Lead Welding Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Build the Path Forward

At Path Robotics, we're building the future of embodied intelligence. Our AI-driven systems enable robots to adapt, learn, and perform in the real world-closing the skilled labor gap and transforming industries. We go beyond traditional methods, combining perception, reasoning, and control to deliver field-ready AI that is risk-aware, reliable, and continuously improving through real-world use.

Big, hard problems are our everyday work, and our team of intelligent, humble, and driven people makes the impossible possible together.

The Role

We are looking for a Welding Engineer (NAVSEA Specialist) to join our team. In this specialized role, you will work side-by-side with a team of welding engineers and robotics experts to advance an autonomous robotic welding system capable of automatically generating custom motion plans and weld parameters.

You will lead welding engineering operations, process qualifications, and structural integrity assessments for our naval defense applications. Serving as a crucial technical bridge, you will ensure our cutting-edge AI systems operate in full compliance with strict naval defense and marine fabrication codes.

What You'll Do

NAVSEA & Defense Specialization

• NAVSEA Technical Liaison: Interpret, implement, and deploy NAVSEA Technical Publications S9074-AQ-GIB-010/248 and S9074-AR-GIB-010/278.

• Code Compliance & Auditing: Review engineering design packages to ensure flawless adherence to MIL-STD-1689, MIL-STD-22D, and AWS D1.1/D1.2.

• Procedure Optimization: Draft, review, and formally approve Welding Procedure Specifications (WPS) and Procedure Qualification Records (PQR).

• Defect & Failure Analysis: Perform root-cause analysis for welding failures, reviewing non-destructive testing (NDT) data (RT, UT, MT, PT) to engineer corrective actions.

• Vendor & Supply Chain Audits: Conduct remote or targeted on-site technical evaluations of fabrication vendors to verify NAVSEA program compliance.

Robotic Systems & Autonomous Development

• Run weld parameter selection experiments to identify a range of welding parameters (voltage, wire speed, travel speed) that can be used for new customer applications.

• Partner with robotics engineers to develop a set of rules for moving the workpiece and robot end-effector to automate trajectory generation.

• Perform robotic welding experiments to test other systems in development, including sensors, inspection systems, path planning, welding strategies, and new hardware.

• Work with our hardware team to fabricate test coupons for application feasibility testing and other in-house experiments.

• Operate a state-of-the-art, AI-powered robotic welding cell.

• Manually weld coupons and other test parts when needed.

• Use powered shop tools to cut and etch weld samples.

Travel & Mobility

• 30%-50% Travel Required: Travel to shipyards, client sites, and the Path Robotics home office in Columbus, OH, interfacing and working directly with customers.

Who You Are

• Education: Bachelor's degree in Welding Engineering, Metallurgical/Materials Engineering, or a related core STEM discipline.

• Experience:

  • 5+ years of welding engineering experience directly within defense maritime contracting, naval shipyards, or heavy marine fabrication.

  • 3+ years of experience developing robotic welding procedures in an industrial environment.

• NAVSEA Expertise: Strong technical experience managing NAVSEA standard items, ship-spec manuals, and military standards.

• Certifications: AWS Certified Welding Engineer (CWEng) or Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) preferred.

• Security Clearance: U.S. Citizenship required; candidate must possess or be eligible to obtain a Department of Defense (DoD) Secret Security Clearance.

• Location & Mobility: Must be currently based in the Greater Los Angeles region or fully willing to relocate to the area utilizing the corporate relocation program.

• Technical Skills:

  • Background in fusion-based weld parameter development for shipbuilding steel and aluminum alloys.

  • Proficient with manual welding processes, with an emphasis on GMAW and FCAW.

  • Experience working with industrial robotics for welding.

  • Understanding of weld symbology and print interpretation.

  • Experience with Design of Experiments (DoE) principles.

• Soft Skills: Passionate about what you do and enjoy working in a collaborative environment.

Why You'll Love Working Here

• Full Healthcare: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage.

• Comprehensive Relocation Bonus Package: Support for your move to the Greater Los Angeles area.

• Daily Free Lunch: Keep fueled and connected with the team (when on-site at the Columbus home office).

• Flexible PTO: Take the time you need, when you need it.

• Paid Parental Leave: 6 weeks fully paid parental leave, plus an additional 6-8 weeks for birthing parents (12-14 weeks total).

• 401(k) Retirement Plan: Offered through Empower.

• Generous Employee Referral Bonuses: Help us grow our team!

Who We Are

At Path Robotics, we love coming to work to solve interesting and tough challenges, but also because our ideas are welcomed and valued. We encourage unique thinking and are dedicated to creating a diverse and inclusive environment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.

If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate in the application process or any part of the hiring process, please contact HR@path-robotics.com. We are committed to providing equal access and will work with qualified individuals to ensure a fair and accessible hiring experience. We will respond to your request within 48 hours.