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Defense Welding Jobs in Rhode Island (NOW HIRING)

Primary Flow Signal

Be Seen First

Manual Machinist

Cranston, RI · On-site

$25 - $32/hr

Company The consistent expansion of our enterprise across various industries, including defense ... We combine decades of experience in advanced fabrication, welding, and machining with a commitment ...

Primary Flow Signal

EDM Specialist

Cranston, RI · On-site

$30 - $40/hr

The consistent expansion of our enterprise across various industries, including defense, municipal ... We combine decades of experience in advanced fabrication, welding, and machining with a commitment ...

All JobsDefense Welding JobsDefense Welding Jobs in Rhode Island

Defense Welding information

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 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 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.

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 popular job titles related to Defense Welding jobs in Rhode Island?

For Defense Welding jobs in Rhode Island, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Defense Welding jobs in Rhode Island look for?

The top searched job categories for Defense Welding jobs in Rhode Island are:

What cities in Rhode Island are hiring for Defense Welding jobs?

Cities in Rhode Island with the most Defense Welding job openings:

Defense Welding jobs near you
Infographic showing various Defense Welding job openings in Rhode Island 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.

Welder - Manufacturing

North Kingstown, RI • On-site

General Dynamics Electric Boat
Guided Missile and Space Vehicle Manufacturing • 10K+ employees

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 164 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

65th of 544 rated manufacturers

Great coworkers

People enjoy working here

Good employer

Learn more about General Dynamics Electric Boatexternal

$19 - $25/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 29 days ago

Job description

Overview
Have you ever wanted to join a team that builds the most sophisticated piece of machinery that plays a critical role in our nation's defense?
Our function: Build the outer hull of the Virginia and Columbia Class Nuclear Powered Submarines.
The How: Encompassing both manual and mechanized pulse/spray welding processes along with shipfitting/metal fabrication functions.
Duties include but are not limited to following:
  • This position entails fabrication & welding plus all tasks associated with the steel trade
  • Fabricate frames/cylinders to produce the pressure hull that are ready for outfitting functions; through the use of our variety of hydraulic fixtures
  • Following work packages, fixture set up sheets, drawings, ER's, and SSP's in order to produce a quality product
  • Reading and interpreting blueprints, welding symbols and fabrication drawing
  • Preparing steel surfaces per drawing specifications for fabrication & welding of frames & cylinders
  • Pass a semi-automatic and mechanized spray and pulse arc test (GMAPLS, GMASPS & GMASPM) to remain in the position after completing training

Benefits
  • Medical, Dental, Vision
  • Prescription Coverage
  • Health and Wellness Programs
  • 401K
  • Commuter/Van Services
  • Paid Vacation and Holidays
  • Paid Training
  • Shift Differential for 2nd and 3rd Shift
  • Professional Development and Advancement Opportunities

This position is located at the Quonset Point facility in North Kingstown, RI.
Qualifications
Required:
  • High school diploma or equivalent OR a minimum of 2 years related technical experience
  • On the job welding experience or formal welding training or EB welding qualifications
  • Ability to read and interpret welding and shipyard procedures, structural drawings, technical manuals, test documents and diagrams
  • Available to work all shifts
  • Ability to work at heights, confined spaces and extreme temperature conditions as required
  • Pass a destructive bend weld test, a semi-automatic and mechanized spray and pulse test and meet minimum visual acceptance requirements
  • Individuals are required to possess their own basic hand tools
  • Some lifting & overhead welding will be required
  • Ability to operate impact guns and high torque machinery
  • Basic math skills

Preferred:
  • Shipfitting/metal fabrication experience
  • EB AFC (Automated Frame & Cylinder) experience
  • Experience in manual and/or semi-automatic welding processes
  • Electric Boat apprentice programs
  • Vocational, Technical and Community Colleges or Apprentice programs
  • Military

Skills
  • Strong communication and interpersonal skills
  • Ability to work in a collaborative and team environment, meet organizational goals and follow all verbal and written instructions as directed

Physical Qualifications
Climbing, Crawling, Kneeling, Light Lifting, Medium Lifting, Pulling, Pushing, Reaching, Stooping, Twisting
Environmental Attributes
Cold, Dry, Dusty, Fumes, Hot, Inside, Noise, Oily

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