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Shipbuilding Welding Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Keel

Welding Engineer-Ladson, South Carolina

Ravenel, SC · On-site

$36.25 - $49.75/hr

We build ships, defense systems, aerospace components, and heavy steel structures that serve critical missions - and we do it with pride. Your Mission: The Welding Engineer III is a senior technical ...

Vigor, LLC

Welding Engineer III

Seattle, WA · On-site

$110K - $128K/yr

Must be willing to travel between Vigor Ship Repair Facilities when necessary (Portland and Seattle ... A Bachelors degree in Welding Engineering or related field. * At least six (6) years of relevant ...

Vigor Marine LLC

Welding Engineer III

Seattle, WA

$110K - $128K/yr

Must be willing to travel between Vigor Ship Repair Facilities when necessary (Portland and Seattle ... A Bachelors degree in Welding Engineering or related field. * At least six (6) years of relevant ...

Vigor, LLC

Welding Engineer III

Seattle, WA · On-site

$110K - $128K/yr

Must be willing to travel between Vigor Ship Repair Facilities when necessary (Portland and Seattle ... A Bachelors degree in Welding Engineering or related field. * At least six (6) years of relevant ...

Saronic

Weld Engineer (All Levels)

Austin, TX · On-site

$35.50 - $48.75/hr

This role develops the welding procedures, automation strategies, and technical standards that govern one of the most critical trades in shipbuilding. The Weld Engineer will work closely with ...

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Shipbuilding Welding Engineer information

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How much do shipbuilding welding engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 10, 2026, the average hourly pay for shipbuilding welding engineer in the United States is $41.61, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $34.38 and $47.36 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a shipbuilding welding engineer do?

A Shipbuilding Welding Engineer specializes in designing, planning, and overseeing welding processes used in the construction and repair of ships and marine structures. They ensure that welding methods comply with safety and quality standards, select suitable materials, and resolve technical issues during fabrication. These engineers also collaborate with other professionals to optimize welding efficiency and durability, while ensuring compliance with maritime regulations.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a shipbuilding welding engineer?

To excel as a Shipbuilding Welding Engineer, you need a solid background in welding engineering, metallurgy, and marine construction, usually supported by a degree in welding or mechanical engineering. Familiarity with CAD software, welding simulation tools, and relevant certifications such as AWS Certified Welding Engineer are typically required. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective communication skills help you collaborate with shipyard teams and ensure quality workmanship. These skills are vital to guarantee structural integrity, safety, and compliance with maritime standards in shipbuilding projects.

What are some common challenges faced by a shipbuilding welding engineer, and how can they be addressed?

Shipbuilding Welding Engineers often encounter challenges such as working with complex ship structures, managing weld quality in various environmental conditions, and ensuring compliance with stringent safety and classification standards. Addressing these issues typically involves close collaboration with design, production, and quality assurance teams, as well as staying updated on the latest welding technologies and procedures. Proactive planning, thorough inspections, and continuous training are key strategies to overcome these challenges and maintain high-quality standards throughout the construction process.

What is the difference between Shipbuilding Welding Engineer vs Shipyard Welding Supervisor?

AspectShipbuilding Welding EngineerShipyard Welding Supervisor
CredentialsWelding certifications (e.g., AWS, ASME), engineering degreeWelding certifications, supervisory training
Work EnvironmentDesign, planning, quality assurance in shipbuildingOn-site supervision, daily welding operations
Industry UsageDesign and development of welding procedures, quality controlManaging welding teams, ensuring compliance on the shop floor

The Shipbuilding Welding Engineer focuses on designing welding procedures and ensuring quality in ship construction, often working in offices or labs. In contrast, the Shipyard Welding Supervisor oversees daily welding activities on-site, managing teams and ensuring safety and standards are met. Both roles require welding certifications, but their responsibilities and work environments differ significantly.

What are popular job titles related to Shipbuilding Welding Engineer jobs?

For Shipbuilding Welding Engineer jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Shipbuilding Welding Engineer job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 92% Full Time, 3% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $86,554 per year, or $41.6 per hour.

Welding Engineer-Ladson, South Carolina

Ravenel, SC • On-site

Keel
See more jobs at Keelexternal

$36.25 - $49.75/hr

Full-time

Retirement, PTO

Posted 5 days ago

Job description

Built on Experience. Built for Skill. Built for You.
Keel was formed by bringing together three industry leaders combining generations of hands-on expertise in steel fabrication, shipbuilding, aerospace, and defense manufacturing.
That means when you join Keel, you're joining a team backed by decades of proven craftsmanship and real-world results.
We build ships, defense systems, aerospace components, and heavy steel structures that serve critical missions - and we do it with pride.
Your Mission:
The Welding Engineer III is a senior technical authority responsible for leading complex welding engineering activities from concept through production. This position establishes welding strategies, leads procedure development and qualification, resolves complex welding and fabrication challenges, advances welding automation and technology, and provides technical leadership across the organization. The Welding Engineer III serves as a subject-matter expert for welding processes, codes, materials, and production applications.
Explore the Depth of the Role:
  • Lead the development, qualification, implementation, and optimization of welding procedures from concept through production.
  • Serve as the technical authority for complex welding engineering issues and provide direction to engineering, quality, production, and operations personnel.
  • Lead and approve welding procedure development and qualification activities in accordance with applicable codes and customer requirements.
  • Establish welding strategies, processes, parameters, and production requirements for complex or high-risk applications.
  • Lead resolution of complex welding defects, quality issues, fabrication challenges, and production constraints.
  • Direct implementation of new welding technology, automation, robotics, equipment, and processes.
  • Evaluate and recommend new welding equipment, consumables, technologies, and process improvements.
  • Lead initiatives to improve weld quality, productivity, throughput, cost, and manufacturing capability.
  • Provide technical input to quoting, estimating, manufacturing planning, and new product/process development.
  • Develop and maintain welding standards, work instructions, procedures, and technical documentation.
  • Interpret customer requirements and applicable welding codes and translate them into practical manufacturing requirements.
  • Mentor Welding Engineers I and II and provide technical leadership within the welding engineering function.
  • Partner with Quality to establish appropriate inspection and NDE requirements and resolve welding-related nonconformances.
  • Support strategic planning for welding capabilities, equipment, automation, and workforce development.
  • Represent Welding Engineering in cross-functional and customer-facing technical discussions as required.
  • All other related duties as assigned.

Requirements
Mission Readiness:
  • Bachelor's degree in Welding Engineering, Welding Engineering Technology, or a related engineering discipline.
  • 7+ years of progressively responsible welding engineering or related fabrication experience preferred.
  • Extensive experience in heavy, non-automotive fabrication environments.
  • Extensive experience developing, qualifying, and implementing code-compliant welding procedures.
  • Advanced knowledge of welding processes, materials, metallurgy, and NDE methods.
  • Significant experience with robotic welding, programming, automation, and advanced welding technologies.
  • Demonstrated experience interpreting and applying welding codes, industry standards, customer specifications, and regulatory requirements.
  • Demonstrated experience leading complex welding engineering projects and technical initiatives.
  • Expert-level knowledge of FCAW, GMAW, SAW, SMAW, and GTAW processes.
  • Extensive experience welding and developing procedures for a broad range of materials, configurations, and thicknesses.
  • Expert ability to interpret and apply welding codes, specifications, drawings, blueprints, and customer requirements.
  • Advanced knowledge of weld metallurgy, weldability, preheat/interpass requirements, heat input, distortion, and weld discontinuities.
  • Advanced understanding of NDE processes and their application to welding and fabrication.
  • Advanced knowledge of robotic welding systems, programming, automation, and process optimization.
  • Ability to identify, evaluate, and implement new welding technologies and equipment.
  • Ability to provide authoritative technical direction on complex welding problems and non-conformances.
  • Ability to develop practical, cost-effective welding solutions while maintaining quality and code compliance.
  • Recognized technical expertise and sound engineering judgment.
  • Exceptional problem-solving and root-cause analysis skills.
  • Strong leadership and ability to influence cross-functional teams.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
  • Strong project-management and organizational skills.
  • Ability to manage multiple complex priorities and projects.
  • Strong attention to detail with the ability to balance technical requirements, production demands, cost, quality, and schedule.
  • Demonstrated ability to drive continuous improvement and technical innovation.

Travel Requirements:
  • Between facilities as needed

Physical Requirements:
  • May?be?required?to?stand,?walk,?sit,?reach/pull/push?with?hands?and?arms,?climb?or?balance,?stoop?or kneel regularly.?
  • May?lift?or?carry?50lbs.?Weights?exceeding?50lbs?will?require?mechanical?means?to?maneuver.?

Become a part of our Builders and you too can...
  • Uphold Safety and Quality Standards
  • Embody Team Spirit
  • Relentless Customer Focus
  • Convey Integrity, Trust, and Professionalism
  • Execute with Excellence and Velocity

What Keel will build for you:
  • Comprehensive Benefit Package
  • Competitive Pay
  • 401(k) Match
  • HSA/FSA
  • Paid Holidays
  • Paid Time Off
  • Internal Referral Bonus Opportunities
  • Shift Differentials
  • Overtime Potential
  • Paid on the Job Training
  • Certification Sponsorship Opportunities
  • Committed to Individual Career Growth
  • We Do Fun Things, Plus More!

Need Assistance?
If you require a reasonable accommodation at any stage of the employment process, please email talent@keelusa.com with details about your request and your contact information. Accommodation requests are reviewed individually on a case-by-case basis. Please note that this email address is monitored only for inquiries related to reasonable accommodation requests.
Equal Opportunity Employer / Individuals with Disabilities / Protected Veterans
What we build, builds us.

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