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Friction Stir Welding Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Welding Engineer (All Levels)

Redondo Beach, CA · On-site

$37.75 - $52.25/hr

As a Weld Engineer at Impulse you will help develop, qualify and optimize welding designs and processes with both laser beam, gas tungsten arc welding, friction stir welding, and orbital tube welding.

Welding Engineer

Redondo Beach, CA · On-site

$100 - $135/hr

Redondo Beach Description As a Weld Engineer at Impulse you will help develop, qualify and optimize welding designs and processes with both laser beam, gas tungsten arc welding, friction stir welding ...

Weld Engineer 1

Decatur, AL · On-site

$32 - $44/hr

Experience training and certifying technicians in friction stir welding (FSW), resistance spot welding (RSW), gas tungsten arc welding (GTAW), orbital tube welding (OTW), and laser welding.

Weld Engineer 1

Decatur, AL · On-site

$32 - $44/hr

Experience training and certifying technicians in friction stir welding (FSW), resistance spot welding (RSW), gas tungsten arc welding (GTAW), orbital tube welding (OTW), and laser welding.

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Friction Stir Welding information

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How much do friction stir welding jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average hourly pay for friction stir welding in the United States is $41.61, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $34.38 and $47.36 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is friction stir welding?

A Friction Stir Welding (FSW) job involves operating specialized equipment to join metal parts using a solid-state welding process. Workers in this field set up and monitor FSW machines, ensuring proper weld quality and consistency. They may also inspect materials, adjust parameters, and perform maintenance on equipment. FSW is commonly used in industries like aerospace, automotive, and shipbuilding due to its strength and efficiency.

What skills and qualifications are needed for friction stir welding?

To excel in Friction Stir Welding, you need a solid understanding of metallurgy, welding principles, and hands-on skills in machine operation, often backed by technical training or a welding certification. Experience with CNC machines, specialized FSW equipment, and quality assurance protocols is commonly expected. Attention to detail, problem-solving, and effective teamwork are highly valued soft skills in this role. These qualities are crucial for ensuring precise welds, maintaining workplace safety, and meeting production or engineering specifications.

What are the typical daily responsibilities for someone working in friction stir welding?

Professionals in Friction Stir Welding typically spend their days setting up and operating FSW machines, preparing materials, monitoring the welding process, and performing post-weld inspections to ensure quality standards are met. They often work closely with engineers, quality control teams, and other welders to resolve technical issues and optimize welding parameters. Documentation of welding procedures and results is also a key part of the job, ensuring traceability and compliance with industry standards. This collaborative and detail-oriented environment provides opportunities to develop advanced technical skills and contribute to innovative manufacturing projects.

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Infographic showing various Friction Stir Welding job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 91% Full Time, 3% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 4% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $86,554 per year, or $41.6 per hour.

Friction Stir Welding Technician (Falcon)

SpaceX

Hawthorne, CA • On-site

$31 - $38/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 17 days ago


SpaceX rating

8.7

Company rating: 8.7 out of 10

Based on 151 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

16th of 72 rated aerospace companies


Job description

FRICTION STIR WELDING TECHNICIAN (FALCON)

RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Set up and operate large, motion-controlled machines to create friction stir welds on launch vehicles
  • Perform precision blending using hand tools to prepare metallic surfaces for welding and non-destructive evaluation
  • Perform periodic maintenance on machines with complex pneumatic, hydraulic, and mechanical systems
  • Accurately use precision measuring tools such as micrometers, calipers, and torque wrenches
  • Assist with area projects to improve safety, quality, and delivery

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

  • High school diploma or equivalency certificate
  • 1+ years of experience with machining, welding, or metal fabrication

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

  • 3+ years of industry experience in machining, welding, or metal fabrication
  • Experience in a manufacturing or production environment in the aerospace industry
  • Ability to interpret electronic work instructions, process specifications, and technical drawings
  • Ability to perform basic shop math (such as geometry and trigonometry)
  • Experience with PLC troubleshooting, HMIs, and NC programming
  • Experience with surface and sub-surface NDE methodologies (such as dye penetrant inspection or ultrasonic inspection)
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

  • Must be able to work the following shifts:
    • Monday to Friday, 5:00AM - 3:30PM
    • Friday to Monday, 4:30AM - 4:30PM
  • Must be open to work overtime and weekends as needed
  • This is a hands-on position that may require standing for up to 4 hours a day and working directly with hardware on the floor
  • Must be able to lift at least 25 lbs. unassisted
  • Must be comfortable stooping, bending, standing, climbing ladders, or working in tight spaces
  • Must be willing to work all shifts, overtime, and weekends as required 

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:    
Pay range:    
Friction Stir Welding Technician/Level 1: $23.00 - $27.00/hour    
Friction Stir Welding Technician/Level 2: $26.00 - $32.50/hour    
Friction Stir Welding Technician/Level 3: $31.00 - $38.00/hour       
Your actual level and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience.

Base salary is just one part of your total rewards package at SpaceX. You may also be eligible for long-term incentives, in the form of company stock, stock options, or long-term cash awards, as well as potential discretionary bonuses and the ability to purchase additional stock at a discount through an Employee Stock Purchase Plan. You will also receive access to comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage, access to a 401(k) retirement plan, short and long-term disability insurance, life insurance, paid parental leave, and various other discounts and perks. You may also accrue 3 weeks of paid vacation and will be eligible for 10 or more paid holidays per year.


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About SpaceX

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Industry

Aerospace product and parts manufacturing, data services, guided missile and space vehicle manufacturing and satellite telecommunications

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Hawthorne, CA, US