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Advanced Welding Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Sr. Weld Engineer

Irvine, CA ยท On-site

$125K - $170K/yr

This role will bring deep expertise in resistance spot welding and advanced battery manufacturing for spacecraft and satellite systems. Key Duties and Responsibilities * Develop, optimize, and ...

Welder IV

Davis, CA ยท On-site

$21 - $27.75/hr

Job Purpose Applies more advanced skills and welding processes to cut, shape, join, surface, fabricate or repair parts of metal or other weldable materials. * Complete work activities using ...

Welder I

Oceanside, CA ยท On-site

$22 - $27/hr

Advanced welding classification with expanded responsibilities including specialized processes, robotic systems, and complex assemblies. Welder operators are expected to work with greater ...

Welder I

Oceanside, CA ยท On-site

$22 - $27/hr

Advanced welding classification with expanded responsibilities including specialized processes, robotic systems, and complex assemblies. Welder operators are expected to work with greater ...

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Shop Fabricator

Anaheim, CA ยท On-site

$18 - $28/hr

This role requires advanced welding skills, and a welding test will be administered upon an interview. A skills test with our Accu-Press brake will also be required at interview, if you do NOT have ...

Welder IV

Davis, CA ยท On-site

$21 - $27.75/hr

Job Purpose Applies more advanced skills and welding processes to cut, shape, join, surface, fabricate or repair parts of metal or other weldable materials. * Complete work activities using ...

Senior Welder - (1st Shift)

Anaheim, CA ยท On-site

$50 - $70/hr

Advanced Machine Operation: Utilize welding machines, grinders, cutters, and other fabrication tools to prepare materials and achieve a flawless finish. * Equipment Maintenance: Keep welding tools ...

Senior Welder - (1st Shift)

Anaheim, CA ยท On-site

$20.50 - $27/hr

Advanced Machine Operation: Utilize welding machines, grinders, cutters, and other fabrication tools to prepare materials and achieve a flawless finish. * Equipment Maintenance: Keep welding tools ...

Welder II

Murrieta, CA ยท On-site

$24 - $30/hr

... advanced welding and fabrication activities using GTAW (TIG), SMAW, FCAW, and other approved welding processes. You will be responsible for producing high-quality welds that meet ASME code ...

Senior Welder - (2nd Shift)

Anaheim, CA ยท On-site

$20.75 - $25.25/hr

Advanced Machine Operation: Utilize welding machines, grinders, cutters, and other fabrication tools to prepare materials and achieve a flawless finish. * Equipment Maintenance: Keep welding tools ...

Welder II

Murrieta, CA ยท On-site

$24 - $30/hr

... advanced welding and fabrication activities using GTAW (TIG), SMAW, FCAW, and other approved welding processes. You will be responsible for producing high-quality welds that meet ASME code ...

Advance Welder

Hayward, CA ยท On-site

$30/hr

Advanced Welder As an Advanced Welder, you will need to be able to read and understand shop ... drawings, plan fabrication and fabricate welded components per the shop drawing. The shop is ...

Welder / Fitter

Sacramento, CA ยท On-site

$23.01/hr

Perform stainless steel welding, fitting, tacking, and assembly of passenger rail car bodies and subassemblies using detailed drawings, jigs, fixtures, and advanced welding equipment. * Ensure all ...

Advance Welder

Hayward, CA ยท On-site

$23 - $29.50/hr

Advanced Welder As an Advanced Welder, you will need to be able to read and understand shop ... drawings, plan fabrication and fabricate welded components per the shop drawing. The shop is ...

Sr. Weld Engineer

Irvine, CA ยท On-site

$125K - $170K/yr

This role will bring deep expertise in resistance spot welding and advanced battery manufacturing for spacecraft and satellite systems. Key Duties and Responsibilities * Develop, optimize, and ...

Showing results 21-40

Advanced Welding information

See California salary details

$14

$29

$44

How much do advanced welding jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for advanced welding in California is $29.40, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $23.03 and $33.70 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is advanced welding?

Advanced welding refers to specialized techniques and processes that go beyond basic welding skills, involving the use of modern technologies and methods to join materials with high precision and strength. This can include methods like TIG (Tungsten Inert Gas), MIG (Metal Inert Gas), laser welding, and robotic welding systems. Advanced welders often work with a variety of metals and alloys, read complex blueprints, and ensure high-quality standards for industries such as aerospace, automotive, and construction. The role requires strong technical knowledge, attention to detail, and adherence to safety regulations.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals in advanced welding, and how can they be addressed?

Professionals in advanced welding often encounter challenges such as working with complex materials, maintaining high-quality standards under tight deadlines, and adapting to rapidly evolving technologies. Addressing these challenges involves continuous training in the latest welding techniques, strict adherence to safety protocols, and effective communication with engineers and project managers to clarify specifications. Being proactive about professional development and staying current with industry certifications can also help welders tackle new materials and methods more confidently.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in advanced welding, and why are they important?

To excel in Advanced Welding, you need expertise in various welding techniques (such as TIG, MIG, and stick welding), a solid understanding of metallurgy, and typically a relevant certification like AWS (American Welding Society) Certified Welder. Familiarity with specialized welding equipment, CNC machines, and blueprint reading software is essential for precision work. Attention to detail, problem-solving skills, and strong hand-eye coordination help welders stand out in this field. These skills ensure the production of high-quality, safe, and structurally sound welds in complex projects.

What is the difference between Advanced Welding vs Welding Technician?

AspectAdvanced WeldingWelding Technician
CertificationsCertified Welding Inspector, AWS certificationsWelding certifications, AWS Certified Welder
Work EnvironmentIndustrial plants, construction sites, manufacturing facilitiesFabrication shops, construction sites, maintenance
Job FocusDesign, advanced techniques, quality inspectionPerforming welds, basic inspection, equipment setup

Advanced Welding involves specialized skills like quality inspection and complex techniques, often requiring additional certifications. Welding Technicians focus on performing welds and basic tasks. Both roles work in industrial environments but differ in scope and responsibilities.

How much do advanced welders make?

Advanced welders typically earn between $50,000 and $80,000 annually, depending on experience, certifications, and industry. Skilled welders with certifications in specialized techniques or working in high-demand sectors can earn higher salaries and may receive overtime or shift differentials.

What are popular job titles related to Advanced Welding jobs in California?

For Advanced Welding jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Advanced Welding jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Advanced Welding jobs in California are:

Infographic showing various Advanced Welding job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 58% Full Time, 21% Contract, and 21% Nights. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $61,149 per year, or $29.4 per hour.

Sr. Weld Engineer

Terran Orbital Corporation

Irvine, CA โ€ข On-site

$125K - $170K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 12 days ago


Job description

Join a team where your impact reaches beyond the stars! At Terran Orbital, you're not just part of the system – you're a vital force propelling our mission forward. As trailblazers in satellite manufacturing and aerospace innovation, we shatter boundaries daily to deliver groundbreaking solutions that power our nation's defense and commercial missions. We are a unique, fast growing, and trusted team dedicated to swiftly and efficiently designing, building, launching, and operating state of the art satellites for advanced mission constellations. If you're driven by purpose, inspired by challenges, and ready to leave your mark on the universe, you'll find a home and endless opportunities for growth here. Together, let's redefine what is possible in orbit and beyond!

Terran Orbital is seeking an experienced Sr. Weld Engineer  to join our dynamic team. Reporting to the IPT Lead – EPS, the Sr. Weld Engineer will drive the development, optimization, and qualification of welding processes critical to high‑reliability space hardware. This role will bring deep expertise in resistance spot welding and advanced battery manufacturing for spacecraft and satellite systems.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

  • Develop, optimize, and characterize resistance welding process windows using structured DOE methodologies, including analysis of expulsion limits, electrode wear behavior, and design improvements.
  • Apply Design for Manufacturing (DFM) principles to enhance producibility, reliability, and robustness of welded assemblies for spaceflight hardware.
  • Partner closely with manufacturing teams and technicians to implement welding process plans, operating procedures, and standardized work instructions.
  • Interpret industry welding standards and tailor them to Terran Orbital applications to support WPS and PQR creation and maintenance.
  • Develop, qualify, and maintain weld schedules for resistance welding equipment used in battery and power storage system production.
  • Collaborate with Quality Engineering to establish pass/fail criteria across battery cell and module weld operations, and lead disposition, root cause analysis, and corrective actions for weld‑related nonconformances.
  • Drive cross-functional initiatives to improve manufacturing reliability, implement poke‑yoke strategies, and reduce variation across production lines.
  • Clearly communicate, justify, and defend engineering decisions using a data-driven, fact‑based approach suitable for flight-critical hardware.
  • Contribute to continuous improvement activities, including equipment capability studies, weld tool design enhancements, and advanced welding technique evaluations.
  • Support the development of next‑generation welding processes and battery technologies for spacecraft power systems.

Required Qualifications and Skills

  • BS in Welding Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or related discipline.
  • 5+ years of experience with welding materials and processes, including parallel gap resistance spot welding.
  • Strong understanding of weld parameter development, metallurgy, and weld joint design; ability to assess tradeoffs between welding methods for aerospace applications.
  • Experience with robotic welding systems and automated welding integration.
  • Demonstrated ability to develop and qualify resistance weld profiles for battery cells and battery structural components.
  • Proficiency with root cause analysis methodologies (e.g., 5 Whys, fishbone, fault-tree analysis) and corrective action implementation.
  • Familiarity with CAD tools and ability to interpret complex engineering drawings and GD&T.
  • Background in materials science or metallurgical behavior of weld joints preferred.
  • Demonstrated ability to operate outside comfort zones, innovate, and contribute to the advancement of space-based power storage technologies.
  • U.S. Person or lawful permanent resident to comply with U.S. government space technology export regulations.

Your actual level and base salary will be determined case-by-case and may vary based on the job-related qualification, knowledge, skills, education, and experience. In addition to base salary, we offer 100% covered medical, dental, and vision coverage, a 401(k) match, Flexible Time Off (FTO), covered life insurance, maternity and paternity leave, tuition reimbursement, employee referrals, and lots of swag! 

Salary Range
$125,000—$170,000 USD

Full-time positions only:

Benefits

  • 100% Company-paid comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage for you and your dependents
  • 401(k) Match
  • Flexible Time Off (FTO)
  • Education Reimbursement
  • Competitive Paid Parental Leave

About Terran Orbital 

Terran Orbital is a leading manufacturer of satellite products primarily serving the aerospace and defense industries. Terran Orbital provides end-to-end satellite solutions by combining satellite design, production, launch planning, mission operations, and on-orbit support to meet the needs of the most demanding military, civil, and commercial customers. Learn more at www.terranorbital.com

Physical Demands

An employee must meet the physical demands described to perform the essential functions of this job successfully. In performing the duties of this job, the employee is routinely required to sit or stand for long durations of time, in addition to bending, reaching, and walking. This would require the ability to lift or move objects up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift or move objects up to 25 pounds. This position is generally sedentary, with substantial computer usage.

Work Environment

The job operates in a professional office environment but in a manufacturing company. This job routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, and scanners.

Disclaimers

To comply with U.S. Government space technology export regulations, the applicant must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. In addition, please note that this position may require a current United States National Security clearance or eligibility for such a clearance.

Terran Orbital is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. We consider applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, national origin, ancestry, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status, disability, genetic information, or membership in any other group protected by federal, state, or local law.

If you need assistance or accommodation due to a disability, you may contact us at hr@terranorbital.com.

Terran Orbital does not accept unsolicited resumes from recruiters, employment agencies, or staffing firms. To conduct business with Terran Orbital, a Master Services Agreement (MSA) must be executed and confirmed prior to submitting any information relating to a potential candidate. Without a signed MSA, Terran Orbital shall not be responsible to any individual or entity for any payment relating to any form of fee or compensation.

And, in the event that a resume or candidate is submitted by a recruiter, an employment agency, or a staffing firm without a fully executed MSA, Terran Orbital has the unrestricted right to pursue and hire any of those candidate(s) without any legal or financial responsibility to the recruiter, agency, and/or firm.