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Weld Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Relativity Space

Weld Engineer I

Long Beach, CA · On-site

$37.50 - $51.75/hr

Serve as the accountable weld engineer for a range of stage hardware, including transfer tubes, fluid assemblies, grid fins, bellows, and heat shields * Ensure process quality control and ...

Relativity Space

Weld Engineer II

Long Beach, CA · On-site

$37.50 - $51.75/hr

Serve as the accountable weld engineer for a range of stage hardware, including transfer tubes, fluid assemblies, grid fins, bellows, and heat shields * Ensure process quality control and ...

Relativity Space

Weld Engineer II

Long Beach, CA · On-site

$104K - $156K/yr

Serve as the accountable weld engineer for a range of stage hardware, including transfer tubes, fluid assemblies, grid fins, bellows, and heat shields * Ensure process quality control and ...

Relativity Space

Weld Engineer I

Long Beach, CA · On-site

$90K - $136K/yr

Serve as the accountable weld engineer for a range of stage hardware, including transfer tubes, fluid assemblies, grid fins, bellows, and heat shields * Ensure process quality control and ...

Relativity Space

Weld Engineer II

Long Beach, CA

$104K - $156K/yr

Serve as the accountable weld engineer for a range of stage hardware, including transfer tubes, fluid assemblies, grid fins, bellows, and heat shields * Ensure process quality control and ...

Relativity Space

Weld Engineer I

Long Beach, CA · On-site

$90K - $136K/yr

Serve as the accountable weld engineer for a range of stage hardware, including transfer tubes, fluid assemblies, grid fins, bellows, and heat shields * Ensure process quality control and ...

Impulse Space

Principal Welding Engineer

Redondo Beach, CA · On-site

$190K - $225K/yr

This role will integral to performing weld developments on Helios' main structural tank, Deneb ... The welding engineer in this role will interface daily with design and manufacturing engineers to ...

Impulse Space

Welding Engineer (New Grad)

Redondo Beach, CA · On-site

$100K - $135K/yr

Welding Engineer (New Grad) Department: Manufacturing Employment Type: Full Time Location: Redondo ... This role will integral to performing weld developments on Helios' main structural tank, Deneb ...

Impulse Space

Principal Welding Engineer

Redondo Beach, CA

$37.75 - $52.25/hr

As a Principal Weld Engineer at Impulse you will help develop, qualify and optimize welding designs and processes with both laser beam, gas tungsten arc welding, friction stir welding, and orbital ...

Impulse Space

Welding Engineer (New Grad)

Redondo Beach, CA · On-site

$37.75 - $52.25/hr

As a Weld Engineer at Impulse you will help develop, qualify and optimize welding designs and processes with both laser beam, gas tungsten arc welding, friction stir welding, and orbital tube welding.

General Atomics

Engineer II

San Diego, CA · On-site

$68K - $116K/yr

We have an exciting opportunity for a Materials/Weld Engineer to join our EMS group located in Rancho Bernardo, CA. DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: * Reviews raw material certifications for conformance ...

General Atomics

Engineer II

San Diego, CA · On-site

We have an exciting opportunity for a Materials/Weld Engineer to join our EMS group located in Rancho Bernardo, CA. DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: * Reviews raw material certifications for conformance ...

Aero Bending Company

Welding Engineer

Palmdale, CA · On-site

$70K - $97K/yr

... weld integrity and compliance with applicable codes and standards. Implement and maintain quality ... The Welding Engineer will apply expertise in stainless steel welding and resistance welding daily ...

Anduril Industries

Staff Welding Engineer

Santa Ana, CA · On-site

$37.25 - $51.25/hr

As a Welding Engineer, you'll be the technical authority on welding processes that bring cutting ... Lead root-cause analysis on weld defects and failures across FCAW, GMAW, GTAW, and SAW processes ...

Antares

Welding Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$112K - $150K/yr

Review weld documentation, inspection results, material certifications, and supplier records for compliance with engineering requirements. * Lead root-cause investigations for weld defects ...

Anduril Industries

Staff Welding Engineer

Santa Ana, CA · On-site

$166K - $220K/yr

As a Welding Engineer, you'll be the technical authority on welding processes that bring cutting ... Lead root-cause analysis on weld defects and failures across FCAW, GMAW, GTAW, and SAW processes ...

SpaceX

Welding Engineer

Hawthorne, CA · On-site

$115K - $140K/yr

WELDING ENGINEER This position will support manufacturing and development of SpaceX's Falcon 9 and ... Develop, optimize, and qualify weld processes and parameters for multiple welding processes ...

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Weld Engineer information

See California salary details

$24

$41

$56

How much do weld engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 29, 2026, the average hourly pay for weld engineer in California is $41.07, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $33.94 and $46.73 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges a Weld Engineer faces when working on large-scale manufacturing projects?

Weld Engineers often encounter challenges such as ensuring weld quality and consistency across high production volumes, troubleshooting unexpected material or process issues, and maintaining compliance with industry standards. They must also coordinate closely with design, production, and quality assurance teams to resolve technical problems quickly. Effective communication and proactive problem-solving are key to managing tight deadlines and minimizing production downtime.

What engineers make $500,000?

Weld engineers, especially those with extensive experience, specialized skills, or working in high-demand industries like aerospace or oil and gas, can earn salaries approaching or exceeding $500,000 annually. Achieving this level often requires advanced certifications, leadership roles, or working in senior management positions. Compensation varies based on location, company size, and individual expertise.

Can you make $300,000 as a welder?

Weld engineers and experienced welders can potentially earn $300,000 annually, especially with specialized skills, certifications, and work in high-paying industries like oil and gas or aerospace. However, such high salaries are typically achieved through senior roles, overtime, or working in remote or hazardous environments. Most welders earn significantly less, with top earners reaching high six-figure incomes under specific conditions.

What engineers make $300,000 a year?

Weld engineers, especially those with extensive experience, specialized skills, and certifications in advanced welding techniques, can reach or exceed a $300,000 annual salary in certain industries such as oil and gas, aerospace, or heavy manufacturing. High-level roles often require leadership responsibilities, project management, and working in high-demand environments with complex technical requirements.

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

To thrive as a Weld Engineer, you need a solid background in welding processes, metallurgy, and materials science, typically supported by a degree in welding engineering or a related field. Familiarity with CAD software, welding codes (such as AWS or ASME), and certifications like Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) are often essential. Strong problem-solving, attention to detail, and effective communication skills help you collaborate with multidisciplinary teams and resolve production issues. These competencies ensure weld quality, safety, and cost-effective manufacturing in industrial environments.

What does a weld engineer do?

A weld engineer designs, develops, and oversees welding processes to ensure the quality and safety of welded structures. They analyze welds, select appropriate materials and techniques, and often use nondestructive testing methods, requiring knowledge of welding codes and certifications. Their work typically involves collaboration with manufacturing teams and adherence to industry standards.

What is the difference between Weld Engineer vs Welding Technician?

AspectWeld EngineerWelding Technician
CredentialsBachelor's degree in engineering or related field, certifications like AWS Certified Welding EngineerHigh school diploma or technical training, certifications like AWS Certified Welding Inspector
Work EnvironmentDesigning welding processes, overseeing quality, working in engineering or manufacturing settingsPerforming welding, inspecting welds, hands-on technical tasks in manufacturing or construction
Employer & IndustryManufacturers, engineering firms, aerospace, automotiveManufacturing plants, construction sites, maintenance facilities

Weld Engineers focus on designing and improving welding processes, ensuring quality and compliance, often requiring engineering degrees and certifications. Welding Technicians perform hands-on welding and inspection tasks, typically with technical training and certifications. Both roles are essential in manufacturing and construction, but differ in responsibilities and required qualifications.

What are Weld Engineers?

Weld Engineers are technical professionals who specialize in the design, development, and implementation of welding processes and procedures. They work to ensure the integrity, quality, and efficiency of welded structures or products by selecting appropriate materials, techniques, and equipment. Weld Engineers often collaborate with other engineers, oversee welding operations, troubleshoot welding issues, and ensure compliance with industry codes and standards. Their expertise is crucial in industries like automotive, aerospace, construction, and manufacturing.
What are the most commonly searched types of Weld Engineer jobs in California? The most popular types of Weld Engineer jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Weld Engineer jobs in California? For Weld Engineer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Weld Engineer jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Weld Engineer jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Weld Engineer jobs? Cities in California with the most Weld Engineer job openings:
Weld Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Weld Engineer job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, 4% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $85,421 per year, or $41.1 per hour.
Weld Engineer I

Weld Engineer I

Relativity Space

Long Beach, CA • On-site

$37.50 - $51.75/hr

Other

Posted 7 days ago

Relativity Space rating

9.7

Company rating: 9.7 out of 10

Based on 8 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

1st of 71 rated aerospace companies

Job description

About the Team: 

The Weld Development team is part of the Materials and NDE (Non-Destructive Evaluation) team. The Materials and NDE team plays a central role in enabling Terran R to fly, re-fly, and scale: developing, characterizing, and inspecting materials and processes across all parts of the vehicle. From welding and additive manufacturing to advanced composites, the team works at the intersection of innovation and execution, balancing performance and reliability with cost, quality, and schedule. As we move toward first flight and beyond, the challenges become more exciting, offering opportunities to shape how we design and develop for re-use. With ownership across products, systems, and disciplines, engineers gain broad exposure and drive key decisions across design, manufacturing, and operations.

About the Role:

  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including design, manufacturing, materials and processes, and quality, to develop and optimize fusion welding processes for Terran R
  • Partner directly with manufacturing teams to provide technical support for welding operations, troubleshoot issues, and develop solutions to rapidly resolve production welding challenges
  • Serve as the accountable weld engineer for a range of stage hardware, including transfer tubes, fluid assemblies, grid fins, bellows, and heat shields
  • Ensure process quality control and documentation meet required standards and specifications; implement corrective actions and continuous improvements to maintain high-quality outputs

About You:

  • B.S. in Materials Science, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field
  • 1+ years of experience with welding processes (GTAW, GMAW, OTW, laser welding) and industry specifications (AWS, ASME, or similar)
  • 1+ years of experience in a high-paced production manufacturing environment
  • Strong curiosity and bias for action, with a hands-on approach and extreme ownership mentality

Nice to haves but not required:  

  • Welding Engineering degree (B.S. or M.S.)
  • 1+ years of fusion welding experience - GTAW or Laser welding experience preferred

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