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Defense Welding Jobs in Minnesota (NOW HIRING)

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Certified Welding Inspector

Sartell, MN ยท On-site

$32.30 - $38/hr

In this role, you will be a vital line of defense in ensuring the absolute highest safety and ... American Welding Society's Certified Welding Inspector (AWS-CWI) certification * Preferred ...

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Certified Welding Inspector

Saint Cloud, MN ยท On-site

$32.30 - $38/hr

In this role, you will be a vital line of defense in ensuring the absolute highest safety and ... American Welding Society's Certified Welding Inspector (AWS-CWI) certification * Preferred ...

Welder II

Chaska, MN

$21 - $27.50/hr

Arrange parts for welding and staging processes * Perform quality inspection/checks per quality ... defense, medical, food, and industrials. With locations in Colorado, Pennsylvania, Illinois ...

Welder II

Chaska, MN ยท On-site

$21 - $27.50/hr

Arrange parts for welding and staging processes * Perform quality inspection/checks per quality ... defense, medical, food, and industrials. With locations in Colorado, Pennsylvania, Illinois ...

Welder II

Chaska, MN ยท On-site

$21 - $27.50/hr

Arrange parts for welding and staging processes * Perform quality inspection/checks per quality ... defense, medical, food, and industrials. With locations in Colorado, Pennsylvania, Illinois ...

Welder- 2nd Shift

Saint Paul, MN ยท On-site

$24 - $32/hr

... aerospace & defense, industrial markets and more. We are committed to quality, performance, and ... Determines required equipment and welding methods, applying knowledge of metallurgy, geometry, and ...

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Defense Welding information

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a defense welder?

To thrive as a Defense Welder, you need proficiency in welding techniques (such as MIG, TIG, and arc welding), blueprint reading, and a relevant welding certification or vocational training. Familiarity with specialized welding equipment, military-grade materials, and standards like AWS or DoD specifications is typically required. Attention to detail, problem-solving skills, and a strong focus on safety help individuals stand out in this field. These skills ensure the structural integrity and reliability of defense equipment, which is critical for national security and mission success.

What is the difference between Defense Welding vs Structural Welder?

AspectDefense WeldingStructural Welder
CertificationsWelding certifications (e.g., AWS)Welding certifications (e.g., AWS)
Work EnvironmentMilitary facilities, defense contractorsConstruction sites, bridges, buildings
Industry UsageDefense, aerospace, military equipmentConstruction, infrastructure, commercial projects
Job FocusSpecialized welding for defense applicationsGeneral structural welding for buildings and infrastructure

Defense Welding and Structural Welder roles both require welding certifications and involve metal fabrication. However, Defense Welding focuses on military and defense-related projects, often in specialized environments, while Structural Welders work primarily on construction and infrastructure projects. The skills overlap, but the work settings and project types differ significantly.

What are the typical security and compliance requirements for welders working in the defense industry?

Welders in the defense industry must often adhere to strict security clearances and compliance standards due to the sensitive nature of the projects involved. This commonly includes passing background checks, following ITAR (International Traffic in Arms Regulations), and working in secure facilities where safety and confidentiality protocols are rigorously enforced. Additionally, welders may need to maintain certifications specific to military or government standards and participate in regular training to stay current with evolving regulations. Understanding and following these requirements is essential for career success and advancement in defense welding roles.

How to become a defense welding professional?

To become a defense welding professional, individuals typically need to complete a high school diploma or equivalent, followed by specialized training or an apprenticeship in welding. Certification from organizations like the American Welding Society (AWS) and security clearances may be required for work in defense-related environments, along with proficiency in welding techniques such as MIG, TIG, or stick welding and familiarity with safety protocols.

What is defense welding?

Defense welding refers to the specialized welding processes and techniques used in the defense industry to fabricate, repair, and maintain military equipment, vehicles, and infrastructure. This includes working on tanks, ships, aircraft, and other defense-related hardware, often requiring compliance with strict government and military standards. Defense welders must be skilled in various welding methods and familiar with materials like high-strength alloys and armor plating. Security clearance and specialized training are often required due to the sensitive nature of the work.
What are popular job titles related to Defense Welding jobs in Minnesota? For Defense Welding jobs in Minnesota, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Defense Welding jobs in Minnesota look for? The top searched job categories for Defense Welding jobs in Minnesota are:
What cities in Minnesota are hiring for Defense Welding jobs? Cities in Minnesota with the most Defense Welding job openings:
Infographic showing various Defense Welding job openings in Minnesota as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, 4% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 91% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution.

Welding Lead

Mid-Continent Engineering, LLC

Minneapolis, MN โ€ข On-site

$36 - $42/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 13 days ago


Job description

Mid Continent Engineering is seeking a Welding Lead to join our team! This is a 6 am to 4:30 pm, Monday through Thursday opportunity.

Mid-Continent has been a supplier to first-tier OEMs within the medical, aerospace and defense industries for decades. Mid-Continent Engineering stuffs the armed forces supply chain with products of our capabilities such as precision machining, aerospace welding, chromate conversion, paint/powder coat finishing, mechanical assemblies, and other design-assist services.

A few things we have to offer:

  • Competitive Wages
  • Medical, Dental & Vision for employees & family including domestic partners.
  • 401k
  • Tuition Reimbursement
  • PTO accrual starts immediately.
  • Yearly shoe allowance
  • Referral Program

Summary: Perform duties as a welder. Be a resource of information and work direction for welders in the production area.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities include the following:

  • Perform duties as a skilled TIG welder.
  • Assign duties and be accountable for work performed in the weld department.
  • Must be able to obtain internal welding certifications to meet our customers’ requirements.
  • Also be accountable for the estimate vs. actual hours for each project done in the weld area.
  • Be responsible for customer’s quality expectation of the work performed by welders.
  • Coach & develop training programs to upgrade their skills.
  • Contribute to production planning process.
  • Promote and enforce all safety and company policies.
  • Perform other duties as assigned.

Education & Experience:

  • High School Diploma or G.ED. Preferred degree in technical school or related field.
  • 5+ years of experience as a welder (TIG) with supervisor responsibilities
  • Must have experience welding for defense, aerospace, and medical industries.
  • Blueprint reading with G.D.T. experience.
  • Experience with Epicor ERP Software is a plus.

Physical Demands:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand; walk; use of hands, fingers, feet, and hands to reach with arms. The ability to talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to sit; climb or balance and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision.

Work Environment:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Employees must be able to cope with Minnesota climate variances, endure heat & cold conditions in the shop. Endure heavy workloads, high noise levels from hammering, and grinding (hearing protection provided). Protect against metal particles, fumes, sparks, particles, and gases (safety glasses, safety-toed boots, ear plugs, and gloves provided per the company policy guidelines).

Individuals working in an office setting will not endure some of the physical & work environments conditions of the production floor unless office is adjacent to the production floor or per the individuals job duties and/ or responsibilities. All office personnel must abide by the PPE guidelines (safety glasses, safety-toed boots that are provided per the company policy guidelines) when entering the production floor or if a requirement of a department that individual is entering or working in.


6 am to 4:30 pm- Monday through Thursday