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Nuclear Welder Jobs in Riverside, CA (NOW HIRING)

Anduril Industries

Pipe Fitter/Welder

Santa Ana, CA

$26 - $32/hr

NAVSEA or nuclear welding certifications (current or prior) * Experience with SUBSAFE, Level I, or SOC-controlled piping systems * Military shipbuilding, submarine construction, or naval shipyard ...

ANDURIL INDUSTRIES

Pipe Fitter/Welder

Santa Ana, CA

$90K/yr

NAVSEA or nuclear welding certifications (current or prior) * Experience with SUBSAFE, Level I, or SOC-controlled piping systems * Military shipbuilding, submarine construction, or naval shipyard ...

Anduril Industries

Pipe Fitter/Welder

Santa Ana, CA · On-site

$68K - $90K/yr

NAVSEA or nuclear welding certifications (current or prior) * Experience with SUBSAFE, Level I, or SOC-controlled piping systems * Military shipbuilding, submarine construction, or naval shipyard ...

Curtiss-Wright

Welder-Brea,California

Irvine, CA

$22.64 - $34/hr

As a Welder you will be performing welding operations to fabricate equipment used in the nuclear power industry. Note that this is a hybrid manufacturing role and you will also perform duties ...

TERRACON

Materials Special Inspector

Colton, CA · On-site

Certified in radiation safety and Nuclear Density Gauge operation. Steel * American Welding Society (AWS) Certified Welding Inspector (CWI), or * Structural Steel and/or nondestructive testing ...

TERRACON

Materials Special Inspector

Colton, CA · On-site

$24.50 - $35.50/hr

Certified in radiation safety and Nuclear Density Gauge operation. Steel * American Welding Society (AWS) Certified Welding Inspector (CWI), or * Structural Steel and/or nondestructive testing ...

Union Pacific

Mechanic Diesel Engines

Colton, CA

$41.07/hr

Demonstrates experience as a mechanic in diverse fields such as military, aviation, nuclear, or marine. * Proficient in welding or possesses a welding certificate, acquired through professional ...

Allied Mechanical

Quality Inspector 1 Shift

Ontario, CA · On-site

... energy, nuclear, military, oil refinery, turbine compressor, semiconductor and data storage. We ... welding and assembly solutions through a world class team. Allied Mechanical offers a competitive ...

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All JobsNuclear Welder JobsNuclear Welder Jobs in Riverside, CA

Nuclear Welder information

See Riverside, CA salary details

$11

$24

$32

How much do nuclear welder jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average hourly pay for nuclear welder in Riverside, CA is $24.61, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $21.30 and $27.84 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some unique challenges a nuclear welder faces compared to welders in other industries?

Nuclear Welders work under strict safety protocols and quality standards due to the sensitive nature of nuclear facilities. They often need to pass rigorous background checks and frequent certifications, and must be comfortable working in controlled or confined environments. Attention to detail is critical, as welds are regularly inspected and tested for structural integrity to prevent safety hazards. Additionally, collaboration with engineers and inspectors is common to ensure all work complies with regulatory requirements.

What is a nuclear welder?

Nuclear welders are specialized professionals who perform welding tasks on components used in nuclear power plants, submarines, and other facilities where nuclear materials are present. Their work requires exceptional precision, attention to safety protocols, and knowledge of stringent industry standards due to the critical nature of the structures they help build or maintain. Nuclear welders must often obtain special certifications and adhere to rigorous inspection and documentation processes. Their role is vital for ensuring the integrity and safety of nuclear systems.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a nuclear welder, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Nuclear Welder, you need advanced welding skills, an understanding of nuclear safety protocols, and certifications such as ASME or AWS, often supported by completion of an apprenticeship or technical training. Proficiency with specialized welding equipment, NDT (Non-Destructive Testing) methods, and adherence to strict quality control systems is typically required. Attention to detail, steady hands, and the ability to remain calm under pressure are crucial soft skills in this role. These competencies are vital for ensuring the structural integrity and safety of nuclear facilities, where precision and compliance are critical.

What does a nuclear welder do?

As a nuclear welder, your job is to weld pipes and equipment in places with nuclear components, though those components may not be present when you do your part of the job. In this role, you may perform maintenance on nuclear equipment, use tools to test connections throughout a plant or facility, or help repair damaged components. Nuclear welders often have access to diagrams and other information that explains the layout of nuclear components, and due to the high level of secrecy required, you may only work under supervision in some areas. Most nuclear welder jobs occur at either power plants or in shipyards, where you work on nuclear-powered naval vessels. This job occasionally requires welding underwater.

How do you get into nuclear welding?

To become a nuclear welder, you typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, followed by specialized training in welding techniques and safety. Most nuclear welders obtain certifications such as the ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code and gain experience through apprenticeships or technical programs before working in nuclear facilities.

What is the difference between Nuclear Welder vs Pipe Welder?

AspectNuclear WelderPipe Welder
CertificationsASME Section IX, AWS certifications, nuclear-specific trainingAWS certifications, often ASME standards for pressure piping
Work EnvironmentNuclear power plants, nuclear facilities with strict safety protocolsIndustrial plants, oil and gas facilities, construction sites
Industry UsagePrimarily in nuclear energy and research facilitiesOil & gas, petrochemical, construction industries

While both Nuclear Welders and Pipe Welders require AWS certifications and have overlapping skills, Nuclear Welders specialize in working within nuclear facilities with strict safety and quality standards. Pipe Welders focus on pressure piping in various industrial settings. The key difference lies in the work environment and specific safety requirements.

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The top searched job categories for Nuclear Welder jobs in Riverside, CA are:

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Cities near Riverside, CA with the most Nuclear Welder job openings:

Nuclear Welder jobs near you
Infographic showing various Nuclear Welder job openings in Riverside, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 71% Full Time, and 29% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $51,198 per year, or $24.6 per hour.

Pipe Fitter/Welder

Anduril Industries

Santa Ana, CA

$26 - $32/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 24 days ago

Anduril rating

9.1

Company rating: 9.1 out of 10

Anduril

Based on 17 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

7.4

Company rating compared to similar companies: 7.4 out of 10

Manufacturers average

Based on 75,501 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

Pipe Fitter / Welder

About the Role

As a Pipe Fitter / Welder, you'll fabricate, fit, and install the piping systems that carry liquids and gases throughout maritime structures at pressures ranging from vacuum to thousands of PSI. There's no room for shortcuts, and no tolerance for "close enough." You'll read drawings, cut and bend pipe, fit joints to tight tolerances, and weld or braze them as required. The systems you build will operate submerged, under pressure, for decades.

What You'll Do
Pipe Fitting

  • Interpret engineering drawings, isometrics, P&IDs, and weld procedure specifications to fabricate and install piping systems
  • Measure, cut, bevel, bend, and fit pipe and tubing, from small-bore instrument tubing to large-diameter piping
  • Fit-up welded joints, silver-brazed joints, and mechanically fastened connections to tight tolerances
  • Work across systems including hydraulic, lube oil, high- and low-pressure air, seawater, chilled water, potable water, and steam
  • Install hangers, supports, and penetration pieces per drawing and spec
  • Perform hydrostatic, flood, and pneumatic testing and build test boundaries, monitor gauges, and identify leaks

Welding

  • Perform NAVSEA-qualified welds on pipe and tube in all positions (1G-6G) using GTAW (TIG), SMAW (stick), or GMAW (MIG) processes as required
  • Weld carbon steel, stainless steel, copper-nickel, and other alloys per applicable weld procedures
  • Maintain weld certifications and pass re-qualification testing on schedule
  • Perform silver brazing on piping joints per applicable procedures
  • Prep joints (cleaning, purging, fit-up) to ensure radiographic- and ultrasonic-quality welds

Quality & Compliance

  • Groom completed systems and prepare for company, customer, and government inspections
  • Document all work: weld maps, joint logs, NDE records, material traceability
  • Identify and disposition non-conformances through proper channels
  • Maintain compliance with NAVSEA, SUBSAFE, Level I, and SOC requirements as applicable

Required Qualifications

  • High school diploma or GED
  • 5+ years of pipefitting, welding, or related mechanical trade experience
  • Ability to read and interpret blueprints, isometrics, P&IDs, and weld procedure specifications
  • Proficiency in GTAW (TIG) welding on pipe in multiple positions
  • Experience with fit-up to tight tolerances on welded and brazed joints
  • Ability to pass weld qualification testing to applicable certifications
  • Willing to work any shift, overtime, and in all shop/field environments
  • U.S. Person status (ITAR requirement)

Preferred Qualifications

  • NAVSEA or nuclear welding certifications (current or prior)
  • Experience with SUBSAFE, Level I, or SOC-controlled piping systems
  • Military shipbuilding, submarine construction, or naval shipyard experience
  • Completion of apprenticeship, vocational program, or UA journeyman pipefitter certification
  • Familiarity with MIL-STD-1688, NAVSEA Technical Publications, or AWS D1.1/D1.6
  • Experience welding copper-nickel (CuNi), Monel, and other naval alloys
  • Brazing certifications (AWS C3.4 or equivalent)
  • Ability to obtain and maintain nuclear qualifications
  • Active DoD security clearance (Secret or above)

Physical Requirements

  • Lift up to 50 lbs regularly and 75 lbs occasionally
  • Climb, crawl, kneel, stoop, and work in confined and restricted spaces for extended periods
  • Work in environments with variable temperatures, fumes, noise, and wet/oily conditions
  • Maintain color vision adequate for weld inspection and system identification
  • Stand and work in welding positions (overhead, vertical, horizontal) for full shifts

Working at Anduril

About Anduril, in their own words

From Anduril

As the world enters an era of strategic competition, Anduril delivers cutting-edge autonomy, AI, computer vision, sensor fusion, and networking technology to the warfighter in months, not years.

What Anduril employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Anduril Industries logo

About Anduril Industries

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Anduril Industries is a trailblazer in the technology industry based in Costa Mesa, CA, US. Founded in 2017 by Palmer Luckey, the creator of Oculus VR, the company focuses on developing innovative technology to equip and empower those in the defense sector. Its primary products include cutting-edge autonomous systems and AI software that assist in combating threats to national and global security. The mission of Anduril Industries is to integrate technology and defense by building transformative, scalable solutions that ensure a safer world.

Industry

Guided missile and space vehicle manufacturing

Company size

501 - 1,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Costa Mesa, CA, US

Year founded

2017

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