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Federal Welding Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

The welding engineer in this role will interface daily with design and manufacturing engineers to ... Time Off: Paid parental leave, 12 federal holidays, unlimited PTO for exempt employees, and ...

The welding engineer in this role will interface daily with design and manufacturing engineers to ... Time Off: Paid parental leave, 12 federal holidays, unlimited PTO for exempt employees, and ...

Welding Engineer Technician

Riverside, CA

$37.25 - $51.50/hr

The Welding Engineer Technician has a strong connection to the trade of welding and technology and ... Must comply with all safety and health standards established by Fronius USA, LLC and federal, state ...

Verify compliance with ASME, API, NBIC, Federal, state & Local regualtions. * Quality document ... Inspecting welds, reviewing welding procedures, and conducting visual and dimensional inspections

Welder

Vernon, CA · On-site

$30 - $42/hr

This role involves the fabrication, fitting, and welding of metal components used in pumps ... Drug and alcohol testing under federal and/or company policies. * Fitness-for-duty evaluations as ...

Welder

Corona, CA · On-site

$30 - $42/hr

This role involves the fabrication, fitting, and welding of metal components used in pumps ... Drug and alcohol testing under federal and/or company policies. * Fitness-for-duty evaluations as ...

This position is responsible for implementing and following the Welding Sales Strategy by using ... Must comply with all safety and health standards established by Fronius USA, LLC and federal, state ...

Welder

Anaheim, CA · On-site

$18 - $19/hr

... Welding school or certification preferred • Previous experience scrap metal recycling a plus • Forklift experience a plus Job Expectations Comply with all applicable federal, state, local, & SA ...

Welder

Orange, CA · On-site

$23/hr

Advanced knowledge of welding fabrication tools and techniques. * Knowledge of federal, state, and local job site health and safety rules, regulations and best practices; understanding of potential ...

Welder

Perris, CA · On-site

$26 - $28/hr

Welding and fabrication principles and practices. * Tools, equipment and systems used in the practice of welding and fabrication. * Federal, state and local job site health and safety rules ...

Welder

Perris, CA · On-site

$26 - $28/hr

Welding and fabrication principles and practices. * Tools, equipment and systems used in the practice of welding and fabrication. * Federal, state and local job site health and safety rules ...

Welder - Manufacturing

Jamul, CA · On-site

$35.36 - $38.71/hr

Qualification Standards Three years experience in welding, knowledge of welding procedures, and ... To learn more about applicant rights under federal law, click here: Know Your Rights: Workplace ...

Welder - Manufacturing

San Diego, CA · On-site

$35.36 - $38.71/hr

Qualification Standards Three years experience in welding, knowledge of welding procedures, and ... To learn more about applicant rights under federal law, click here: Know Your Rights: Workplace ...

Welder - Manufacturing

San Diego, CA · On-site

$35.36 - $38.71/hr

Qualification Standards Three years experience in welding, knowledge of welding procedures, and ... To learn more about applicant rights under federal law, click here: Know Your Rights: Workplace ...

Welder - Manufacturing

Chula Vista, CA · On-site

$35.36 - $38.71/hr

Qualification Standards Three years experience in welding, knowledge of welding procedures, and ... To learn more about applicant rights under federal law, click here: Know Your Rights: Workplace ...

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Showing results 1-20

Federal Welding information

See California salary details

$14

$29

$44

How much do federal welding jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for federal 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 federal welder?

Federal welders are professionals who perform welding work on projects that are funded, regulated, or overseen by the federal government. Their duties often involve adhering to strict codes and standards, such as those set by the American Welding Society (AWS) or specific government agencies. Federal welders may work on infrastructure projects, military equipment, or government buildings, and they must often pass certification tests and security clearances. Their work is crucial for ensuring the safety and integrity of critical government assets.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a federal welder?

To thrive as a Federal Welder, you need strong skills in various welding techniques, blueprint reading, and metal fabrication, often supported by a high school diploma and specialized welding certifications like AWS or ASME. Familiarity with welding equipment, safety protocols, and government contract standards is essential, as is experience with inspection systems and quality control tools. Attention to detail, reliability, and effective communication ensure precise workmanship and adherence to strict federal specifications. These skills and qualities are vital for meeting rigorous safety, quality, and regulatory requirements in federal projects.

What are some common challenges faced by federal welders, and how can they prepare for them?

Federal welders often work on highly regulated projects that require strict adherence to government standards and safety protocols. One common challenge is maintaining certification and staying current with evolving codes, such as those set by the American Welding Society (AWS) or specific federal agencies. Additionally, federal welders may face tight project deadlines and work in diverse environments, including outdoors or on military bases. To prepare, it's important to pursue ongoing training, develop strong attention to detail, and build familiarity with government documentation and inspection processes.

What is the difference between Federal Welding vs Commercial Welding?

AspectFederal WeldingCommercial Welding
CertificationsAWS Certified Welder, federal-specific safety trainingAWS Certified Welder, industry-specific certifications
Work EnvironmentGovernment facilities, military bases, federal projectsConstruction sites, manufacturing plants, private projects
Employer & Industry UsageFederal agencies, military, government contractorsPrivate companies, construction firms, manufacturing

Federal Welding involves working on government and military projects with specific safety and certification requirements, often in secure or specialized environments. Commercial Welding is more focused on private sector projects like construction and manufacturing, with certifications aligned to industry standards. Both roles require welding skills and certifications, but the work settings and project types differ significantly.

How much does a federal welder make?

Federal welders typically earn between $50,000 and $80,000 annually, depending on experience, certifications, and location. They often work in government facilities or military settings, requiring specialized skills and security clearances.

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

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

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

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

What cities in California are hiring for Federal Welding jobs?

Cities in California with the most Federal Welding job openings:

Infographic showing various Federal Welding job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $61,149 per year, or $29.4 per hour.

Senior Welding Engineer

Hermeus

Los Angeles, CA

$140K - $200K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 7 days ago


Job description

Hermeus is a venture-backed defense aviation company reclaiming the lost art of rapid iterative prototyping to build the fastest aircraft in the world today. By prioritizing relentless hardware iteration, we deliver high-speed systems at the pace of the modern battlefield. We work with the Department of War to provide the high-speed capabilities our nation and its allies need to maintain a durable, asymmetric advantage.

About The Role: 
We are open to Senior or Principal leveling for this role. This position will support manufacturing and development of Hermeus vehicles and will help stand up welding processes, develop, qualify, and optimize welding designs and processes including but not limited to laser beam welding, gas tungsten arc welding, resistance welding, gas metal arc welding, and plasma arc welding. The welding engineer in this role will interface daily with design and manufacturing engineers to make welding judgment calls and improvements and will enforce standardized practices and procedures on multiple welded assemblies. 
Responsibilities:
  • Support weld shop development to support full scale welded assemblies 
  • Develop, optimize, and qualify weld processes and parameters for multiple welding processes including but not limited to laser beam welding, gas tungsten arc welding, resistance welding, gas metal arc welding, and plasma arc welding 
  • Support design, manufacturing, and materials engineering with root cause analysis 
  • Work closely with design, tooling, automation, and development engineers to improve welded designs for manufacturing 
  • Set up welding qualification test campaigns and interpret mechanical testing and NDE results 
  • Support manufacturing engineers and welders on correct techniques in a fast paced manufacturing environment 
  • Develop and implement improved process control where possible using test and NDE results as feedback loop 
  • Scope out new welding technologies that may be employed to improve rate/quality/efficiency 
Requirements:
  • Bachelor's degree in an engineering discipline 
  • Hands-on fabrication, manufacturing, or testing experience of welded assemblies 
Preferred Skills and Experience:
  • Master's degree in welding engineering or related technical program 
  • Hands on welding experience of stainless steel, nickel-based, titanium, copper, and aluminum alloys 
  • Experience with brazing, joining, and metallographic interpretation 
  • Fundamental understanding of welding processes including, but not limited to laser beam, plasma arc, gas tungsten arc, and gas metal arc 
  • Tooling design experience for welded assemblies to reduce part distortion and improve part consistency 
  • Understanding of weld strength testing methodologies, standards, and data acquisition systems used to make informed welding decisions (ASTM E8, E399, E740, ISO 15653, AWS D17.X, AWS C7.X, thermos-couples, strain gages, etc.) 
  • Experience with root cause analysis and corrective actions including, but not limited to, optical and SEM fractography/metallography, hardness, chemical analysis, and mechanical testing 
  • Self-motivated engineer with keen attention to detail 
Physical Requirements:
  • Must be willing to work long hours and weekends as needed to support and maintain build schedules 
  • Ability to perform job duties that require standing, kneeling, crouching, twisting upper body, working in cramped positions in small openings and climbing hand over hand 
  • Strong ability to multi-task and communicate status and results with broad spectrum of internal and external departments  
$140,000 - $200,000 a year

The salary range listed for this role is intended as a general guideline. Final compensation will be determined based on a variety of factors, including role scope and responsibilities, relevant experience, education and training, key skills, market data, and business needs.

At Hermeus, compensation is only one part of our total rewards package. We offer competitive pay, equity, and a range of benefits designed to support our team.

Benefits:
  • Health & Wellness: 100% employer-paid healthcare and pet insurance
  • Financial: Competitive pay, stock options, 401(k) retirement plan, and potential year-end bonuses
  • Time Off: Paid parental leave, 12 federal holidays, unlimited PTO for exempt employees, and generous accrued PTO for non-exempt employees
  • Office Perks: Weekly paid office lunches and fully stocked breakrooms
 
U.S. EXPORT CONTROL COMPLIANCE STATUS 
The person hired will have access to information and items subject to U.S. export controls, and therefore, must either be a "U.S. person" as defined by22 C.F.R. 120.62or otherwise eligible for deemed export licensing. US persons include U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals, lawful permanent residents (green card holders), and asylees and refugees with such status granted, not pending. 
 
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY
Hermeus is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions at Hermeus are based solely on merit, competence, and qualifications, without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability, or any other legally protected status.
 
We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.
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