Matthew Walker
Athens,TN
Summary
Accomplished Welding Engineer with a proven track record at Dynasty Spas, enhancing welding quality through advanced techniques and processes. Expert in MIG and stainless steel welding, I've significantly increased production efficiency by implementing innovative solutions. Recognized for exceptional performance, my leadership and technical skills have fostered a culture of continuous improvement, achieving project completions within tight deadlines.
Skilled fabrication professional with strong expertise in welding, interpreting blueprints, and metalworking. Proven track record of delivering high-quality projects on time while maintaining safety standards. Effective team collaborator known for reliability and adaptability in dynamic environments. Specialized skills in MIG, TIG, and Stick welding, along with proficiency in using various metal fabrication tools and machinery.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Maintenance/fabrication Welder
International Paper
Cleveland,Tn
07.2021 - 10.2024
- Measured and cut metal pieces to correct length and angle to attain proper fit and alignment of pieces.
- Maintained high-quality workmanship through consistent attention to detail and adherence to specifications.
- Maintained clean and organized work area to prevent workplace accidents.
- Read and followed blueprints and weld diagrams.
- Finished welding and fabrication projects using grinders.
- Utilized various tools, such as grinders and cutting torches, for proper preparation of materials prior to welding processes.
- Used cutting torches to shape and cut metal for fabrication projects.
- Demonstrated versatility in welding techniques, applying appropriate methods for each specific project requirement.
- Communicated with supervisors and engineers to verify quality of finished work met specifications.
- Collaborated with team members to streamline workflow and increase overall project efficiency.
- Prepared surfaces for welding by smoothing and removing debris to achieve proper adhesion and weld quality.
- Reviewed blueprints and schematics to ensure accurate fabrication according to design specifications.
- Performed preventative maintenance and minor repairs on welding and fabrication equipment to keep in optimum working condition.
- Ensured safety compliance by adhering to industry standards and company guidelines in all tasks performed.
- Checked cut length frequently for deviations in cut length specs.
- Optimized equipment performance by performing routine maintenance checks and promptly addressing issues as they arose.
- Tested strength and quality of welds using tension, bend and penetration tests.
- Provided input into selection of welding supplies, negotiating best deals to make welding process efficient and cost-effective.
- Developed strong working relationships with vendors and suppliers, enhancing communication channels for streamlined procurement processes.
- Adapted quickly to new welding technologies and materials, keeping company at forefront of industry advancements.
- Enhanced team skill levels by sharing expert knowledge and techniques in welding and fabrication practices.
- Improved structural integrity, performing critical welds on load-bearing components.
- Improved product durability with skilled MIG, TIG, and stick welding techniques.
- Completed complex welding projects for critical infrastructure, ensuring strict adherence to project specifications and timelines.
- Contributed to successful project certifications by maintaining comprehensive records of welding procedures and results.
- Maintained welding equipment to optimal standards, minimizing downtime and maximizing productivity.
- Welded metal components in vertical, overhead and flat positions.
- Cut, grinded and bent edges of materials to be joined for snug fit using power grinders and hand tools.
- Bolted, clamped and tack-welded parts to secure components prior to welding.
- Maintained safety by wearing protective equipment, staying alert and following procedures.
- Prepared for assembly by positioning, aligning and securing parts using tools such as jigs and vises.
- Selected and operated shielded metal arc and gas metal arc welding equipment.
- Welded various connections with high-quality final results.
- Chipped away debris and thick crusts of rust, slag, and other materials to ready surfaces for welding.
- Cleaned material surfaces to remove dirt or excess acid using chemical solutions, wire brushes and grinders.
- Detected faulty operation of equipment and defective materials and promptly resolved issues.
- Completed projects safely by closely monitoring conditions when lighting torches and using tools.
Maintenance/Welder
Resolute Forest Products
Calhoun, TN
10.2019 - 06.2021
- Measured and cut metal pieces to correct length and angle to attain proper fit and alignment of pieces.
- Maintained high-quality workmanship through consistent attention to detail and adherence to specifications.
- Maintained clean and organized work area to prevent workplace accidents.
- Read and followed blueprints and weld diagrams.
- Finished welding and fabrication projects using grinders.
- Utilized various tools, such as grinders and cutting torches, for proper preparation of materials prior to welding processes.
- Used cutting torches to shape and cut metal for fabrication projects.
- Demonstrated versatility in welding techniques, applying appropriate methods for each specific project requirement.
- Communicated with supervisors and engineers to verify quality of finished work met specifications.
- Reviewed blueprints and schematics to ensure accurate fabrication according to design specifications.
- Prepared surfaces for welding by smoothing and removing debris to achieve proper adhesion and weld quality.
- Performed preventative maintenance and minor repairs on welding and fabrication equipment to keep in optimum working condition.
- Ensured safety compliance by adhering to industry standards and company guidelines in all tasks performed.
- Increased customer satisfaction with timely delivery of high-quality products that met or exceeded expectations.
- Resolved weld-related problems by researching and using appropriate repair practices.
- Enhanced productivity by implementing efficient welding techniques and processes.
- Checked cut length frequently for deviations in cut length specs.
- Optimized equipment performance by performing routine maintenance checks and promptly addressing issues as they arose.
- Mentored junior welders on best practices, fostering a culture of continuous improvement within the team environment.
Maintenance/Welding Engineer
Dynasty Spas
Athens, TN
01.2014 - 05.2019
- Enhanced welding quality by implementing advanced welding techniques and processes.
- Earned recognition for exceptional performance by consistently meeting or exceeding production targets throughout tenure as Welding Engineer.
- Consistently delivered projects on time and within budget by effectively managing resources and prioritizing tasks according to project needs.
- Provided technical support during product development phases, ensuring seamless integration of welding processes into final designs.
- Optimized work environment by maintaining strict safety standards and enforcing the use of proper protective gear at all times.
- Reduced production downtime by conducting thorough inspections of equipment and ensuring timely maintenance.
- Identified opportunities for continuous improvement through regular audits of welding processes and documentation reviews.
- Established strong relationships with vendors, negotiating favorable contracts for materials and services while maintaining high-quality standards.
- Conducted root cause analysis of welding defects, identifying issues and providing corrective actions to prevent future occurrences.
- Led troubleshooting efforts for complex welding issues, resolving challenges promptly to minimize delays in production schedules.
- Maintained up-to-date knowledge of industry trends and advancements, applying best practices to ongoing projects as appropriate.
- Implemented innovative automation solutions, streamlining workflow and increasing overall production efficiency.
- Assisted in the selection of appropriate equipment based on project requirements, optimizing both cost-effectiveness and performance outcomes.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to identify areas for improvement in welding processes and implement solutions accordingly.
- Supported project completion within deadlines by effectively managing workload distribution among team members.
- Developed comprehensive training programs for new welders, leading to increased productivity and reduced turnover rate.
- Documented and certified material quality of each batch of raw material used in manufacturing by testing batch samples through tensile, compression and shear tests.
- Utilized SPC charts and experimental trials to make continual product improvements.
- Developed and implemented metrics and methods to improve metals, making metals sturdier and adaptable to surroundings.
- Coordinated with machinery departments and suppliers to perform tests on various raw natural resources.
- Controlled shaping of metals through casting, rolling and forging procedures.
Education
Industrial Maintenance Technician - Industrial Maintenance
Tennessee College of Applied Technology
Athens, TN05.2006
Skills
- MIG welding
- Fabrication
- Plasma cutting
- Carbon steel welding
- Gas metal arc welding
- Stainless steel welding
Certification
NCCER Certified Industrial Iron worker& Rigger
Timeline
Maintenance/fabrication Welder
International Paper
07.2021 - 10.2024
Maintenance/Welder
Resolute Forest Products
10.2019 - 06.2021
Maintenance/Welding Engineer
Dynasty Spas
01.2014 - 05.2019
Industrial Maintenance Technician - Industrial Maintenance
Tennessee College of Applied Technology