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Defense Welding Jobs in Riverside, CA (NOW HIRING)

Anduril Industries

Staff Welding Engineer

Santa Ana, CA · On-site

$166K - $220K/yr

Anduril Industries is a defense technology company with a mission to transform U.S. and allied ... As a Welding Engineer, you'll be the technical authority on welding processes that bring cutting ...

Anduril Industries

Staff Welding Engineer

Santa Ana, CA

$37.25 - $51.25/hr

As a Welding Engineer, you'll be the technical authority on welding processes that bring cutting-edge defense hardware to life-working shoulder-to-shoulder with Tooling Fabricators, Tool Makers ...

Karman Space & Defense

Fabrication Welder

Brea, CA · On-site

$23 - $33/hr

... defense programs. In this role, you support fabrication and production by interpreting technical drawings, preparing metal components, and performing high‑quality TIG and MIG welding. You build ...

The Structures Company

Welder/Fabrication

Santa Ana, CA · On-site

$30 - $45/hr

Aerospace / Defense / Aviation * Benefits: Medical, dental, and vision (Cigna) * Perks: Bonus ... Proficient in GMAW and GTAW welding processes. * Experience welding Steel, Stainless Steel ...

Anduril Industries

Welder

Santa Ana, CA

$20.75 - $26.75/hr

Anduril Industries is a defense technology company with a mission to transform U.S. and allied ... welding processes and technologies supporting product and factory development, the future ...

Saalex

Certified Welder

Corona, CA · On-site

$39.78 - $45/hr

... Department of Defense customers. This position will support tower upgrade, installation ... Perform structural and specialty welding in support of communications tower upgrades, modifications ...

Saalex

Certified Welder

Corona, CA · On-site

$39.78 - $45/hr

... Department of Defense customers. This position will support tower upgrade, installation ... Perform structural and specialty welding in support of communications tower upgrades, modifications ...

Saalex

Certified Welder

Corona, CA · On-site

$39.78 - $45/hr

... Department of Defense customers. This position will support tower upgrade, installation ... Perform structural and specialty welding in support of communications tower upgrades, modifications ...

ANDURIL INDUSTRIES

Welder

Santa Ana, CA

$90K/yr

Anduril Industries is a defense technology company with a mission to transform U.S. and allied ... welding processes and technologies supporting product and factory development, the future ...

Anduril Industries

Welder

Santa Ana, CA · On-site

$68K - $90K/yr

Anduril Industries is a defense technology company with a mission to transform U.S. and allied ... welding processes and technologies supporting product and factory development, the future ...

Saalex

Certified Welder with Security Clearance

Corona, CA · On-site

$39.78 - $45/hr

... Department of Defense customers. This position will support tower upgrade, installation ... Perform structural and specialty welding in support of communications tower upgrades, modifications ...

Anduril Industries

Pipe Fitter/Welder

Santa Ana, CA · On-site

$68K - $90K/yr

Anduril Industries is a defense technology company with a mission to transform U.S. and allied ... High school diploma or GED * 5+ years of pipefitting, welding, or related mechanical trade ...

ANDURIL INDUSTRIES

Pipe Fitter/Welder

Santa Ana, CA

$90K/yr

Anduril Industries is a defense technology company with a mission to transform U.S. and allied ... High school diploma or GED * 5+ years of pipefitting, welding, or related mechanical trade ...

All American Racers

Be Seen First

Welder/Fabricator

Santa Ana, CA · On-site

$30 - $40/hr

Experience welding various materials: Steel, Stainless Steel, Aluminum, Titanium. * Ability to read ... Company Description Apex Space and Defense prides itself on delivering the highest quality, large ...

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All JobsDefense Welding JobsDefense Welding Jobs in Riverside, CA

Defense Welding information

See Riverside, CA salary details

$15

$31

$47

How much do defense welding jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average hourly pay for defense welding in Riverside, CA is $31.08, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $24.33 and $35.62 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 Riverside, CA?

For Defense Welding jobs in Riverside, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Defense Welding jobs in Riverside, CA look for?

The top searched job categories for Defense Welding jobs in Riverside, CA are:

What cities near Riverside, CA are hiring for Defense Welding jobs?

Cities near Riverside, CA with the most Defense Welding job openings:

Defense Welding jobs near you
Infographic showing various Defense Welding job openings in Riverside, CA 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, with an average salary of $64,642 per year, or $31.1 per hour.

Welding Supervisor

Design West Technologies, Inc.

Tustin, CA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 2 days ago

Job description

Protect Critical Infrastructure. Secure the Mission.

For more than a decade, our organization has been a trusted partner to the Department of Defense (DoD), delivering mission-critical design engineering and rugged manufacturing solutions that support our nation's warfighters. As we enter our next phase of growth, we are combining our strong defense heritage with the agility and innovation of a fast-paced organization.

POSITION OVERVIEW:

We are seeking an experienced Welding Supervisor to oversee the daily welding operations, perform inspections to ensure product quality, and lead a team of skilled welders across multiple shifts. The ideal candidate will have hands-on expertise in MIG, TIG, Pulse MIG, and robotic welding systems, along with strong leadership and technical abilities to support continuous improvement in our welding processes.

PRIMARY JOB DUTIES (including but not limited to):

  • Supervise and coordinate a team of welders across multiple shifts.
  • Plan and assign work to ensure projects are completed safely, on time, and within specifications.
  • Troubleshoot and optimize welding processes (manual and robotic).
  • Ensure compliance with ISO, OSHA, and company safety standards.
  • Train and mentor welders on proper techniques, procedures, and equipment operation.
  • Conduct inspections to maintain high-quality weld standards.
  • Collaborate with engineering and quality teams to improve weld procedures and production efficiency.
  • Maintain and calibrate welding equipment, fixtures, and jigs.
  • Perform hands-on welding as needed to support production, meet delivery deadlines, provide training, or assist when staffing levels or workload require additional support.

QUALIFICATIONS:

  • 5+ years of welding experience, including MIG, TIG, Pulse MIG, and robotic welding systems (OTC robotic experience a plus).
  • 2+ years of supervisory or leadership experience 
  • Strong understanding of welding codes, symbols, and blueprints.
  • Proven history of process improvement and team leadership.
  • Welding certifications such as CWI, AWS, or equivalent are an asset.
  • Excellent communication, organization, and problem-solving skills.
  • Aluminum welding experience is a plus.
  • Experience with supply ordering and inventory management of welding.

This position offers a competitive salary and benefits, including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, paid vacation and holidays, and 401(k). If this sounds like the opportunity for you, apply today! Join our team and be a part of shaping the future of aerospace and defense technology! If you have the skills, experience, and passion to excel in this role, we encourage you to apply.

Design West Technologies Inc. is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to diversity in the workplace. We encourage applications from all qualified individuals, including Veterans and those with disabilities.

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