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Weld Operator Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

Aerotek

Welder And Fabricator

Dulles, VA

$56K - $72K/yr

Skilled in operating plasma cutters, oxyacetylene torches, lab presses, and welding equipment (GTAW/GMAW). * Strong attention to detail and commitment to producing high-quality welds and assemblies.

Aerotek

Welder And Fabricator

Dulles, VA · On-site

$56K - $72K/yr

Skilled in operating plasma cutters, oxyacetylene torches, lab presses, and welding equipment (GTAW/GMAW). * Strong attention to detail and commitment to producing high-quality welds and assemblies.

EN Engineering LLC

Welding Inspector

Linthicum Heights, MD · On-site

$36 - $40/hr

... pipeline operators, and industrial companies. We are a forward-thinking organization dedicated to leveraging cutting-edge technology to drive success. We are committed to fostering a culture of ...

Valiant

Welder

Fort Belvoir, VA · On-site

$22 - $29/hr

The Welder fabricates and repairs parts & equipment with gas or arc welding processes. Duties and ... found in a Base Operating Services contract. Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, and Other ...

PrideStaff

Welding Supervisor / Team Lead

Severn, MD · On-site

$23.65 - $33/hr

Welding Supervisor / Team Lead Shift/Hours: 1st Shift: 6:00 AM - 2:30 PM Pay Rate: $23.65 - $33.00 ... Familiarity with safely operating industrial machinery, including press brake machines, plasma ...

EN Engineering LLC

Welding Inspector

Linthicum Heights, MD · On-site

$30 - $45/hr

... pipeline operators, and industrial companies. We are a forward-thinking organization dedicated to leveraging cutting-edge technology to drive success. We are committed to fostering a culture of ...

EN Engineering LLC

Welding Inspector

Gambrills, MD

$30 - $45/hr

... pipeline operators, and industrial companies. We are a forward-thinking organization dedicated to leveraging cutting-edge technology to drive success. We are committed to fostering a culture of ...

ENTRUST Solutions Group

Welding Inspector

Linthicum, MD · On-site

$30 - $45/hr

... pipeline operators, and industrial companies. We are a forward-thinking organization dedicated to leveraging cutting-edge technology to drive success. We are committed to fostering a culture of ...

Republic Services

Maintenance Shop Welder

Manassas, VA

$23.40 - $32.17/hr

Determines root causes of mechanical and other operating failures and chooses the best repair option. * Valid driver's license. MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS: * Minimum of 1 year welding experience. Pay Range:

Republic Services

Maintenance Shop Welder

Manassas, VA

$23.40 - $32.17/hr

Determines root causes of mechanical and other operating failures and chooses the best repair option. * Valid driver's license. MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS: * Minimum of 1 year welding experience. Pay Range:

Republic Services

Maintenance Shop Welder

Manassas, VA · On-site

$23.40 - $32.17/hr

Determines root causes of mechanical and other operating failures and chooses the best repair option. * Valid driver's license. MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS: * Minimum of 1 year welding experience. Pay Range:

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Weld Operator information

Can welding cause floaters?

Weld operators are exposed to bright welding arcs and intense light, which can contribute to eye strain and potentially increase the risk of floaters over time. However, floaters are typically caused by age-related changes in the eye's vitreous and are not directly caused by welding. Proper eye protection and regular eye exams are important for welders to reduce risks.

What welding jobs pay $50 an hour?

Weld operators with advanced skills and certifications, such as certified welders working in industrial, aerospace, or pipeline construction, can earn around $50 an hour or more. High-paying positions often require experience with specialized welding techniques, safety protocols, and the ability to work in challenging environments or overtime schedules.

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

To thrive as a Weld Operator, you need strong manual dexterity, attention to detail, and a solid understanding of welding techniques, typically supported by a high school diploma or technical certification in welding. Familiarity with welding equipment, safety protocols, blueprints, and sometimes certifications such as AWS (American Welding Society) are commonly required. Strong problem-solving skills, teamwork, and effective communication help you excel in handling complex tasks and collaborating with others. These skills and qualities are crucial for producing high-quality welds, maintaining workplace safety, and ensuring efficient production processes.

Do welders make $100 an hour?

Weld operators typically do not earn $100 an hour; their wages vary based on experience, location, and industry. In general, welders and weld operators earn between $15 and $30 per hour, with higher rates for specialized skills or certifications, but $100 an hour is uncommon for this role.

What are some common challenges faced by Weld Operators, and how can they be managed?

Weld Operators often encounter challenges such as maintaining consistent weld quality, working with different metals, and adhering to strict safety standards. Managing these challenges involves staying up to date with proper welding techniques, following detailed blueprints, and using protective gear to minimize health risks. Collaboration with quality control inspectors and maintenance teams is also essential to ensure equipment is functioning correctly and finished products meet specifications. By staying organized and proactive, Weld Operators can effectively overcome these daily obstacles and contribute to a smooth production process.

Can you make $300,000 as a welder?

Weld operators typically earn between $40,000 and $80,000 annually, with high-paying roles in specialized industries or with extensive experience potentially reaching higher salaries. Earning $300,000 is uncommon and usually requires advanced skills, certifications, and working in high-demand sectors such as oil and gas or aerospace, often with overtime or supervisory responsibilities.

What does a Weld Operator do?

A Weld Operator is responsible for setting up, operating, and maintaining welding machines that join metal parts together. They typically follow blueprints or instructions to ensure precise welds and monitor the welding process for quality and safety. Weld Operators may work in manufacturing, construction, or repair industries, and must be familiar with different welding techniques and safety protocols. Their role is crucial for producing strong, durable products and structures.

What is the difference between Weld Operator vs Welder?

AspectWeld OperatorWelder
CertificationsTypically requires AWS or ASME certificationsOften requires similar certifications, but may vary by specialization
Work EnvironmentFactories, construction sites, manufacturing plantsFactories, construction sites, repair shops
Job FocusOperates welding machinery, sets parametersPerforms manual welding tasks
Industry UsageCommon in manufacturing and industrial settingsWidespread across construction, manufacturing, repair

Weld Operators primarily focus on operating welding equipment and setting parameters, while Welders perform manual welding tasks. Both roles require similar certifications and work in comparable environments, but their job responsibilities differ in terms of automation versus manual work.

What are popular job titles related to Weld Operator jobs in Washington? For Weld Operator jobs in Washington, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Weld Operator jobs in Washington look for? The top searched job categories for Weld Operator jobs in Washington are:
What cities in Washington are hiring for Weld Operator jobs? Cities in Washington with the most Weld Operator job openings:
Weld Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Weld Operator job openings in Washington as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 38% Full Time, 60% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution.
Friction Stir Weld Technician III

Friction Stir Weld Technician III

Quantum Space

Rockville, MD • On-site

$24 - $48/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Posted 11 days ago

Job description

Quantum Space is redefining mobility and maneuverability in space. Our high-mobility spacecraft platforms support national security, civil, and commercial missions with unmatched flexibility and propulsion capability. We build fast and iterate quickly.
Who We're Looking For
We are seeking a Technician III - Friction Stir Welding to fabricate novel spacecraft propellant tanks. This role is ideal for a technician with several years of experience in friction stir welding or a CNC operator that has experience with welding.
You will work closely with propulsion, manufacturing, mechanical, and test engineering teams to develop and refine friction stir welding processes for spacecraft propellant tanks. This is a hands-on role focused on execution, troubleshooting, hardware fabrication, and flight-critical manufacturing operations.
Where You'll Make an Impact
  • Work with engineers to develop friction stir welding processes for novel spacecraft propellant tanks
  • Provide manufacturing feedback to engineers to improve weld quality, repeatability, and production efficiency
  • Support engineers in the development and refinement of friction stir welding processes for spacecraft propellant tanks
  • Perform and own friction stir welding operations on development and flight spacecraft propellant tanks
  • Assist in pressure and leak testing of spacecraft propellant tanks
  • Assist in the integration of spacecraft propellant tanks into spacecraft propulsion systems

What It Takes
  • High school diploma or GED
  • 7+ years of relevant experience with friction stir welding, or CNC operation and welding experience
  • Demonstrated ability to lead small teams of technicians to accomplish tasks
  • Demonstrated ability to improve processes
  • Demonstrated ability to write standard operating procedures or similar documentation
  • Demonstrated ability to own completion of tasks with minimal oversight
  • Demonstrated ability to independently troubleshoot
  • Demonstrated ability to understand drawings and CAD models

Nice-to-Have Experience
  • 1+ years performing friction stir welding on spacecraft propulsion tanks or other pressure vessels
  • Friction stir weld certification and/or other weld certifications
  • Demonstrated experience with pressure testing and leak testing
  • Demonstrated experience in machining aerospace grade parts with CNC equipment
  • Demonstrated experience with the assembly, integration, and test of propulsion systems and components
  • Demonstrated experience creating and interpreting CAD models and engineering drawings
  • Experience with nondestructive evaluation (NDE) methods and weld inspection

What You'll Get
  • Ownership - Contribute directly to the fabrication of mission-critical spacecraft hardware
  • Innovation - Support advanced manufacturing technologies enabling next-generation spacecraft mobility
  • Impact - Help deliver reliable spacecraft systems supporting national security, civil, and commercial missions
  • Growth - Join a cross-functional engineering and manufacturing team operating at the center of spacecraft development, integration, and mission execution
  • Compensation -Competitive salary, equity, and comprehensive benefits including medical, dental, vision, generous leave, HSA, 401(k) matching, and equity sharing

Location: Rockville, MD or Hawthorne, CA
Hourly range: $24 - 48/hr
The salary range for this role is an estimate based on a wide range of compensation factors. Actual salary offer may vary based on (but not limited to) work experience, education and/or training, critical skills, and/or business considerations. Highly competitive equity grants are included in the majority of full time offers; and are considered part of Quantum Space's total compensation package.
Additional Requirements
To comply with U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including ITAR, applicants must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, protected individual per 8 U.S.C. § 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.
Apply now. Join us in building the next generation of spacecraft.

Apply