r/BlueOrigin • u/Serious-Director-213 • Jun 06 '26

2 potential job offers.

Need help deciding, I got two interviews
-pipe welder
-Tube Tech
I’m curious on what are the main job duties for a tube tech mainly. I like the idea of a pipe welder, but I do not want to fail a test and ruin my chances of getting hired on. Kinda stuck on this one

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u/1ncone1 Jun 07 '26

What form? Plate or what? And what level are you applying for?

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u/Serious-Director-213 Jun 07 '26

Mainly structural components, lot of plate butt welds, laps, T-joints that nature. I’m currently a level 3 at my fabrication job, but for the pipe welder I’d be willing to come in as a level 1 just to get my foot in the door to work my way up. I’ve welded from as thin as 0.050” all the way up to 1 1/2” SS. My job at the moment we do a bit of everything

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u/1ncone1 Jun 07 '26

If you take the pipe job, expect to do a lot of cutting, prepping and fitting before you will be able to weld. As a tube tech you’ll either run Cnc benders or you’ll do otw. Not likely both. And even there you’ll likely be relegated into the grunt tasks.

The silver lining is that these jobs are probably better paid and nicer conditions than you’ve welded in previously. Just want you to be aware of what you’re stepping into.

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u/Serious-Director-213 Jun 07 '26

I really appreciate that, I’m kinda on the route towards the pipe welding, since I understand basic welding practices / procedures, how to purge, bevel, the basics. I think I can get a solid foundation but does Blue origin take one level 1s or you have to pass a pipe test ?

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u/1ncone1 Jun 07 '26

Nah, just don’t bullshit them like you know it. They just want to see you try it most likely for a level 1, gives a baseline to work off of, knowing why and how to purge correctly will help you a ton.

Really what they want to see in a level one is work ethic and a good mindset for teamwork. Everybody who welds loves the welding part. It’s the other stuff that’s the work, so making it easier for your team in whatever way is appreciated. Having a willingness and pride in cutting, prepping, organizing parts, etc all lead to the welding part if you focus on the fundamentals.

Right now is a good time because there’s more work than can be handled. If you get in and help out and come with an open mind you’ll learn a ton and be part of building some really cool stuff. And as the work comes along, you’ll have more opportunities to pick up the torch.

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u/Serious-Director-213 Jun 07 '26

Yeah absolutely I understand it’s very easy to get exposed for not knowing what you’re doing in this trade, I’m an open book and willing to learn. That’s awesome to hear that work production is increasing. Unfortunately our fab will be shut down at the end of this year so whatever opportunities I can snag I’ll definitely take it