Federal Welding Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

We are seeking a Welding Engineer to support the development of Hadrian’s next-generation automated factory systems for mission-critical aerospace and defense components. You will work alongside a highly driven team of design, automation, and manufacturing engineers to bring welded assemblies from concept through full-rate production.

This is a hands‑on, factory‑integrated role requiring strong technical depth in materials and welding processes, as well as comfort operating in high‑pace manufacturing environments.

• Develop, qualify, and optimize welding processes including, but not limited to laser beam welding, gas tungsten arc welding (GTAW), orbital tube welding, resistance welding, gas metal arc welding (GMAW), friction stir welding, or plasma arc welding

• Work with welding of high strength steel, stainless steel, aluminum, titanium, and other high‑performance alloys

• Collaborate closely with design, tooling, automation, and manufacturing engineers to implement new parts and welding technologies into production

• Partner with NDE personnel to evaluate weld quality on development and production hardware, and support the implementation of advanced inspection techniques

• Support production scale‑up by creating detailed welding work instructions, defining equipment maintenance plans, and authoring Welding Procedure Specifications (WPS) and Procedure Qualification Records (PQR)

• Ensure compliance with applicable aerospace, defense, and maritime welding standards

• Bachelor’s degree in Welding Engineering, Materials Science, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field (equivalent experience considered)

• 2+ years of experience in welding engineering or weld process development

• Fundamental understanding of: Laser beam welding, gas tungsten arc welding, orbital tube welding, resistance welding, gas metal arc welding, friction stir welding, or plasma arc welding

• High‑strength steel, stainless steel, nickel‑based alloys, titanium, and aluminum alloys

• Self‑motivated with strong attention to detail

• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities and clearly communicate status and results across a broad range of internal and external stakeholders

• Experience in aerospace, defense, shipbuilding, or offshore manufacturing

• Familiarity with standards such as: AWS (e.g., D1.1, D1.2, D17.1), ASME Section IX, MIL‑STD welding requirements, ABS, NAVSEA, DNV, or other maritime classification standards

• Experience with robotic or automated welding systems

• Exposure to NDT processes and inspection program development

• Experience qualifying and managing external weld suppliers

• Background in high‑mix, low‑volume or advanced manufacturing environments

For this role, the target salary range is $120,000-$250,000 (actual range may vary based on experience).

This is the lowest to highest salary we reasonably and in good faith believe we would pay for this role at the time of this posting. We may ultimately pay more or less than the posted range, and the range may be modified in the future. An employee's pay position within the salary range will be based on several factors, including, but not limited to, relevant education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, geographic location, performance, and business or organizational needs.

• Medical, dental, vision, and life insurance plans for employees

• 401k

• Relocation support may be provided for certain situations, based on business need.

• Flexible vacation policy

• Equity

To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) you must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Learn more about the ITAR here.

It is the Company’s policy to provide equal employment opportunity for all applicants and employees. The Company does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of race inclusive of traits historically associated with race (including, but not limited to, hair texture and protective hairstyles, such as braids, locks and twists), color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), gender identity, gender expression, transgender status, national origin (including, in California, possession of a drivers license), ancestry, citizenship, age, physical or mental disability, height or weight, medical condition, family care status, military or veteran status, marital status, domestic partner status, sexual orientation, genetic information, exercise of reproductive rights, any other basis protected by local, state, or federal laws, or any combination of the above characteristics. When necessary, the Company also makes reasonable accommodations for disabled candidates and employees, including for candidates or employees who are disabled by pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions.