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Lead Welding Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Westar Marine Services

Lead Welder

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$23 - $30.25/hr

Perform structural and repair welding on vessels, barges, tugs, and shoreside equipment using SMAW, FCAW, GMAW (MIG), and GTAW (TIG) processes. * Fabricate, modify, and install steel and aluminum ...

Westar Marine Services

Lead Welder

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$23 - $30.25/hr

Perform structural and repair welding on vessels, barges, tugs, and shoreside equipment using SMAW, FCAW, GMAW (MIG), and GTAW (TIG) processes. * Fabricate, modify, and install steel and aluminum ...

Aerotek

Lead Welder

Santa Ana, CA

$60/hr

Lead and provide daily hands-on support to the welding and fabrication team to ensure production goals and quality standards are met. * Orient new team members, assist with assigning and reassigning ...

LEAD Staffing

Structural Welder

National City, CA

$22 - $29/hr

This Welding job will be working on Naval Bases & Shipyards from 6:00am to 2:30pm and overtime as ... LEAD is proud to be an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer. LEAD is committed to ...

LEAD Staffing

Pipe Welder

National City, CA

$26.75 - $32.75/hr

Pipe Welders (San Diego, CA) Lead Marine San Diego, CA, USA Full Time Open to all shifts :1st Shift (6:00am-2:30pm), 2nd Shift (3:00pm-11:30pm) Lead Marine has immediate openings for Journeymen Pipe ...

Lead Staffing

Pipe Welder

National City, CA

$26.75 - $32.75/hr

Pipe Welders (San Diego, CA) Lead Marine San Diego, CA, USA Full Time Open to all shifts :1st Shift (6:00am-2:30pm), 2nd Shift (3:00pm-11:30pm) Lead Marine has immediate openings for Journeymen Pipe ...

LEAD Staffing

Structural Welder

National City, CA · On-site

$22 - $29/hr

This Welding job will be working on Naval Bases & Shipyards from 6:00am to 2:30pm and overtime as ... LEAD is proud to be an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer. LEAD is committed to ...

Lead Staffing

Structural Welder

National City, CA

$22 - $29/hr

Structural Welders (San Diego, CA) Lead Marine San Diego, CA, USA Full Time Open to all shifts :1st Shift (6:00am-2:30pm), 2nd Shift (3:00pm-11:30pm) Lead Marine has immediate openings for Journeymen ...

Vantedge

Robotic Welding Engineer

Stockton, CA · On-site

$36.25 - $50/hr

Lead robotic weld cell startup activities, process validation, and production release. * Troubleshoot complex welding, robotic, and automation issues. * Optimize cycle times while maintaining ...

Socket.dev

Robotic Welding Engineer

Stockton, CA · On-site

$77 - $128/hr

Lead robotic weld cell startup activities, process validation, and production release. * Troubleshoot complex welding, robotic, and automation issues. * Optimize cycle times while maintaining ...

Industrious Ventures

Welding Engineer

Torrance, CA · On-site

$90 - $120/hr

Lead root-cause investigations for weld defects, distortion, cracking, leakage, and other fabrication nonconformances. * Develop repair and rework procedures and provide technical disposition of ...

Antaresindustries

Welding Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$90 - $130/hr

Lead root-cause investigations for weld defects, distortion, cracking, leakage, and other fabrication nonconformances. * Develop repair and rework procedures and provide technical disposition of ...

Antares

Welding Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$112K - $150K/yr

Lead root-cause investigations for weld defects, distortion, cracking, leakage, and other fabrication nonconformances. * Develop repair and rework procedures and provide technical disposition of ...

Lead Marine- SAN

Certified Structural Welder

Downey, CA · On-site

$22 - $28.75/hr

Perform structural SMAW (Stick) welding on conveyor systems, platforms, and structural steel ... LEAD is proud to be an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer. LEAD is committed to ...

53 Stations

Welding Engineer

Torrance, CA · On-site

$90 - $120/hr

Lead root-cause investigations for weld defects, distortion, cracking, leakage, and other fabrication nonconformances. * Develop repair and rework procedures and provide technical disposition of ...

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All JobsLead Welding JobsLead Welding Jobs in California

Lead Welding information

See California salary details

$11

$25

$44

How much do lead welding jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average hourly pay for lead welding in California is $25.06, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.03 and $27.50 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a lead welder?

Lead Welding positions refer to roles in which an experienced welder is responsible for overseeing welding projects and teams. A Lead Welder not only performs advanced welding tasks but also supervises, trains, and coordinates other welders to ensure quality, safety, and project deadlines are met. These professionals often interpret blueprints, inspect completed work, and act as a liaison between management and the welding crew. Strong leadership skills and technical expertise are essential in this role.

What skills and qualifications are needed to thrive as a lead welder?

To thrive as a Lead Welder, you need advanced welding techniques, blueprint reading, and a welding certification such as AWS (American Welding Society) credentials. Familiarity with welding equipment, safety protocols, and systems like MIG, TIG, and arc welding machines is essential. Strong leadership, attention to detail, and effective communication help manage teams and ensure quality standards are met. These skills and qualities are crucial for delivering precise work, maintaining safety, and leading a welding crew efficiently.

How does a lead welder typically coordinate with other departments on large projects?

As a Lead Welding professional, you'll frequently collaborate with engineering, quality control, and safety teams to ensure project specifications are met and work progresses smoothly. This often involves attending planning meetings, reviewing blueprints, and communicating changes or concerns between welders and other departments. Effective coordination helps prevent delays, ensures compliance with safety standards, and fosters a cohesive team environment. You'll also serve as the main point of contact for resolving technical welding issues that may impact the project timeline.

What is the difference between Lead Welding vs Welder?

AspectLead WeldingWelder
CertificationsTypically requires AWS certifications, leadership trainingRequires AWS or equivalent welding certifications
Work EnvironmentSupervises teams, oversees projects, works on-sitePerforms welding tasks directly, on-site or in workshops
Job ResponsibilitiesCoordinates welding activities, quality control, mentoringPerforms welding, repairs, and fabrication tasks
Industry UsageCommon in construction, manufacturing, shipbuildingUsed across manufacturing, construction, repair

Lead Welders oversee welding teams and ensure project quality, requiring leadership skills and certifications. Welders focus on executing welding tasks. While both roles require welding certifications, Lead Welders have additional responsibilities in supervision and project management.

What careers can lead welding to?

Lead welding can lead to careers such as welding supervisor, welding inspector, welding engineer, or quality control manager. These roles often require advanced certifications, technical knowledge, and experience in welding processes and safety standards.

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

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

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

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

Lead Welding jobs near you
Infographic showing various Lead Welding job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, 4% Part Time, and 4% Nights. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $52,125 per year, or $25.1 per hour.

Lead Welder

Westar Marine Services

San Francisco, CA • On-site

$23 - $30.25/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, PTO

Re-posted 6 days ago

Job description

We are seeking an experienced Lead Welder to direct welding and fabrication work across our fleet and shop. The Lead Welder is responsible for executing high-quality marine welds, fabricating and repairing steel and aluminum structures, and leading a small team of welders and fabricators. This is a hands-on leadership role: you will be on the tools, setting the standard for workmanship, safety, and productivity, while planning jobs and mentoring less experienced crew members.



Key Responsibilities


  • Perform structural and repair welding on vessels, barges, tugs, and shoreside equipment using SMAW, FCAW, GMAW (MIG), and GTAW (TIG) processes.
  • Fabricate, modify, and install steel and aluminum components, including hull plating, frames, brackets, piping supports, deck fittings, and railings.
  • Read and interpret blueprints, weld symbols, and fabrication drawings; lay out and prep material to spec.
  • Lead day-to-day welding operations: assign tasks, set priorities, and ensure jobs are completed on schedule and to specification.
  • Inspect welds and finished work for compliance with ABS, USCG, and company quality standards; identify and correct defects.
  • Mentor and train junior welders and fabricators; promote a culture of safety, accountability, and craftsmanship.
  • Maintain welding equipment, consumables, and the work area in safe, organized, ready-to-work condition.
  • Work in marine environments: shipyards, drydocks, on vessels afloat, and in confined spaces, often in variable weather.
  • Follow all Westar Marine Services safety procedures, USCG requirements, OSHA standards, and applicable hot-work permitting practices.


Required Qualifications


  • 5+ years of professional welding and fabrication experience, with significant time in a marine, shipyard, or offshore environment.
  • ABS (American Bureau of Shipping) welder certification.
  • Proficiency in multiple welding processes: SMAW (stick), FCAW (flux core), GMAW (MIG), and GTAW (TIG).
  • Demonstrated ability to weld and fabricate in both steel and aluminum.
  • Strong blueprint reading and layout skills.
  • Prior experience leading or supervising a small welding/fabrication crew.
  • Comfortable working at heights, in confined spaces, and on the water.
  • Physically able to lift 50+ lbs, stand for extended periods, and work in all weather conditions.
  • Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation to Bay Area job sites.
  • Eligible to work in the United States.


Preferred Qualifications


  • Additional certifications such as AWS (American Welding Society) D1.1 (steel) and/or D1.2 (aluminum).
  • Experience working to USCG and ABS repair standards on commercial vessels.
  • TWIC (Transportation Worker Identification Credential).
  • OSHA 10 or OSHA 30 certification.
  • Experience with pipe welding and shipboard piping system repairs.


What We Offer


  • Competitive hourly pay of $, based on experience and certifications.
  • Full-time, year-round work with a stable, established Bay Area marine operator.
  • Health, dental, and vision benefits.
  • Paid time off and holidays.
  • Opportunity to lead and grow a skilled fabrication team.
  • Varied, hands-on work across a diverse fleet — no two days are the same.