
- Stainless steel metal welding
- Power tool operation
- Measurements and calculations
- Surface grinding
- Overhead welding position
- Structural welding
- Gas metal arc equipment
- Arc welding
- Critical thinking
- Attention to detail
- Vertical welding
- Welding
- Welding inspection
- Structure repair
- Weld testing
- Jig building
- TIG welding
- High-level welding
- Welding procedure verification
- Fall protection
- First aid and CPR
- Cast iron welding
- Confined space entry
- Liquid penetrant testing
- AWS D11 structural welding code
- Inconel welding
- Materials selection
- Welder qualification test
- Power tool safety
Timeline
Fabrication Welder
Astec
10.2021 - Current
Boilermaker Mechanic
Boilermakers Local 454
04.2006 - 04.2021
Welding Engineering Tech
Chattanooga State
GED - General Studies
Marion County High School