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Subcontractor Welding Jobs in Decatur, AL (NOW HIRING)

United Launch Alliance

Weld Engineer 2

Decatur, AL · On-site

$32 - $44/hr

May review and approve subcontractor material processing procedures specific to welding operations. * Understanding complex machinery and developing weld schedules/programs for that machinery capable ...

United Launch Alliance

Weld Engineer 1

Decatur, AL · On-site

$32 - $44/hr

May review and approve subcontractor material processing procedures specific to welding operations. * Understanding complex machinery and developing weld schedules/programs for that machinery capable ...

United Launch Alliance

Weld Engineer 2

Decatur, AL · On-site

$32 - $44/hr

May review and approve subcontractor material processing procedures specific to welding operations. * Understanding complex machinery and developing weld schedules/programs for that machinery capable ...

United Launch Alliance

Weld Engineer 1

Decatur, AL

$32 - $44/hr

May review and approve subcontractor material processing procedures specific to welding operations. * Understanding complex machinery and developing weld schedules/programs for that machinery capable ...

C&W Services

Maintenance Technician

Huntsville, AL

... welding; and fabrication of equipment and parts. Work assignments are received orally and in ... Provide project supervision of subcontractors. * Assist in the recording and updating of project ...

C&W Services

Maintenance Technician

Huntsville, AL

... welding; and fabrication of equipment and parts. Work assignments are received orally and in ... Provide project supervision of subcontractors. * Assist in the recording and updating of project ...

All JobsSubcontractor Welding JobsSubcontractor Welding Jobs in Decatur, AL

Subcontractor Welding information

See Decatur, AL salary details

$13

$27

$42

How much do subcontractor welding jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for subcontractor welding in Decatur, AL is $27.93, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $21.88 and $32.02 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How to become a subcontractor welder?

To become a subcontractor welder, you typically need to have a high school diploma or equivalent, complete welding training or an apprenticeship, and obtain relevant certifications such as AWS or ASME. Experience in welding techniques, safety knowledge, and the ability to work independently are essential, along with establishing a business license and insurance if working as an independent contractor.

What are some common challenges subcontractor welders face when working on-site with general contractors?

Subcontractor welders often encounter challenges related to coordinating schedules with other trades, adapting to varying site conditions, and meeting strict safety and quality standards imposed by general contractors. Communication and flexibility are crucial, as project timelines can shift and priorities may change rapidly. Additionally, subcontractor welders must be proactive in clarifying job specifications and documentation to ensure their work aligns with the overall project requirements and passes inspections.

What Does a Welding Subcontractor Do?

As a welding subcontractor, you provide welding services on a contract basis. Your responsibilities are to weld pipes or metal during a construction project. However, your specific duties may vary depending on the requirements of each project or contract. Some welders specialize in fitting and welding pipes or structural steel installations, while other professionals weld or solder steel or aluminum pieces together as part of a manufacturing project. In addition to operating welding equipment, clients may expect you to prepare surfaces for welding as well as inspect and test your work after completion.

What welding jobs pay $50 an hour?

Welding jobs that pay $50 an hour typically include skilled positions such as pipeline welders, industrial welders, and underwater welders, often requiring specialized certifications and experience. These roles are usually found in construction, manufacturing, or energy sectors and may involve overtime or hazardous environments to reach higher pay rates.

What are subcontractor welders?

Subcontractor welders are skilled tradespeople or companies that are hired by a primary contractor to perform welding work on a specific project or part of a larger job. They typically bring their own tools and expertise to handle welding tasks such as joining metals, fabricating structures, or repairing equipment according to project specifications. Subcontractor welders work under a contract for a set period or for the duration of a particular project, rather than as permanent employees. This arrangement allows primary contractors to access specialized welding skills as needed and manage labor costs effectively.

How much do independent contractor welders make?

Independent contractor welders typically earn between $20 and $50 per hour, depending on experience, certifications, and project complexity. Annual income can range from $40,000 to over $100,000 for those with specialized skills and steady work, often influenced by the industry and location. Many welders also charge higher rates for overtime or hazardous environments.

What is the difference between Subcontractor Welding vs Welder?

AspectSubcontractor WeldingWelder
CredentialsWelding certifications, often specialized for projectsWelding certifications required, varies by employer
Work EnvironmentOn-site, project-based, often outdoors or in industrial settingsWorkplaces vary from factories to construction sites
Employer & Industry UsageHired by contractors or companies for specific projectsEmployed directly by companies or as independent workers

Subcontractor welders typically operate as independent contractors or part of a subcontracting firm, focusing on specific projects and often working on-site in industrial or construction environments. Welders may work directly for an employer or as freelancers, performing welding tasks across various settings. Both roles require similar certifications but differ mainly in employment structure and project scope.

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

To thrive as a Subcontractor Welder, you need strong welding skills, a solid understanding of blueprints, and relevant certifications such as AWS or equivalent. Familiarity with various welding processes (MIG, TIG, stick), safety protocols, and tools like welding machines and plasma cutters is typically required. Attention to detail, reliability, and effective communication are important soft skills for coordinating with clients and other contractors. These skills ensure high-quality workmanship, adherence to safety standards, and successful project completion within deadlines.

Can you make $300,000 as a welder?

Subcontractor welders can potentially earn $300,000 annually, especially if they work on high-paying projects, have specialized skills, certifications, and extensive experience. Earnings vary based on location, project complexity, and workload, with some top-tier welders in the industry reaching high income levels through overtime and premium contracts.
More about Subcontractor Welding jobs
What job categories do people searching Subcontractor Welding jobs in Decatur, AL look for? The top searched job categories for Subcontractor Welding jobs in Decatur, AL are:
What cities near Decatur, AL are hiring for Subcontractor Welding jobs? Cities near Decatur, AL with the most Subcontractor Welding job openings:
Subcontractor Welding jobs near you
Infographic showing various Subcontractor Welding job openings in Decatur, AL as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, 7% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $58,085 per year, or $27.9 per hour.
Weld Engineer 2

Weld Engineer 2

United Launch Alliance

Decatur, AL • On-site

$32 - $44/hr

Other

Retirement, PTO

Posted 16 hours ago

Job description

 Requisition ID: 1705

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.

Required Education

Bachelor

Required Years of Experience

Minimum of 2 years of related work experience

Basic Qualifications

  • Bachelor's Degree in Weld Engineering; Weld Engineering Technology; Materials Joining Engineering; or related technical field from an accredited college or university.
  • Minimum 2 years of experience in weld engineering with expertise in resistance welding, welding aluminum alloys and stainless steel with varying thicknesses in one or more of the following areas: automated gas tungsten arc welding, manual gas tungsten arc welding, friction stir welding, and laser welding
  • Practical experience with weld system programming and weld system troubleshooting
  • Knowledge of military and industry process applications and standards as related to welding and manufacturing operations
  • Communication skills (verbal and written) including requirements, documentation and presentations
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office Applications (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Project)
  • 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.
  • Exposure to manufacturing techniques and assemblies
  • Proficient in troubleshooting problems and arriving at a solution in a timely manner
  • Attention to details and good documentation of observations/findings
  • Ability to read and interpret Blueprints and/or model based engineering
  • Ability to review visual, dye penetrant, and x-ray discrepancies and disposition rework/repair instructions to resolve welding defects.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Support to multiple welding processes within an Aerospace Production environment
  • Develop and qualify welding schedules, support/evaluate weld mechanical testing and metallurgical inspection, support weld tool design, and implement weld process improvements
  • Coordinate with engineering and production operations personnel to develop and communicate non-conformance repair procedures and implement related corrective actions
  • Develop On the Job Training packages (OJT) and certifications required to perform welding on ULA hardware
  • Train and certify technicians in friction stir welding (FSW), resistance spot welding (RSW), gas tungsten arc welding (GTAW), orbital tube welding (OTW), and laser welding
  • Work requires frequent interaction with other organizational groups, such as: Facilities, Tooling, Production, Design Engineering, Equipment Contractors, and others.
  • Recommend, develop, and implement new concepts, principles, and products for the Weld Center, focusing on resolving issues that are of central importance to ULA
  • Provide leadership and mentorship to less qualified weld engineers as well as weld technicians

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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