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Defense Welding Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

Welder

Hamilton, OH · On-site

$18.25 - $24/hr

We serve various industries such as construction, transportation, energy, and defense. Weld Positions Available We currently have several openings for 1st shift Weld positions. We invite you to join ...

Ensure compliance with applicable aerospace, defense, and maritime welding standards What We're ... Looking For * Bachelor's degree in Welding Engineering, Materials Science, Mechanical Engineering ...

New

Welder

Hamilton, OH · On-site

$18.25 - $24/hr

We serve various industries such as construction, transportation, energy, and defense. Weld Positions Available We currently have several openings for 1st shift Weld positions. We invite you to join ...

Welder

Hamilton, OH · On-site

$18.25 - $24/hr

We serve various industries such as construction, transportation, energy, and defense. Weld Positions Available We currently have several openings for 1st shift Weld positions. We invite you to join ...

Ensure compliance with applicable aerospace, defense, and maritime welding standards What We're ... Looking For * Bachelor's degree in Welding Engineering, Materials Science, Mechanical Engineering ...

Ensure compliance with applicable aerospace, defense, and maritime welding standards What We're ... Looking For * Bachelor's degree in Welding Engineering, Materials Science, Mechanical Engineering ...

Weld Supervisor

West Point, MS · On-site

$32 - $33/hr

... welding operations on defense and commercial production programs. * Coordinate material staging, tooling, fixtures, and jig availability so welders can maintain uninterrupted workflow. * Verify that ...

Welder

Hamilton, OH · On-site

$18.25 - $24/hr

We serve various industries such as construction, transportation, energy, and defense. Weld Positions Available We currently have several openings for 1st shift Weld positions. We invite you to join ...

Welder

Hamilton, OH · On-site

$18.25 - $24/hr

We serve various industries such as construction, transportation, energy, and defense. Weld Positions Available We currently have several openings for 1st shift Weld positions. We invite you to join ...

Welder

Hamilton, OH · On-site

$18.25 - $24/hr

We serve various industries such as construction, transportation, energy, and defense. Weld Positions Available We currently have several openings for 1st shift Weld positions. We invite you to join ...

Welder

Hamilton, OH · On-site

$18.25 - $24/hr

We serve various industries such as construction, transportation, energy, and defense. Weld Positions Available We currently have several openings for 1st shift Weld positions. We invite you to join ...

Certified Weld Inspector

Cincinnati, OH · On-site

$27.50 - $37.25/hr

Fairbanks Morse Defense. What's your calling? For the men and women of Fairbanks Morse Defense it ... Current Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) Certification (AWS) * NAVSEA weld inspector - NDT Level ...

Showing results 21-40

Defense Welding information

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$14

$29

$45

How much do defense welding jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average hourly pay for defense welding in the United States is $29.79, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $23.32 and $34.13 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.

More about Defense Welding jobs

What cities are hiring for Defense Welding jobs?

Cities with the most Defense Welding job openings:

What states have the most Defense Welding jobs?

States with the most job openings for Defense Welding jobs include:

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

The top searched job categories for Defense Welding jobs are:

Infographic showing various Defense Welding job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 93% Full Time, 4% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 91% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $61,961 per year, or $29.8 per hour.

$37.25 - $51.25/hr

Part-time

Re-posted 29 days 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 75,873 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

ABOUT THE ROLE

Anduril's Maritime team is building the next generation of autonomous underwater and surface vehicles to give the United States and our allies a decisive advantage at sea. The Equipment team within Maritime designs, fabricates, and qualifies the tooling, fixtures, and structural assemblies that make rapid, high-quality production possible. 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, manufacturing engineers, and production leadership on the shop floor.

WHAT YOU'LL DO
  • Develop, qualify, and maintain Welding Procedure Specifications (WPS), Procedure Qualification Records (PQR), and Welder Performance Qualifications (WPQ) supporting Maritime production.
  • Ensure all welding operations meet applicable codes and standards (AWS, ASME Section IX, MIL-STD, NAVSEA) and maintain associated certification and compliance documentation.
  • Lead root-cause analysis on weld defects and failures across FCAW, GMAW, GTAW, and SAW processes, and implement corrective and preventive actions.
  • Specify appropriate base metals, filler materials, and welding techniques for thin-wall aluminum, stainless steel, titanium, and carbon steel applications.
  • Direct and interpret non-destructive testing (UT, RT, MT, PT, VT) and destructive testing to validate weld quality and procedure soundness.
  • Optimize welding parameters and fixturing to improve quality, throughput, and cost, and provide hands-on technical guidance to Tooling Fabricators and welders.
  • Drive continuous improvement by standardizing welding processes, documenting best practices, and leading initiatives that improve repeatability and efficiency across structural welding operations.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
  • Bachelor's degree in Welding Engineering, Materials/Metallurgical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field-OR an equivalent combination of education and 7+ years of hands-on welding engineering experience.
  • 10+ years of welding engineering experience in a manufacturing or industrial environment.
  • 10+ years of experience developing and qualifying WPS, PQR, and WPQ documentation.
  • Strong working knowledge of welding processes: FCAW, GMAW, GTAW, and SAW.
  • Proficiency with welding codes and standards (e.g., AWS D1.1 / D1.2 / D1.6, ASME Section IX).
  • Experience reading and interpreting engineering drawings, specifications, schematics, and diagrams.
  • Working knowledge of NDT methods (UT, RT, MT, PT, VT) and weld inspection criteria.
  • Strong root-cause analysis and problem-solving skills, with strong attention to detail and a commitment to safety.
  • Ability to lift, push, and pull up to 35 pounds frequently within an 8-hour shift.
  • Must be eligible to obtain and maintain an active U.S. Secret security clearance.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
  • AWS Certified Welding Engineer (CWEng) or Certified Welding Inspector (CWI).
  • Experience qualifying procedures for thin-wall aluminum, stainless steel, and titanium.
  • Familiarity with defense/maritime standards (MIL-STD-1689, NAVSEA S9074-AQ-GIB-010/248).
  • Experience in a defense, aerospace, or maritime manufacturing environment.
  • Experience with robotic or automated welding systems.
  • Lean / Six Sigma certification and experience leading continuous improvement initiatives.

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.


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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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