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Defense Welding Jobs in Springfield, MO (NOW HIRING)

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Defense Welding information

See Springfield, MO salary details

$13

$27

$41

How much do defense welding jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for defense welding in Springfield, MO is $27.10, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $21.20 and $31.06 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 Springfield, MO?

For Defense Welding jobs in Springfield, MO, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Defense Welding jobs in Springfield, MO look for?

The top searched job categories for Defense Welding jobs in Springfield, MO are:

What cities near Springfield, MO are hiring for Defense Welding jobs?

Cities near Springfield, MO with the most Defense Welding job openings:

Defense Welding jobs near you

Quality Inspector - Electromechanical - Evenings

SQA Services

Springfield, MO • On-site

$35 - $40/hr

Full-time

Posted 16 days ago

Job description

For almost 30 years, SQA Services has been a premier leader in the provision of managed supplier quality services for audits, assessments, remote surveillance assessments, corrective actions, remediation, inspections, and engineering to manufacturers within all industries. We deliver services by deploying associates who are located throughout the United States and in 90+ countries around the world to your supplier sites. Our associates are expert quality assurance professionals with broad experience and local knowledge who can represent our clients on-demand and on-site faster than our competitors.
We are seeking a detail-oriented Welding Inspector to ensure the quality, compliance, and integrity of welded components and assemblies. This role is responsible for performing inspections, verifying documentation, and ensuring all materials and workmanship meet applicable standards, drawings, and specifications. This position with be on site 5 days a week, 1:30pm-10pm. This is a 1-year contract!
Key Responsibilities:
  • Perform visual inspection (VT) of structural welds in accordance with AWS D1.1 acceptance criteria
  • Evaluate weld workmanship and surface condition
  • Identify weld discontinuities including:
    • Cracks
    • Undercut
    • Porosity
    • Overlap
    • Incomplete fusion indications
    • Arc strikes
    • Excessive reinforcement
    • Crater defects
  • Verify weld profiles, weld size, and contour requirements
  • Inspect fillet welds, groove welds, CJP and PJP welds
  • Welding Documentation Review
    • Review and verify approved WPS documentation
    • Confirm welder qualifications and continuity records
    • Verify welding processes and consumables comply with approved procedures
    • Review fabrication drawings and weld symbols
    • Ensure inspection requirements are properly flowed down

    In-Process and Final Inspection
    • Perform pre-weld, in-process, and final inspections
    • Verify fit-up, joint preparation, alignment, and cleanliness
    • Monitor workmanship during fabrication activities
    • Verify repairs and rework activities meet acceptance criteria
    • Coordinate with NDE personnel when required

    Reporting and Documentation
    • Generate inspection reports and nonconformance documentation
    • Document weld findings accurately and clearly
    • Provide objective disposition recommendations
    • Support corrective action and root cause investigations
    • Maintain inspection records and traceability documentation

    Supplier / Source Inspection Support
    • Perform source inspections at supplier facilities when required
    • Support supplier quality evaluations and audits
    • Communicate technical concerns professionally with suppliers and customers
    • Assist in process improvement and workmanship standardization activities

Required Qualifications:
  • Education / Experience
    • High school diploma or equivalent required
    • Technical training in welding inspection preferred
    • Minimum 3-5 years of structural welding inspection experience preferred
    • Experience inspecting structural steel fabrication and welded assemblies

    Technical Knowledge
    Strong working knowledge of:
    • AWS D1.1 requirements
    • AWS B1.11 visual inspection practices
    • Weld symbols and fabrication drawings
    • Welding processes:
      • FCAW
      • GMAW
      • SMAW
      • GTAW (preferred)
    • Structural steel fabrication practices
    • Weld gauges and inspection tools
    • Weld discontinuities and workmanship evaluation

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Certified Welding Inspector (CWI)
  • VT Level II certification
  • NDE certifications (MT/PT preferred)
  • OSHA safety training
  • Structural steel fabrication experience

$35 - $40 an hour
Note: This position requires access to ITAR-controlled technical data and/or defense articles. As such, the candidate must be a U.S. citizen or U.S. lawful permanent resident (green card holder) to comply with the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR). Applicants who do not meet these criteria will not be considered for this role.
SQA Services is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment is based on merit and qualifications, and is not influenced by race, color, religion, gender, national origin, veteran status, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, or any other legally protected status.
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We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.

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