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Director Welding Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Westar Marine Services

Lead Welder

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$23 - $30.25/hr

... direct welding and fabrication work across our fleet and shop. The Lead Welder is responsible for executing high-quality marine welds, fabricating and repairing steel and aluminum structures, and ...

AP Precision Metals Inc

Welding Operator

San Diego, CA · On-site

$20 - $25/hr

Support cross-training and other production operations as directed. * Participate in continuous improvement initiatives and training programs. _____ Qualifications * Proven welding experience in a ...

Anduril Industries

Staff Welding Engineer

Santa Ana, CA · On-site

$37.25 - $51.25/hr

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 ...

Vantedge

Robotic Welding Engineer

Stockton, CA · On-site

$36.25 - $50/hr

This position provides technical leadership for robotic welding but is not responsible for direct supervision of production personnel. Responsibilities: * Develop, program, commission, and optimize ...

ANDURIL INDUSTRIES

Staff Welding Engineer

Santa Ana, CA

$166K - $220K/yr

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 ...

The Crucible

Welding Instructor / TA

Oakland, CA

$25 - $27.50/hr

Welding Department Head, Director of Programs Pay: $19.95--$27.50 per hour A Welding Teacher at The Crucible is responsible for educating students in various welding techniques and safety protocols ...

The Crucible

Welding Instructor / TA

Oakland, CA · On-site

$25 - $27.50/hr

Welding Department Head, Director of Programs Pay: $19.95-$27.50 per hour A Welding Teacher at The Crucible is responsible for educating students in various welding techniques and safety protocols ...

ANDURIL INDUSTRIES

Staff Welding Engineer

Santa Ana, CA · On-site

$166K - $220K/yr

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 ...

Chipton Ross

Welding Department Foreman

Del Rey, CA · On-site

$37/hr

Plan and direct work on ship construction and repair projects * Read and interpret blueprints ... Journeyman or equivalent welding certification * Familiarity with ABS, USCG, NEC, and IEEE 45 ...

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All JobsWelding JobsDirector Welding JobsDirector Welding Jobs in California

Director Welding information

See California salary details

$14

$29

$44

How much do director welding jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average hourly pay for director welding in California is $29.40, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $23.03 and $33.70 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a director welding?

A Director of Welding is a senior management role responsible for overseeing all welding operations within an organization. This includes developing welding procedures, managing welding staff, ensuring compliance with safety and quality standards, and coordinating with other departments on large-scale projects. Directors of Welding typically have extensive experience in welding engineering, project management, and leadership. They play a key role in improving efficiency, maintaining quality control, and implementing new technologies in welding processes.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a director welding?

To thrive as a Director of Welding, you need extensive experience in welding processes, strong leadership abilities, and typically a degree in welding engineering or a related field. Familiarity with welding codes, quality assurance systems, and certifications such as Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) or Certified Welding Engineer (CWE) is often required. Excellent communication, problem-solving, and team management skills help drive project success and foster a safety-oriented culture. These competencies are crucial for ensuring high-quality work, regulatory compliance, and effective team leadership in complex welding operations.

How does a director welding typically collaborate with other departments to ensure project success?

A Director of Welding works closely with engineering, quality assurance, production, and safety teams to align welding operations with project requirements and overall organizational goals. This collaboration often involves coordinating welding schedules with production timelines, ensuring compliance with safety standards, and providing technical expertise on welding processes and materials. Effective communication and problem-solving are crucial, as the Director must balance project deadlines with quality and safety considerations. Regular meetings and cross-departmental reviews are common to address challenges and drive continuous improvement.

What is the difference between Director Welding vs Welding Supervisor?

AspectDirector WeldingWelding Supervisor
CertificationsOften requires certifications like AWS Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) or equivalentTypically holds certifications such as AWS CWI or equivalent
Work EnvironmentOversees multiple projects or departments, strategic planningSupervises daily welding operations on-site or in workshops
ResponsibilitiesSets policies, manages budgets, coordinates large teamsManages daily welding activities, ensures quality and safety
Industry UsageCommon in large manufacturing, construction, and industrial firmsFound in manufacturing plants, construction sites, and fabrication shops

The main difference between a Director Welding and a Welding Supervisor lies in scope and responsibilities. The Director focuses on strategic management and policy, while the Supervisor handles daily operations and team supervision. Both roles require welding certifications and industry experience, but the Director operates at a higher organizational level.

What are the most commonly searched types of Welding jobs in California?

The most popular types of Welding jobs in California are:

What are popular job titles related to Director Welding jobs in California?

For Director Welding jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Director Welding jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Director Welding jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Director Welding jobs?

Cities in California with the most Director Welding job openings:

Director Welding jobs near you
Infographic showing various Director Welding job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $61,149 per year, or $29.4 per hour.

Lead Welder

Westar Marine Services

San Francisco, CA • On-site

$23 - $30.25/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, PTO

Re-posted 17 days ago

Job description

We are seeking an experienced Lead Welder to direct welding and fabrication work across our fleet and shop. The Lead Welder is responsible for executing high-quality marine welds, fabricating and repairing steel and aluminum structures, and leading a small team of welders and fabricators. This is a hands-on leadership role: you will be on the tools, setting the standard for workmanship, safety, and productivity, while planning jobs and mentoring less experienced crew members.



Key Responsibilities


  • Perform structural and repair welding on vessels, barges, tugs, and shoreside equipment using SMAW, FCAW, GMAW (MIG), and GTAW (TIG) processes.
  • Fabricate, modify, and install steel and aluminum components, including hull plating, frames, brackets, piping supports, deck fittings, and railings.
  • Read and interpret blueprints, weld symbols, and fabrication drawings; lay out and prep material to spec.
  • Lead day-to-day welding operations: assign tasks, set priorities, and ensure jobs are completed on schedule and to specification.
  • Inspect welds and finished work for compliance with ABS, USCG, and company quality standards; identify and correct defects.
  • Mentor and train junior welders and fabricators; promote a culture of safety, accountability, and craftsmanship.
  • Maintain welding equipment, consumables, and the work area in safe, organized, ready-to-work condition.
  • Work in marine environments: shipyards, drydocks, on vessels afloat, and in confined spaces, often in variable weather.
  • Follow all Westar Marine Services safety procedures, USCG requirements, OSHA standards, and applicable hot-work permitting practices.


Required Qualifications


  • 5+ years of professional welding and fabrication experience, with significant time in a marine, shipyard, or offshore environment.
  • ABS (American Bureau of Shipping) welder certification.
  • Proficiency in multiple welding processes: SMAW (stick), FCAW (flux core), GMAW (MIG), and GTAW (TIG).
  • Demonstrated ability to weld and fabricate in both steel and aluminum.
  • Strong blueprint reading and layout skills.
  • Prior experience leading or supervising a small welding/fabrication crew.
  • Comfortable working at heights, in confined spaces, and on the water.
  • Physically able to lift 50+ lbs, stand for extended periods, and work in all weather conditions.
  • Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation to Bay Area job sites.
  • Eligible to work in the United States.


Preferred Qualifications


  • Additional certifications such as AWS (American Welding Society) D1.1 (steel) and/or D1.2 (aluminum).
  • Experience working to USCG and ABS repair standards on commercial vessels.
  • TWIC (Transportation Worker Identification Credential).
  • OSHA 10 or OSHA 30 certification.
  • Experience with pipe welding and shipboard piping system repairs.


What We Offer


  • Competitive hourly pay of $, based on experience and certifications.
  • Full-time, year-round work with a stable, established Bay Area marine operator.
  • Health, dental, and vision benefits.
  • Paid time off and holidays.
  • Opportunity to lead and grow a skilled fabrication team.
  • Varied, hands-on work across a diverse fleet — no two days are the same.