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Materials Joining Engineering Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Weld Engineer 1

Decatur, AL · On-site

$32 - $44/hr

Materials Joining Engineering; or related technical field from an accredited college or university. * Familiarity with weld engineering with expertise in welding aluminum alloys and stainless steel ...

Weld Engineer 1

Decatur, AL · On-site

$32 - $44/hr

Materials Joining Engineering; or related technical field from an accredited college or university. * Familiarity with weld engineering with expertise in welding aluminum alloys and stainless steel ...

R&D Engineering Manager We are seeking an innovative R&D Manager to lead the development of next ... Strong background in materials, joining technologies, product development, and innovation. Proven ...

Materials Science Intern

Lynchburg, VA · On-site

$25.05 - $31.83/hr

Work with materials engineers in support of procurement, fabrication, joining and testing of raw material commodities. Perform material characterization evaluations. Perform failure analysis and ...

Welding Engineer

Lynchburg, VA · On-site

$65K - $121K/yr

A minimum of a Bachelor's degree in Welding Engineering, Welding Engineering Technology, Materials Joining Engineering, or equivalent is required. * Must be able to demonstrate superior written, oral ...

Welding Engineer

Lynchburg, VA · On-site

$65K - $121K/yr

A minimum of a Bachelor's degree in Welding Engineering, Welding Engineering Technology, Materials Joining Engineering, or equivalent is required. * Must be able to demonstrate superior written, oral ...

Welding Engineer

Lynchburg, VA · On-site

$65K - $121K/yr

A minimum of a Bachelor's degree in Welding Engineering, Welding Engineering Technology, Materials Joining Engineering, or equivalent is required. * Must be able to demonstrate superior written, oral ...

Welding Engineer

Lynchburg, VA · On-site

$65K - $121K/yr

A minimum of a Bachelor's degree in Welding Engineering, Welding Engineering Technology, Materials Joining Engineering, or equivalent is required. * Must be able to demonstrate superior written, oral ...

Welding Engineer

Lynchburg, VA · On-site

$65K - $121K/yr

A minimum of a Bachelor's degree in Welding Engineering, Welding Engineering Technology, Materials Joining Engineering, or equivalent is required. * Must be able to demonstrate superior written, oral ...

Welding Engineer

Lynchburg, VA · On-site

$65K - $121K/yr

A minimum of a Bachelor's degree in Welding Engineering, Welding Engineering Technology, Materials Joining Engineering, or equivalent is required. * Must be able to demonstrate superior written, oral ...

Welding Engineer

Lynchburg, VA · On-site

$65K - $121K/yr

A minimum of a Bachelor's degree in Welding Engineering, Welding Engineering Technology, Materials Joining Engineering, or equivalent is required. * Must be able to demonstrate superior written, oral ...

A minimum of a Bachelor's degree in Welding Engineering, Welding Engineering Technology, Materials Joining Engineering, or equivalent is required. * Must be able to demonstrate superior written, oral ...

Welding Engineer

Lynchburg, VA · On-site

$65K - $121K/yr

A minimum of a Bachelor's degree in Welding Engineering, Welding Engineering Technology, Materials Joining Engineering, or equivalent is required. * Must be able to demonstrate superior written, oral ...

Welding Engineer

Lynchburg, VA · On-site

$65K - $121K/yr

A minimum of a Bachelor's degree in Welding Engineering, Welding Engineering Technology, Materials Joining Engineering, or equivalent is required. * Must be able to demonstrate superior written, oral ...

A minimum of a Bachelor's degree in Welding Engineering, Welding Engineering Technology, Materials Joining Engineering, or equivalent is required. * Must be able to demonstrate superior written, oral ...

Showing results 21-40

Materials Joining Engineering information

See salary details

$13

$26

$44

How much do materials joining engineering jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for materials joining engineering in the United States is $26.71, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.47 and $32.93 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is materials joining engineering?

Materials joining engineering is a specialized field that focuses on the methods and science of joining materials—such as metals, polymers, ceramics, and composites—using processes like welding, brazing, soldering, and adhesive bonding. This discipline involves understanding the properties of different materials, the mechanics of joining them, and the design and analysis of joints to ensure strength, durability, and safety. Materials joining engineers work in industries such as automotive, aerospace, construction, and manufacturing, where reliable joints are critical to product performance and safety.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a materials joining engineer?

To thrive as a Materials Joining Engineer, you need a solid background in materials science, metallurgy, and engineering principles, usually backed by a degree in engineering or a related field. Familiarity with welding processes, non-destructive testing methods, and certifications such as AWS Certified Welding Engineer are commonly required. Strong analytical thinking, problem-solving, and effective communication skills set top performers apart in this role. These skills are crucial for ensuring the integrity, safety, and performance of joined materials in critical manufacturing and construction applications.

What are some of the main challenges materials joining engineers face when working on projects with new or advanced materials?

Materials Joining Engineers often encounter challenges when working with new or advanced materials, such as ensuring compatibility between dissimilar materials, developing suitable joining methods, and maintaining the integrity of joints under specific service conditions. These challenges require ongoing research, collaboration with materials scientists and design engineers, and staying updated on the latest joining technologies. Adaptability and problem-solving skills are essential, as engineers may need to develop novel solutions or modify existing processes to meet project requirements.

What is the difference between Materials Joining Engineering vs Welding Engineering?

AspectMaterials Joining EngineeringWelding Engineering
CredentialsEngineering degree, certifications in materials and joining processesEngineering degree, welding certifications (e.g., CWE, CWI)
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, manufacturing plants, design officesFabrication shops, construction sites, manufacturing facilities
Industry UsageAutomotive, aerospace, energy, manufacturingConstruction, shipbuilding, aerospace, manufacturing
FocusDeveloping and optimizing joining methods for various materialsPerforming and overseeing welding processes and quality control

Materials Joining Engineering involves designing and improving methods to connect materials, often across industries like aerospace and automotive. Welding Engineering specifically focuses on executing and managing welding processes. While both roles require similar technical knowledge and certifications, Materials Joining Engineers have a broader scope in developing joining techniques, whereas Welding Engineers concentrate on welding operations and quality assurance.

More about Materials Joining Engineering jobs
Infographic showing various Materials Joining Engineering job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 82% Full Time, 13% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 91% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $55,567 per year, or $26.7 per hour.

Weld Engineer 1

Decatur, AL • On-site

United Launch Alliance
Guided Missile and Space Vehicle Manufacturing • 1 - 5K employees

$32 - $44/hr

Full-time

Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 8 days ago


United Launch Alliance rating

8.6

Company rating: 8.6 out of 10

Based on 7 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

 Requisition ID: 1703

Location: ULA - Decatur 

Relocation: Yes- Relocation may be available 

Travel Requirements: None/Infrequent 

At ULA, success comes through the efforts of a strong, united team.

Thanks for your interest in United Launch Alliance, the world's most experienced and reliable space launch company! Successfully launching more than 155 consecutive missions with 100% mission success doesn't happen by accident. It's a testament to the commitment and dedication of our team of rocket scientists and support employees combined with the systems and processes we use to pull them together. As a ULA employee, you'll have the opportunity to grow in your career while working in a team-oriented culture that combines technology, innovation, ingenuity and a commitment to the extraordinary. Whether you are in college just launching your career, or, have experience and want to come work with the best rocket team in the world, our unshakable unity yields stronger solutions and better results as we carry out our mission to save lives, explore the universe, and connect the world. Our team is excited to meet you!

Job Overview & Responsibilities

This position is for a Weld Engineer with responsibilities in metallic materials and processes. Assignments to include, but not limited to, the following: 

  • Analyzes, researches, designs, and develops materials and their related fabrication and application processes to develop and optimize materials for use in engineering design of and/or application in structures, systems, and subsystems specializing in the applied principles of welding.
  • Develops, analyzes, and applies material properties and design allowables, implementing engineering processes and quality engineering specifications for welding applications specific to aerospace.
  • Material analyses may include failure analysis of weld assemblies, life predictions, and definition and requirement specifications.
  • May review and approve subcontractor material processing procedures specific to welding operations.
  • Understanding complex machinery and developing weld schedules/programs for that machinery capable of reviewing weld data to determine trends and out of family welds to determine acceptable weld repairs.
  • Work closely with equipment suppliers, project manager, facilities and maintenance to assist with new equipment installation and equipment upkeep/repairs.
  • This position will require working extended hours and /or weekends along with off shifts, as necessary to support testing and production delivery activities.
  • Ability to work at elevated heights and small spaces.

Required Education

Bachelor

Required Years of Experience

None required

Basic Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in weld engineering, Weld Engineering Technology; Materials Joining Engineering; or related technical field from an accredited college or university.
  • Familiarity with weld engineering with expertise in welding aluminum alloys and stainless steel with varying thicknesses in one or more of the following areas: automated & mechanized gas tungsten arc welding, manual gas tungsten arc welding, friction stir welding, and laser welding.
  • Knowledge of military and/or aerospace industry process applications and standards as related to welding and manufacturing operations.
  • Exposure to manufacturing techniques and assemblies.
  • Knowledge of reading and interpreting blueprints. 

Preferred Qualifications

  • 2 years of experience in weld engineering with expertise in welding aluminum alloys and stainless steel with varying thicknesses in one or more of the following areas: automated & mechanized gas tungsten arc welding, manual gas tungsten arc welding, friction stir welding, and laser welding.
  • Experience with weld procedure writing and qualification, weld mechanical testing, metallurgical inspections, supporting weld tool design, and implementing weld process improvements.
  • Experience coordinating with engineering and production operations personnel to develop and communicate non-conformance repair procedures and implement related corrective actions.
  • 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.
  • Experience with recommending, developing, and implementing new concepts, principles, and products for the Weld Center, focusing on resolving issues that are of crucial importance to ULA.
  • Ability to review visual, dye penetrant, and x-ray discrepancies and disposition rework/repair instructions to resolve welding defects.

What makes ULA different?

Because we understand launch success comes through the collective efforts of a team, we seek the best to join us. We value ethics, ingenuity, engagement and professional development for employees at all levels.

We offer our employees competitive pay and benefits including:

  • 401(k) match plus an additional employer contribution
  • Discretionary annual incentive bonus for eligible employees
  • Generous paid time off
  • Flexible work environments

Additionally, most salaried ULA team members work a "9/80 schedule," meaning they enjoy every other Friday off.

Benefits and work schedules may vary for union-represented hourly positions and are described in the applicable collective bargaining agreement.

Security Clearance / International Traffic In Arms Regulations (ITAR). This position requires use of information which is subject to the International Traffic In Arms Regulations (ITAR). Therefore, all applicants must be U.S. Persons as defined in ITAR 22 CFR 120.62 (e.g., U.S. Citizen, Lawful Permanent Resident (Green Card holder) or protected individual. See 8 U.S.C. 1101(a)(20) and 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3) for additional information).

ULA is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment.

ULA is a participant in the federal E-Verify Program. Posters in PDF format pertaining to this program can be accessed by clicking on the links identified below. E-Verify Participation poster (English / Spanish) and Right to Work Poster (English / Spanish).

Colorado Equal Pay for Equal Work Act requires covered employees to follow a post selection notification process. A hired candidate may opt out of this process by notifying the hiring manager in writing at the time the offer is accepted.


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