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Defense Welding Jobs in Riverside, CA (NOW HIRING)

SeniorTooling Fabricator

Santa Ana, CA · On-site

$129K - $171K/yr

Your proficiency across a range of welding techniques and your meticulous attention to detail will directly support the rapid development and production of cutting-edge defense technologies, ensuring ...

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2nd Shift TIG Welder II

Santa Ana, CA · On-site

$23 - $30/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Ability to set up welding machines based on the specifications of the job. * Read and interpret ... Department of Defense Secret Security Clearance: Though not required of this role, individuals that ...

Welder - 2nd Shift

Santa Ana, CA · On-site

$23 - $30/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... and defense industry. We provide high-precision advanced automated equipment as well as a full ... Set up welding machines based on the specifications of the job. * Read and interpret blueprints and ...

Welder - 2nd Shift

Santa Ana, CA

$20.25 - $26.75/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... and defense industry. We provide high-precision advanced automated equipment as well as a full ... Set up welding machines based on the specifications of the job. * Read and interpret blueprints and ...

Lead Welder

Santa Ana, CA · On-site

$135K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

... defense industry. This full-time role is ideal for an experienced Welding Team Lead who enjoys staying hands-on while guiding daily production, supporting weld quality, and helping a team perform at ...

SeniorTooling Fabricator

Santa Ana, CA

$20.75 - $26.75/hr

Your proficiency across a range of welding techniques and your meticulous attention to detail will directly support the rapid development and production of cutting-edge defense technologies, ensuring ...

Receiving Inspector

Corona, CA · On-site

$24 - $28/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Karman Space & Defense is a leader in the rapid design, development, and production of critical ... Experience inspecting welded products, detail parts, and assemblies. * Experience using inspection ...

Sheet Metal Fabricator

Santa Ana, CA · On-site

$19.50 - $26.25/hr

Anduril Industries is a defense technology company with a mission to transform U.S. and allied ... Perform sheet metal welding on stainless steel, aluminum, carbon steel, and copper-nickel as ...

Quality Engineer, Maritime

Santa Ana, CA · On-site

$74K - $96K/yr

Anduril Industries is a defense technology company with a mission to transform U.S. and allied ... Experience with quality control for special processes such as composite fabrication, welding ...

CNC Machinist

Corona, CA · On-site

$25 - $35/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... DEFENSE: Karman is the market leading suppliers of metallic and composite flight hardware and sub ... forming, welding, heat age, finishing, assembly, ablative & insulative composites, and other ...

Showing results 21-40

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:

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.

$171K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 21 hours ago


Anduril rating

9.1

Company rating: 9.1 out of 10

Anduril

Based on 17 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

7.4

Company rating compared to similar companies: 7.4 out of 10

Manufacturers average

Based on 75,541 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Anduril Industries is a defense technology company with a mission to transform U.S. and allied military capabilities with advanced technology. By bringing the expertise, technology, and business model of the 21st century's most innovative companies to the defense industry, Anduril is changing how military systems are designed, built and sold. Anduril's family of systems is powered by Lattice OS, an AI-powered operating system that turns thousands of data streams into a realtime, 3D command and control center. As the world enters an era of strategic competition, Anduril is committed to bringing cutting-edge autonomy, AI, computer vision, sensor fusion, and networking technology to the military in months, not years.
ABOUT THE ROLE
As a Tooling Fabricator at Anduril, you will play a critical role in our advanced manufacturing operations, responsible for the expert fabrication, repair, and modification of essential jigs, fixtures, dies, and tools. Your proficiency across a range of welding techniques and your meticulous attention to detail will directly support the rapid development and production of cutting-edge defense technologies, ensuring the highest standards of quality and precision.
WHAT YOU'LL DO
  • Perform certified and qualified welding and thermal cutting to fabricate, repair, rework, and modify jigs, fixtures, dies, tools, handling equipment, and similar items, especially where dimensions and details are non-critical or not specified on drawings.
  • Plan and layout the sequence of work operations to ensure efficient completion of tasks.
  • Successfully complete and maintain all-position pipe performance qualification tests as required by local, state, federal regulations, industry codes, and company policies.
  • Execute Flux Cored Arc Welding (FCAW), Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW), Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW), and Tig Welding (TW) in accordance with specified Welding Procedure Specifications (WPS). Adjust welding parameters to compensate for variations in material thickness, fit-up, equipment anomalies, and assembly conditions.
  • Perform brazing, oxy-fuel cutting, plasma arc cutting, carbon arc gouging, flame straightening, and flame bending as needed. When WPS is not required, select appropriate electrodes, gas cups, filler metals, and welding parameters based on weld schedules or provided information.
  • Follow drawings, specifications, verbal and written instructions, trade practices, and applicable codes to ensure quality and compliance.
  • Operate shop equipment such as saws, disk grinders, drill presses, and other tools to prepare materials before and after welding. Perform measuring, layout, alignment, cleaning, chipping, grinding, and wire brushing as required.
  • Safely move, lift, and position materials or welded structures using shop lifting equipment like overhead cranes and electric stackers.
  • Fabricate shop aids and holding devices, set up and align work in welding fixtures, and securely block, clamp, or fasten parts as necessary.
  • Plan welding and material fit-up sequences to maximize accessibility, ensuring critical weld areas are completed last on assemblies.
  • Maintain cleanliness and proper functioning of welding equipment and work areas; request repairs as needed to keep equipment in optimal condition.
  • Organize and manage welding supplies, preparing requisition lists for materials and equipment as required.
  • Perform additional duties as assigned by team leaders, Tool Maker leads, or supervisors.
  • Assist in identifying and documenting best practices, standardizing processes, and supporting continuous improvement initiatives related to structural welding.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
  • 7+ years of professional welding experience.
  • 7+ year of experience reading and interpreting engineering drawings, specifications, material processes, schematics, and diagrams.
  • 7+ year of experience operating powered hand tools.
  • Experience with manual lathes and knee mills.
  • Ability to lift, push, and pull up to 35 pounds frequently within an 8-hour shift.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
  • Welding Certification.
  • 3+ years of experience with Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW / TIG), primarily with thin-wall aluminum, stainless steel, and titanium.

US Salary Range
$129,000-$171,000 USD
The salary range for this role is an estimate based on a wide range of compensation factors, inclusive of base salary only. Actual salary offer may vary based on (but not limited to) work experience, education and/or training, critical skills, and/or business considerations. Highly competitive equity grants are included in the majority of full time offers; and are considered part of Anduril's total compensation package. Additionally, Anduril offers top-tier benefits for full-time employees, including:
Benefits
At Anduril, we invest in our people. Our comprehensive, competitive benefits package (available at little to no cost to employees) ensures you're supported in health, recovery, and whatever comes next. For more information, Explore Our Benefits.
Protecting Yourself from Recruitment Scams
Anduril is committed to maintaining the integrity of our Talent acquisition process and the security of our candidates. We've observed a rise in sophisticated phishing and fraudulent schemes where individuals impersonate Anduril representatives, luring job seekers with false interviews or job offers. These scammers often attempt to extract payment or sensitive personal information.
To ensure your safety and help you navigate your job search with confidence, please keep the following critical points in mind:
  • No Financial Requests: Anduril will never solicit payment or demand personal financial details (such as banking information, credit card numbers, or social security numbers) at any stage of our hiring process. Our legitimate recruitment is entirely free for candidates.
  • Please always verify communications:
    • Direct from Anduril: If you receive an email from one of our recruiters, it will only come from an @anduril.com address.
    • Via Agency Partner: If contacted by a recruiting agency for an Anduril role, their email will clearly identify their agency. If you suspect any suspicious activity, please verify the agency's authenticity by reaching out to contact@anduril.com.
  • Exercise Caution with Unsolicited Outreach: If you receive any communication that appears suspicious, contains grammatical errors, or makes unusual requests, do not engage. Always confirm the sender's email domain is @anduril.com before providing any personal information or clicking on links.
  • What to Do If You Suspect Fraud: Should you encounter any questionable or fraudulent outreach claiming to be from Anduril, please report it immediately to contact@anduril.com. Your proactive caution is invaluable in protecting your personal information and upholding the security and trustworthiness of our recruitment efforts.

Data Privacy
To view Anduril's candidate data privacy policy, please visit https://anduril.com/applicant-privacy-notice/.
By submitting your application, you consent to Anduril Industries using a third-party service provider to conduct pre-employment risk, integrity, and due diligence screening and assessing potential risks as part of your application process. This third-party service provider provides risk-intelligence services that may include analysis of sanctions and watchlists, adverse media, public-record information, and other lawful open-source or commercial data sources. This third-party service provider does not act as a consumer reporting agency. Use of this provider helps to ensure compliance with applicable laws and protect technology, intellectual property, and organizational security.

Working at Anduril

About Anduril, in their own words

From Anduril

As the world enters an era of strategic competition, Anduril delivers cutting-edge autonomy, AI, computer vision, sensor fusion, and networking technology to the warfighter in months, not years.


What Anduril employees say

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Anduril Industries logo

About Anduril Industries

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Anduril Industries is a trailblazer in the technology industry based in Costa Mesa, CA, US. Founded in 2017 by Palmer Luckey, the creator of Oculus VR, the company focuses on developing innovative technology to equip and empower those in the defense sector. Its primary products include cutting-edge autonomous systems and AI software that assist in combating threats to national and global security. The mission of Anduril Industries is to integrate technology and defense by building transformative, scalable solutions that ensure a safer world.

Industry

Guided missile and space vehicle manufacturing

Company size

501 - 1,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Costa Mesa, CA, US

Year founded

2017

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