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Defense Welding Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Welding Engineer

Lynchburg, VA

$34.75 - $48/hr

BWXT is currently seeking a Welding Engineer for its Advanced Technologies location in Lynchburg ... S. Department of Energy (DOE) or Department of Defense (DOD) security clearance, whichever is ...

Welding Engineer

Lynchburg, VA

$34.75 - $48/hr

BWXT is currently seeking a Welding Engineer for its Advanced Technologies location in Lynchburg ... S. Department of Energy (DOE) or Department of Defense (DOD) security clearance, whichever is ...

Welder

Cincinnati, OH

$18.75 - $24.75/hr

... defense-related mechanical systems. * Read and interpret blueprints, fabrication drawings, and machine diagrams to determine welding requirements. * Cut materials and work pieces using powered saws ...

Welder

Cincinnati, OH · On-site

$26 - $30/hr

... defense-related mechanical systems. * Read and interpret blueprints, fabrication drawings, and machine diagrams to determine welding requirements. * Cut materials and work pieces using powered saws ...

Welder - Hiring Now

Fairfield, OH · On-site

$19.75 - $26/hr

Fairbanks Morse Defense. What's your calling? For the men and women of Fairbanks Morse Defense it ... Assembles utilizing MIG and TIG Welding equipment as well as a plasma torch * Process parts ...

As a Welding Specialist at our growing La Porte facility, this position will be responsible for ... defense applications, as well as forged wheels for commercial transportation. Howmet Aerospace is ...

Welder - Hiring Now

West Des Moines, IA · On-site

$19.25 - $25.50/hr

Not Required At RTX, the world's largest aerospace and defense company, 185,000 great minds are ... Demonstrate proficiency in TIG welding tasks with minimal supervision to meet quality and ...

Welder - American Fan

Fairfield, OH · On-site

$19.75 - $26/hr

Fairbanks Morse Defense. What's your calling? For the men and women of Fairbanks Morse Defense it ... Assembles utilizing MIG and TIG Welding equipment as well as a plasma torch * Process parts ...

Welder - American Fan

Fairfield, OH · On-site

$19.75 - $26/hr

Fairbanks Morse Defense. What's your calling? For the men and women of Fairbanks Morse Defense it ... Assembles utilizing MIG and TIG Welding equipment as well as a plasma torch * Process parts ...

Welder - Hiring Now

Cincinnati, OH · On-site

$20.50 - $26.75/hr

Discover what it's like to be a part of the Fairbanks Morse Defense team here: Essential Job Functions: * Reads and interprets blueprints and machine drawings to determine specific welding ...

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Defense Welding information

See salary details

$14

$29

$45

How much do defense welding jobs pay per hour?

As of May 31, 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 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.

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:

Welding Engineer (Entry Level)

BWX Technologies

Mount Vernon, IN

$62K - $97K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 28 days ago


BWX Technologies rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 29 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

At BWX Technologies, Inc. (NYSE: BWXT), we are People Strong, Innovation Driven. Headquartered in Lynchburg, Virginia, BWXT is a Defense News Top 100 manufacturing and engineering innovator that provides safe and effective nuclear solutions for global security, clean energy, environmental restoration, nuclear medicine and space exploration. With more than 7,000 employees, BWXT has 14 major operating sites in the U.S., Canada and the U.K. We are the sole manufacturer of naval nuclear reactors for U.S. submarines and aircraft carriers. Our company supplies precision manufactured components, services and fuel for the commercial nuclear power industry across four continents. Our joint ventures provide environmental restoration and operations management at a dozen U.S. Department of Energy and NASA facilities. BWXT's technology is driving advances in medical radioisotope production in North America and microreactors for various defense and space applications. For more information, visit www.bwxt.com . Follow us on LinkedIn , X , Facebook and Instagram .
We are currently seeking qualified candidates to fill Welding Engineer positions at our facility in Mount Vernon, Indiana!
Our Welding Engineers play a critical role in manufacturing operations and can expect to perform the following routine tasks:
  • Provide welding engineering services to products produced in Mount Vernon, Indiana.
  • Assist welders and welding supervisors in critical welding operations.
  • Review customer contract requirements and produce procedures in accordance with those requirements.
  • Determine weld filler metal needs, order, and release the correct filler metal to welding activities.
  • Determine welding equipment needs and assist in design and ordering of the equipment.
  • Review code specifications and write procedures for welder qualifications.
  • Drive quality and man-hour improvements in welding operations.
  • Preparation and review of welding/fabrication plans (i.e., bead placement sketches, setup sheets, welding instructions).
  • Qualification, documentation, and maintenance of welding procedures and welders/weld operators.
  • Troubleshooting of welding operations (i.e., weldability issues, welding equipment failures).
  • Ensure welding processes meet customer specifications.
  • Ensure welding operations meet customer specifications and good work practices.

Job Requirement/Qualifications
  • A Bachelor's degree in Welding Engineering is required. Degrees in Metallurgical or Material Science Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a similar engineering discipline will be considered if the candidate has extensive prior job experience of a Welding Engineer nature.
  • ABET accreditation is preferred.
  • Prior internships and/or experience in a heavy manufacturing environment is preferred.
  • Strong interpersonal skills supporting collaboration and teamwork with a diverse group of engineering, operations, and materials management personnel is required.
  • U.S. citizenship with no dual citizenship is required along with the ability to obtain and maintain a DOE Security Clearance.

Benefits:
The Welding Engineer will work a 9/80 work week while receiving market leading pay, paid time off, paid winter holiday shutdown, educational refund plan, medical, dental, vision and service-based retirement contributions with additional 401k match.
#LI-TC1
Pay: $ 62,000 - $ 97,000
The base salary range for this position in Indiana (US-IN) at the start of employment is expected to be between $62,000 and $97,000 per year. However, the base salary offered is based on local job market factors, and may vary further depending on factors specific to the selected job candidate, such as job-related knowledge, skills, experience, and other objective business considerations. Subject to these considerations, the total compensation package for this position may also include other elements, such as an annual cash incentive in addition to a full range of medical, retirement, and/or other benefits. Details of participation in these benefit plans will be provided at such time the selected job candidate receives an offer of employment. If hired, the selected job candidate will be employed 'at-will,' unless employed at a location and in a position subject to a collective bargaining agreement. The company further reserves the right to modify base salary (as well as any other discretionary payment, compensation or benefit program) at any time, including for reasons related to individual performance, company or individual department/team performance, and other market factors.
As a federal government contractor, BWX Technologies, Inc. and any subsidiaries, affiliates and related entities ("BWXT" or the "Company") complies with all federal, state, and local laws and customer requirements regarding health and safety protocols. As such, all BWXT new hires will be required to adhere to applicable Company health and safety requirements within the workplace as a condition of employment.
Applicants selected will be subject to a Federal background investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information or matter. Position requires U.S. citizenship with (no dual citizenship) ability to obtain and maintain a Department of Energy (DOE) security clearance which involves an extensive criminal and financial background investigation, drug test and previous employment reference verifications.
BWXT supports diversity and is committed to the concept of Equal Employment Opportunity. We have established procedures to ensure that all personnel actions such as recruitment, compensation, career development, benefits, company-sponsored training and social recreational programs are administered without regard to race, color religion, gender, national origin, citizenship, age, disability or veteran status.
https://www.dol.gov/ofccp/regs/compliance/posters/pdf/eeopost.pdf
https://www.dol.gov/ofccp/regs/compliance/posters/pdf/OFCCP_EEO_Supplement_Final_JRF_QA_508c.pdf
Job Segment: Entry Level Engineer, Nuclear Engineering, Facilities, Manufacturing Engineer, Entry Level, Engineering, Operations

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