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Defense Welding Jobs in Decatur, AL (NOW HIRING)

Pipe Welder (All Levels)

Huntsville, AL

$25.50 - $31.50/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Performing manual GTAW (TIG) welding operations on aerospace components under the direction of ... Experience in aerospace, defense, automotive, or precision industrial manufacturing * Basic ...

Pipe Welder (All Levels)

Huntsville, AL · On-site

$25.50 - $31.50/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Performing manual GTAW (TIG) welding operations on aerospace components under the direction of ... Experience in aerospace, defense, automotive, or precision industrial manufacturing * Basic ...

Pipe Welder - C Shift (All Levels)

Huntsville, AL

$25.50 - $31.50/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Performing manual GTAW (TIG) welding operations on aerospace components under the direction of ... Experience in aerospace, defense, automotive, or precision industrial manufacturing * Basic ...

Pipe Welder - C Shift (All Levels)

Huntsville, AL · On-site

$25.50 - $31.50/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Performing manual GTAW (TIG) welding operations on aerospace components under the direction of ... Experience in aerospace, defense, automotive, or precision industrial manufacturing * Basic ...

Weld Tooling Design Engineer (ES3)

Huntsville, AL · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Developing jig design concepts necessary to support Welding & Manufacturing team operations ... defensive driving training class. Relevant candidate work experience will be evaluated against ...

Weld Tooling Design Engineer (ES3)

Huntsville, AL

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Developing jig design concepts necessary to support Welding & Manufacturing team operations ... defensive driving training class. Relevant candidate work experience will be evaluated against ...

Weld Tooling Design Engineer (ES3)

Huntsville, AL · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Developing jig design concepts necessary to support Welding & Manufacturing team operations ... defensive driving training class. Relevant candidate work experience will be evaluated against ...

Weld Tooling Design Engineer (ES3)

Huntsville, AL · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Developing jig design concepts necessary to support Welding & Manufacturing team operations ... defensive driving training class. Relevant candidate work experience will be evaluated against ...

Machinist 2

Huntsville, AL

$21.50 - $29.25/hr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

ERC is a trusted partner to the Defense and Space communities. We provide the advanced engineering ... Performs fusion welding on aircraft and ground support equipment to a qualified Welding Procedures ...

Machinist 2

Redstone Arsenal, AL · On-site

$21.50 - $29.25/hr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

ERC is a trusted partner to the Defense and Space communities. We provide the advanced engineering ... Performs fusion welding on aircraft and ground support equipment to a qualified Welding Procedures ...

Mechanical Design Engineer

Huntsville, AL · On-site

$76K - $103K/yr

Experience in aerospace, defense, manufacturing, or other highly regulated industries * Familiarity with machined parts, welded structures, sheet metal, precision assemblies, or electromechanical ...

Mechanical Design Engineer

Huntsville, AL

$76K - $103K/yr

Experience in aerospace, defense, manufacturing, or other highly regulated industries * Familiarity with machined parts, welded structures, sheet metal, precision assemblies, or electromechanical ...

Mechanical Design Engineer

Huntsville, AL · On-site

$76K - $103K/yr

Experience in aerospace, defense, manufacturing, or other highly regulated industries * Familiarity with machined parts, welded structures, sheet metal, precision assemblies, or electromechanical ...

Mechanical Design Engineer

Huntsville, AL · On-site

$76K - $103K/yr

Experience in aerospace, defense, manufacturing, or other highly regulated industries * Familiarity with machined parts, welded structures, sheet metal, precision assemblies, or electromechanical ...

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Defense Welding information

See Decatur, AL salary details

$13

$27

$42

How much do defense welding jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for defense welding in Decatur, AL is $27.93, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $21.88 and $32.02 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 Decatur, AL?

For Defense Welding jobs in Decatur, AL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities near Decatur, AL are hiring for Defense Welding jobs?

Cities near Decatur, AL with the most Defense Welding job openings:

Electron Beam/Manual Welder 2nd shift

Leidos

Huntsville, AL • On-site

$50K - $91K/yr

Full-time

Posted 11 days ago


Leidos rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 152 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

78th of 491 rated business services


Job description

Looking for an opportunity to make an impact?
At Leidos, we deliver innovative solutions through the efforts of our diverse and talented people who are dedicated to our customers' success. We empower our teams, contribute to our communities, and operate sustainable. Everything we do is built on a commitment to do the right thing for our customers, our people, and our community. Our Mission, Vision, and Values guide the way we do business.
Your greatest work is ahead!
Leidos' Defense Systems Mechanical Manufacturing Facility is seeking an Electron Beam / Manual Welder to join our Welding team at our Huntsville, Alabama location. This position will be responsible for setting up, operating and/or tending equipment that welds, brazes, solders or heat treats metal products, components, or assemblies. Duties may include operation of various hand-welding, flame-cutting, hand-soldering and/or brazing equipment to weld, or join metal components or to fill holes, indentations, or seams of fabricated metal products.
If this sounds like the kind of environment where you can thrive, keep reading!
Leidos Defense Systems Sector / Manufacturing provides a diverse portfolio of systems, solutions, and services covering land, sea, air, space, and cyberspace for customers worldwide. Solutions for Defense include enterprise and mission IT, large-scale intelligence systems, command and control, geospatial and data analytics, cybersecurity, logistics, training, and intelligence analysis and operations support. Our team is solving the world's toughest security challenges for customers with "can't fail" missions. To explore and learn more, click here!
Are you ready to make an impact? Apply and share your resume with us today!
Primary Responsibilities
  • Completes basic welding tasks while applying standard practices.
  • Properly prepares weld surfaces.
  • Follows written instructions, sketches and weld schedules.
  • Performs all work in accordance with established standards and safety procedures.
  • Regularly evaluates his/her own product quality for continuous improvement.
  • May do some fitting of assemblies.
  • Works under direct oversight.
  • Successfully complete the Exotic Metals TIG weld training program and/or have equivalent experience to include outside formal welding education.
  • Hold a minimum of one Exotic Metals manual weld qualification/certification. Must be able to use mathematics relevant to welding functions.
  • Basic understanding of router operations and sketches. Know when to stop and ask for clarification.
  • Requires familiarity with machine tools, precision instruments and good manual dexterity.
  • Actively participate in continuous improvement objectives to include sharing knowledge, working to eliminate waste in the manufacturing process, and embrace single piece manufacturing flow where applicable.

Basic Qualifications
  • High school diploma/GED with at least 3 years of prior relevant experience.
  • Apply EB welding processes to various parts, assemblies, and components.
  • Set-up, program, and operate EB and CNC controls for the EB welding process.
  • Interpret and execute production using drawings and blueprints.
  • Planning and general set up of EB welding operations in the facility, semi-manual and/or automatic, within the limits of certifications in accordance with customer requirements and current methods and process sheets.
  • Check welds visually and dimensionally with precision measuring instruments for conformance to blueprints and specifications.
  • Utilize working knowledge of welding practice and weld - ability of current metal groups within their certification.
  • Be a flexible team player and participate with problem solving and continuous improvements.
  • Adhere to AS9100 and other quality standards.
  • Must be able to pass a weld test scheduled at interview.
  • Must be able to work overtime as needed.
  • Ability to stand for long periods of time.
  • Must be a US Citizen and possess (and be able to maintain) a Final Secret Clearance OR meet the eligibility to obtain (and maintain) a Secret Clearance.

Preferred Qualifications
  • GTAW Experience.
  • CNC Related Experience.

HuntsvilleManufacturing
If you're looking for comfort, keep scrolling. At Leidos, we outthink, outbuild, and outpace the status quo - because the mission demands it. We're not hiring followers. We're recruiting the ones who disrupt, provoke, and refuse to fail. Step 10 is ancient history. We're already at step 30 - and moving faster than anyone else dares.
Original Posting:
August 3, 2026
For U.S. Positions: While subject to change based on business needs, Leidos reasonably anticipates that this job requisition will remain open for at least 3 days with an anticipated close date of no earlier than 3 days after the original posting date as listed above.
Pay Range:
Pay Range $50,700.00 - $91,650.00
The Leidos pay range for this job level is a general guideline only and not a guarantee of compensation or salary. Additional factors considered in extending an offer include (but are not limited to) responsibilities of the job, education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, as well as internal equity, alignment with market data, applicable bargaining agreement (if any), or other law.

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About Leidos

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Leidos, we deliver innovative solutions through the efforts of our diverse and talented people who are dedicated to our customers' success. We empower our teams, contribute to our communities, and operate sustainable practices. Everything we do is built on a commitment to do the right thing for our customers, our people, and our community.

Industry

It services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Reston, VA, US

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