Reginald Trammel (the universe's only Iridium welder)

Iridium is one of a handful of rare earth metals. As such it is not found in abundance, often requiring a microscopic examination of hundreds of thousands of cubic meters of earth just to collect a few ounces. But it's properties make it one of the most durable and versatile metals in existence, ideal for spacecraft and other superstructures. Meanwhile, it's rarity and difficulty in obtaining makes it extremely expensive.
When these aspects are combined with the alien environments of hyper-controlled space habitats, learning to weld the substance in place is a virtual impossibility. Or at least it was until Butch Trammel ended up as the sole survivor of a intergallactic shipwreck.