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Defense Welding Jobs (NOW HIRING)

ORA_ON_SITE Description SAIC is seeking an experienced Welding Lead to join our growing team at the Bedford Production Facility, supporting critical integration efforts for our Department of Defense ...

Across defense, marine safety, law enforcement, and industrial sectors, we design and manufacture ... This role requires interpreting welding drawings and symbols to ensure accuracy and compliance in ...

Welding Instructor

Goose Creek, SC · On-site

$45K - $58K/yr

... the defense, aerospace and commercial markets. W International's unique facility encompasses 45 ... Welding educators should be knowledgeable of welding symbols and welding definitions and ...

Welding Instructor

Goose Creek, SC · On-site

$45K - $58K/yr

... the defense, aerospace and commercial markets. W International's unique facility encompasses 45 ... Welding educators should be knowledgeable of welding symbols and welding definitions and ...

S.-based company, BWXT is a Fortune 1000 and Defense News Top 100 manufacturing and engineering ... The Welding Specialist is a key technical role focused on providing expert guidance and support in ...

S.-based company, BWXT is a Fortune 1000 and Defense News Top 100 manufacturing and engineering ... The Welding Specialist is a key technical role focused on providing expert guidance and support in ...

S.-based company, BWXT is a Fortune 1000 and Defense News Top 100 manufacturing and engineering ... The Welding Specialist is a key technical role focused on providing expert guidance and support in ...

Welding Engineer

Lynchburg, VA · On-site

$65K - $103K/yr

S.-based company, BWXT is a Fortune 1000 and Defense News Top 100 manufacturing and engineering ... Provide Welding Engineering support to shop floor fabrication operations. This includes ...

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Defense Welding information

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$14

$29

$45

How much do defense welding jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 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 are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Defense Welder, and why are they important?

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.

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.
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:
Infographic showing various Defense Welding job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, 3% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $61,961 per year, or $29.8 per hour.
Welding Lead

Full-time

Posted 10 days ago


SAIC rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 78 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

69th of 204 rated it services


Job description

Job ID: 2613526

Location: Bedford, IN, US

Date Posted: 2026-06-10

Category: Engineering and Sciences

Subcategory: Engineering Technician

Schedule: Full-Time

Shift: Day Job

Travel: No

Minimum Clearance Required: Interim_Secret

Clearance Level Must Be Able to Obtain: Secret

Potential for Remote Work: ORA_ON_SITE


Description

SAIC is seeking an experienced Welding Lead to join our growing team at the Bedford Production Facility, supporting critical integration efforts for our Department of Defense (DoD) customer. The Welding Lead addition will play a pivotal role in developing and implementing processes and procedures to establish a production capacity for multi-unit electro-mechanical system integration efforts while maintaining the highest standards of quality and compliance with American Welding Society (AWS) welding standards.

Candidates must have demonstrated expertise in welding and fabrication, possess the leadership acumen to guide and mentor a team; and be comfortable in communication responding  proactively to operational challenges with hands-on involvement.

Primary Responsibilities

  • Oversee and lead all aspects of the welding operations within the project related tasking, ensuring compliance with standards and customer requirements.

  • As part of the project management team, develop, implement, and improve processes and procedures for welding and fabrication tasks to meet production and integration objectives.

  • Act as the subject matter expert (SME) for projects welding and fabrication activities, resolving technical challenges and training team members to encourage skill growth and quality assurance.

  • Perform critical welds as needed, develop jigs/fixtures, and troubleshoot issues to ensure high-quality installations meet the customer’s desired results.

  • Collaborate with the program team to analyze technical documentation including drawings, schematics, and layouts, ensuring practical alignment with welding processes for production.

  • Evaluate and adapt tools, equipment, and methods to optimize production capacity and process efficiency.

  • Collect, organize, and analyze technical data to support ongoing process improvement initiatives and provide quality control in welding.

  • Conduct inspections, tests, evaluations, and document results for equipment and processes, proactively identifying and resolving issues to minimize rework.

  • Lead and inspire a team of welders and fabricators, providing coaching, mentoring, and performance management to achieve production and leadership objectives.

  • Partner with external vendors, contractors, and internal stakeholders for planning, process alignment, and effective project execution.

Qualifications

Education and Experience

  • Associate degree in a related discipline with a minimum of nine (9) years of relevant experience, or a high school diploma/GED with at least eleven (11) years of experience in welding and fabrication. Advanced technical certifications in welding or fabrication are preferred.

  • Demonstrated expertise in advanced welding techniques and manufacturing processes, including MIG, TIG, and stick welding, as well as proven hands-on experience developing and implementing production welding/fabrication processes and standards.

Required Skills and Qualifications

  • Formal training or certifications in welding (e.g., AWS or a comparable accreditation) preferred.

  • Advanced problem-solving and troubleshooting skills, with the ability to develop and implement process improvements under challenging deadlines.

  • Strong technical competencies, including the interpretation of engineering schematics, drawings, and operational procedures.

  • Leadership capabilities to effectively manage and inspire a skilled team through production expansion, process improvement, and program milestones.

  • Knowledge of industry quality expectations and compliance standards (experience with DoD programs preferred).

  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills for clear communication with team members, leadership, and external stakeholders.

  • Exceptional organizational skills with the ability to prioritize and manage multiple tasks in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.

  • Ability to obtain and maintain a DoD Secret Security Clearance.

Highly Desired Skills and Experience

  • Formal training or certifications in welding (e.g., AWS or similar).

  • Active DoD Secret clearance.


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