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Friction Welder Jobs (NOW HIRING)

United Launch Alliance

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.

Impulse Space

Principal Welding Engineer

Redondo Beach, CA · On-site

$190K - $225K/yr

Description As a Principal 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 ...

United Launch Alliance

Weld Engineer 1

Decatur, AL

$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.

Impulse Space

Principal Welding Engineer

Redondo Beach, CA · On-site

$190K - $225K/yr

Develop, optimize, and qualify weld processes and parameters for multiple welding processes including but not limited to: laser beam welding, friction stir welding, gas tungsten arc welding, orbital ...

Impulse Space

Principal Welding Engineer

Redondo Beach, CA · On-site

$37.75 - $52.25/hr

As a Principal 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 ...

Impulse Space

Welding Engineer (New Grad)

Redondo Beach, CA · On-site

$100K - $135K/yr

Develop, optimize, and qualify weld processes and parameters for multiple welding processes including but not limited to: laser beam welding, friction stir welding, gas tungsten arc welding, orbital ...

Impulse Space

Welding Engineer (New Grad)

Redondo Beach, CA

$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.

Impulse Space

Welding Engineer (New Grad)

Redondo Beach, CA · On-site

$100K - $135K/yr

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, and orbital ...

Samuel EPC

Rig Welder May be on the road

Abilene, TX · On-site

$31 - $39/hr

... Friction Lighter (Striker) Leather Sleeves 15' Whip (Stinger) & Ground Connector Chipping Hammer Rod Pouch 9" Side Cutters (Klein) 9-1/2" Channel Lock Pliers 12" Adjustable ...

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Friction Welder information

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How much do friction welder jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 11, 2026, the average hourly pay for friction welder in the United States is $23.96, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.19 and $26.44 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How much do friction welders make?

Friction welders typically earn between $40,000 and $70,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and industry. Skilled welders with certifications and experience in specialized equipment can earn higher wages, especially in manufacturing or aerospace sectors.

What is the difference between Friction Welder vs Arc Welder?

AspectFriction WelderArc Welder
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; some certificationsHigh school diploma or equivalent; certifications often preferred
Work EnvironmentManufacturing plants, workshops, industrial settingsConstruction sites, manufacturing, repair shops
Industry UsageAutomotive, aerospace, appliance manufacturingConstruction, metal fabrication, maintenance

Friction welders and arc welders both work in manufacturing and industrial environments, but friction welders use heat generated by mechanical friction to join materials, while arc welders use an electric arc. Their credentials are similar, but their work processes and applications differ significantly.

What is a friction welder?

Friction welders are skilled tradespeople who operate specialized machines that join materials, usually metals, using frictional heat rather than traditional welding methods like arcs or flames. They set up, monitor, and maintain friction welding equipment to ensure strong, high-quality welds. Friction welders often work in manufacturing, automotive, and aerospace industries, where their expertise is required to create durable joins that can withstand significant stresses. They must understand safety procedures, machine settings, and the properties of the materials being joined.

What are some common challenges faced by friction welders, and how can they be addressed in the workplace?

Friction welders often encounter challenges such as maintaining precise alignment of materials and monitoring weld parameters to ensure consistent quality. These issues can be addressed by following strict safety protocols, regularly calibrating equipment, and participating in ongoing training. Collaboration with quality control teams and mechanical engineers is also essential to troubleshoot problems and improve processes. Staying up to date with advancements in welding technology can further help friction welders overcome technical challenges and enhance their performance.

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

To excel as a Friction Welder, you need a solid understanding of welding principles, metallurgy, and blueprint reading, usually backed by a vocational qualification or technical training. Familiarity with friction welding machines, measurement tools, and quality control systems is essential. Attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and strong communication skills help ensure safety and precision in the workplace. These competencies are crucial for producing high-quality welds, maintaining equipment, and meeting strict industry standards.
More about Friction Welder jobs
What job categories do people searching Friction Welder jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Friction Welder jobs are:
Friction Welder jobs near you
Infographic showing various Friction Welder job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 91% Full Time, 2% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 4% Nights. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $49,837 per year, or $24 per hour.

Friction Stir Welding Technician I, Second Shift

Relativity Space

Long Beach, CA • On-site

$22.80 - $34.20/hr

Full-time, Part-time, Other

Re-posted 2 days ago

Relativity Space rating

9.7

Company rating: 9.7 out of 10

Based on 8 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

2nd of 72 rated aerospace companies

Job description

At Relativity Space, we're building rockets to serve today's needs and tomorrow's breakthroughs. Our Terran R vehicle will deliver customer payloads to orbit, meeting the growing demand for launch capacity. But that's just the start. Achieving commercial success with Terran R will unlock new opportunities to advance science, exploration, and innovation, pioneering progress that reaches beyond the known.

Joining Relativity means becoming part of something where autonomy, ownership, and impact exist at every level. Here, you're not just executing tasks; you're solving problems that haven't been solved before, helping develop a rocket, a factory, and a business from the ground up. Whether you're in propulsion, manufacturing, software, avionics, or a corporate function, you'll collaborate across teams, shape decisions, and see your work come to life in record time. Relativity is a place where creativity and technical rigor go hand in hand, and your voice will help define the stories we're writing together. Now is a unique moment in time where it's early enough to leave your mark on the product, the process, and the culture, but far enough along that Terran R is tangible and picking up momentum. The most meaningful work of your career is waiting. Join us.

About the Team:

The Stage Manufacturing team turns design into reality, owning the build of Terran R's primary structures. This isn't about turning the same bolt every day; it's about building the systems to build the rocket. Engineers and technicians work side by side, with deep collaboration and real-time feedback, to shape how we build better and faster. With a manifest and a launch date, it's up to the team to deliver on Terran R: solving challenges in real time, optimizing for scale, and constantly improving processes. As the vehicle evolves, so will the factory, with opportunities to apply automation, machine learning, and advanced technologies. What we build here sets the blueprint for the future of scaled launch.

This is a second-shift position with a standard schedule of Monday through Friday, 3:00 p.m. to 1:30 a.m. PT. The role is structured around a 50-hour workweek, including 10 guaranteed overtime hours each week. In addition to base pay, employees receive a 10% shift differential.

About the Role:

  • Assisting in FSW operations which will include running the equipment, prepping welds for welding, and post weld blending
  • Responsible for completing standard lift operations or assisting in critical lift operation
  • Perform precision blending/deburring using a combination of standard power tools or hand tools
  • Perform in process inspections using hand tools such as micrometers, calipers, and pi tape
  • Uphold high Relativity Space standards regarding safety and shop cleanliness
  • Foster and inclusive environment for all members of the team

About You:

  • Experience with material joining processes (friction stir welding, arc welding, soldering, brazing, etc)  
  • Experience with metal fabrication techniques (forming, bending, etc)
  • Proficient in the use of common hand tools and inspection tools
  • Proficient in the use of Microsoft Office or other team communication tools such as Slack (or equivalent)

Nice to haves but not required:

  • Experience with rigging and crane operations
  • Experience with machining equipment (mill, lathe, etc)
  • Experience with running CNC equipment or robotics
  • Familiarity with NDT operations
Benefits:
  • 100% health care coverage on your first day
  • Quarterly wellness stipend to use on health and wellness
  • Partnership with Modern Health with access to 8 therapy & coaching sessions and mental health resources
  • Discounts on gym memberships, travel and entertainment through PerkSpot
  • Unlimited onsite snacks
  • Free lunch on Mondays and Fridays
  • Annual learning and development stipend
  • PPE Stipend
  • Pet Insurance through Fetch
  • Company Paid Life Insurance, Short Term Disability, and Long Term Disability
  • Up to 12 weeks salary continuation for paid pregnancy disability leave
  • 8 Weeks company paid parental leave
  • Access to One Medical

At Relativity Space, we are committed to transparency and fairness in our compensation practices. Actual compensation will be determined based on experience, qualifications, and other job-related factors.
Compensation is only one part of our total rewards package. Relativity Space offers competitive salary and equity, a generous PTO and sick leave policy, parental leave, an annual learning and development stipend, and more! To see some of the benefits & perks we offer, please visit here.

Hiring Range:
$22.80—$34.20 USD

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.

If you need a reasonable accommodation, please contact us at accommodations@relativityspace.com.

Please note: Relativity Space does not accept unsolicited resumes, candidate profiles, or referrals from recruitment agencies or search firms. Any unsolicited submission - via email, our website, social media, or directly to an employee - will be deemed the property of Relativity Space, and no fee will be owed absent a current, fully executed agreement with Talent Acquisition that specifically authorizes submissions for the applicable role.

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