Copper Brazing Technician

Position Summary:

We are seeking a skilled and safety-conscious Copper Brazing Technician to join our manufacturing team. This role is responsible for performing precision brazing of copper components, interpreting blueprints, operating torches (Oxygen/Acetylene), and ensuring high-quality standards in product assembly. The technician will follow controlled brazing procedures/work instructions, maintain required documentation/traceability, and support leak/pressure testing and rework verification as part of production builds.

Key Responsibilities:

• Join copper components by heating them and applying filler metal to create strong, leak-proof bonds.
• Interpret blueprints and written instructions to ensure accurate assembly and placement of copper parts.
• Operate single- and dual-tip torches safely and effectively, maintaining precise heat control throughout the brazing process.
• Clean, prepare, and assemble copper pipes and fittings prior to brazing.
• Follow strict safety procedures, including proper handling of compressed gases and maintaining a safe, organized workspace.
• Operate and monitor brazing furnaces and other related equipment as needed to support production.
• Assist with basic equipment maintenance and promote good housekeeping practices in your work area.
• Apply fluxing techniques to chemically remove oxides, provide a protective barrier against atmospheric gases, and facilitate the flow and wetting of filler metals.
• Monitor joint temperature visually during brazing.
• Utilize induction heating as an alternative method when appropriate.
• Follow documented brazing procedures/work instructions, complete travelers, and record in-process/finish inspection results.
• Maintain cleanliness of tubing/lines (cap/plug open lines as required) and prevent contamination/foreign material during assembly.
• Set up and perform dry nitrogen purge during brazing when required to minimize internal oxidation/scale and maintain internal cleanliness.
• Select and use appropriate filler metals, fluxes, and joint configurations based on drawings/specifications and approved processes.
• Support pressure/leak testing per specification; troubleshoot leaks/defects, perform approved rework, and verify repair effectiveness.
• Troubleshoot brazing defects (e.g., porosity, lack of fill, overheating, pinholes) and support root-cause/corrective action with Quality/Engineering.
• Use approved temperature indicators and measurement tools (e.g., temperature crayons/IR thermometer/fixtures) when required to ensure repeatable joints.
• Comply with site hot-work controls (e.g., hot-work permits, ventilation, and fire-watch requirements) as applicable.

Essential Skills & Knowledge:

• Brazing Techniques: Solid understanding of copper brazing processes and applications (3 years minimum).
• Torch Handling: Proficiency in using oxy-fuel and other torches with precision (3 years minimum).
• Blueprint Reading: Ability to interpret technical drawings and specifications.
• Metallurgy: Knowledge of metal properties to ensure proper bonding and joint integrity.
• Fluxing Knowledge: Understanding of flux behavior and its role in joint preparation and filler metal flow.
• Induction Heating: Familiarity with induction brazing equipment and its safe operation.
• Safety Awareness: Strong commitment to safety procedures and proper use of equipment.
• Attention to Detail: Meticulous work habits to ensure high-quality, leak-proof joints.
• Manual Dexterity: Fine motor skills for handling small parts and performing intricate tasks.
• Qualification/Certification: Must be able to qualify and maintain brazer qualification to ISO 13585:2012 (or equivalent) per company procedure, as required for the product/process.
• Process Discipline & Documentation: Ability to follow controlled procedures/work instructions and accurately complete travelers, inspection records, and traceability requirements.
• Cleanliness & Purge Practices: Understanding of internal cleanliness requirements and nitrogen purging practices for copper piping assemblies when specified.
• Leak Test & Rework Skills: Experience supporting pressure/leak testing, diagnosing failures, and executing approved repair/rework processes.
• Filler Metal/Flux Selection: Working knowledge of common copper brazing filler metals/fluxes and the impact of joint fit-up, heat input, and position on joint quality.
• Positional/Tight-Access Brazing: Ability to braze in multiple positions and within constrained assemblies while maintaining joint quality.

Preferred Certifications:

• AWS B2.2 (or equivalent) for brazing qualification.
• ISO 13585:2012 (or equivalent) brazing qualification.
• EPA Section 608 (preferred if the role interfaces with refrigerant circuits; or ability to obtain as required).

Preferred Experience:

• Experience in HVAC/R, industrial refrigeration, heat exchanger, or chiller manufacturing environments.
• Experience working in a regulated production environment requiring documentation, traceability, and defined acceptance criteria.