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Welding Engineer Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Weld Engineer

Portsmouth, VA · On-site

$50 - $60/hr

We are seeking a Weld Engineer with extensive experience in Wire Arc Additive Manufacturing (WAAM). You will collaborate with our engineering team to develop new materials for government clients ...

Welder - Manufacturing

Chesapeake, VA · On-site

$44K - $55K/yr

... engineering sketches, charts and/or work orders as well as written and verbal instruction for products to be fabricated and/or installed. * Must be able to accurately read and follow welding symbols.

Welder - Manufacturing

Chesapeake, VA · On-site

$44K - $55K/yr

... engineering sketches, charts and/or work orders as well as written and verbal instruction for products to be fabricated and/or installed. * Must be able to accurately read and follow welding symbols.

Welder - Manufacturing

Norfolk, VA · On-site

$44K - $55K/yr

... engineering sketches, charts and/or work orders as well as written and verbal instruction for products to be fabricated and/or installed. * Must be able to accurately read and follow welding symbols.

Welder - Manufacturing

Chesapeake, VA · On-site

$44K - $55K/yr

... engineering sketches, charts and/or work orders as well as written and verbal instruction for products to be fabricated and/or installed. * Must be able to accurately read and follow welding symbols.

Welder - Manufacturing

Suffolk, VA · On-site

$44K - $55K/yr

... engineering sketches, charts and/or work orders as well as written and verbal instruction for products to be fabricated and/or installed. * Must be able to accurately read and follow welding symbols.

... engineering sketches, charts and/or work orders as well as written and verbal instruction for products to be fabricated and/or installed. * Must be able to accurately read and follow welding symbols.

... engineering sketches, charts and/or work orders as well as written and verbal instruction for products to be fabricated and/or installed. * Must be able to accurately read and follow welding symbols.

Welder - Manufacturing

Norfolk, VA · On-site

$44K - $55K/yr

... engineering sketches, charts and/or work orders as well as written and verbal instruction for products to be fabricated and/or installed. * Must be able to accurately read and follow welding symbols.

... engineering sketches, charts and/or work orders as well as written and verbal instruction for products to be fabricated and/or installed. * Must be able to accurately read and follow welding symbols.

... engineering sketches, charts and/or work orders as well as written and verbal instruction for products to be fabricated and/or installed. * Must be able to accurately read and follow welding symbols.

Welder - Manufacturing

Chesapeake, VA · On-site

$44K - $55K/yr

... engineering sketches, charts and/or work orders as well as written and verbal instruction for products to be fabricated and/or installed. * Must be able to accurately read and follow welding symbols.

Showing results 41-60

Welding Engineer information

See Virginia salary details

$24

$41

$56

How much do welding engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for welding engineer in Virginia is $41.26, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $34.09 and $46.97 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a welding engineer?

Welding engineers are professionals who specialize in the design, development, and implementation of welding processes used to join metals and other materials. They apply principles of engineering, materials science, and metallurgy to create safe, efficient, and cost-effective welding solutions. Their responsibilities often include selecting appropriate welding techniques, developing procedures, overseeing quality control, and troubleshooting welding problems. Welding engineers work in industries such as manufacturing, construction, automotive, aerospace, and energy. They play a critical role in ensuring the structural integrity and safety of welded products and structures.

What does a welding engineer do?

As a welding engineer, your job is to make recommendations on equipment for each project, create a plan for each construction job, demonstrate how to weld unusual materials together, and ensure the final product meets the client specifications. Welding engineers typically work in an industrial environment, and you may coordinate with suppliers, ensure designs are cost-effective, and communicate with project managers. Welding engineers are also responsible for ensuring safety guidelines are followed, researching new techniques and equipment, and providing documentation of the welding process. This job involves a significant amount of stooping, bending, and lifting, as well as the use of close, distance, peripheral, and color vision.

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

To thrive as a Welding Engineer, you need a solid background in metallurgy, welding processes, materials science, and an engineering degree, often supplemented by certification such as a Certified Welding Engineer (CWE). Familiarity with CAD software, welding simulation tools, and industry standards like AWS or ASME codes is typically required. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and the ability to communicate technical information clearly help professionals excel in this role. These skills ensure weld quality, safety, and compliance with specifications, which are critical for successful engineering projects.

What are some typical challenges welding engineers face when working on complex fabrication projects?

Welding Engineers often encounter challenges such as selecting appropriate welding processes for diverse materials, ensuring weld quality meets strict standards, and troubleshooting unexpected defects during fabrication. They must also coordinate closely with design, production, and quality teams to resolve issues quickly and keep projects on schedule. Continuous learning about new welding technologies and adapting to evolving industry codes is also essential to overcome these challenges and ensure successful project outcomes.

What is the difference between Welding Engineer vs Welding Technician?

AspectWelding EngineerWelding Technician
CredentialsBachelor's degree in engineering, certifications like CWE or AWS Certified Welding EngineerTechnical diploma or associate degree, certifications like AWS Certified Welding Inspector or Technician
Work EnvironmentDesigning welding processes, overseeing quality, and ensuring standards in manufacturing or constructionPerforming welding operations, inspecting welds, and assisting in production
Industry UsageUsed in engineering design, quality assurance, and process developmentCommonly found in manufacturing, fabrication, and maintenance

Welding Engineers focus on designing and improving welding processes, ensuring quality, and applying engineering principles. Welding Technicians support these processes by performing welding tasks, inspecting welds, and maintaining equipment. Both roles are essential in manufacturing and construction, but Welding Engineers typically require more advanced education and focus on process development, while Welding Technicians are more hands-on with daily operations.

How much does a welding engineer get paid?

Welding engineers typically earn a median annual salary of around $70,000 to $100,000, depending on experience, location, and industry. Those with specialized skills, certifications, or working in high-demand sectors may earn higher wages and additional benefits.

What are the most commonly searched types of Welding Engineer jobs in Virginia?

The most popular types of Welding Engineer jobs in Virginia are:

What job categories do people searching Welding Engineer jobs in Virginia look for?

The top searched job categories for Welding Engineer jobs in Virginia are:

What cities in Virginia are hiring for Welding Engineer jobs?

Cities in Virginia with the most Welding Engineer job openings:

Infographic showing various Welding Engineer job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 5% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 5% Part Time, and 9% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $85,812 per year, or $41.3 per hour.

WELDING PROJECT LEADER 4-Newport News, Virginia

HII

Smithfield, VA • On-site

$101K - $127K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 12 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Expedites the implementation of productivity and quality improvements in welding operations.

  • Coordinates assigned projects from initiation through implementation, including equipment purchases, testing, modification, and training development.

  • Provides technical and hands-on assistance to trades personnel in the implementation of automatic systems and new materials.


Huntington Ingalls Industries rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Huntington Ingalls Industries

Based on 147 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

7.4

Company rating compared to similar companies: 7.4 out of 10

Manufacturers average

Based on 76,845 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

WELDING PROJECT LEADER 4
Location:
Newport News, Virginia, United States
Date: Aug 25, 2026
Req ID: 49244
Team: E37 WELDING ENGINEERING
Entity: Newport News Shipbuilding
US Citizenship Required for this Position: Yes
Full-Time
Shift: 1st
Relocation: No relocation assistance available
Virtual/Telework Opportunity: No - Not eligible for telework
Travel Requirements: Yes, 10%-25% of the time
Clearance Required: No - Clearance Not Required to Start
Salary Range: $101,000.00 to $127,000.00
The anticipated salary range represents the estimated base pay for this role. Final compensation will be determined based on experience, qualifications, and other job-related factors, and may vary from the posted range
Meet HII's Newport News Shipbuilding
With more than 25,000 employees - including third-, fourth- and even fifth-generation shipbuilders - HII's Newport News Shipbuilding (NNS) division is the largest industrial employer in Virginia. We're the sole designer, builder and refueler of U.S. Navy nuclear aircraft carriers and one of two providers of U.S. Navy nuclear submarines. Our diverse and innovative team of professionals ranges from skilled trades to project managers, engineers and software developers to solution architects, technical subject matter experts, and system users. We collaborate together at the forefront of technology, manufacturing, and integration of the most powerful and survivable naval ships in the world. Want to be part of the team? Apply today! We look forward to meeting you.
The Role
Expedites the implementation of productivity and quality improvements in welding operations. Coordinates assigned projects from initiation through implementation, which may require initiation and coordination of equipment purchases/testing/modification, training program development, design changes, etc. Provides technical and hands-on assistance to Trades personnel in the implementation of automatic systems and new materials introductions. Assists in job planning, equipment set-up and the troubleshooting of problems incurred during implementation. May coordinate and expedite the movement of needed equipment and materials, and provision of required services. May function as a liaison between the Trades and other Company functions, such as Welding Engineering, Design, etc., to coordinate the resolution of technical problems.
Must Have
This job requires a high school graduate, or equivalent, with a minimum of ten years related welding experience. An NNS Apprentice graduate and experience in the operation of automatic welding processes is preferred. A candidate must have knowledge of ship construction methods, welding processes and equipment, and applicable welding and quality procedures. In addition, a candidate must have excellent communication skills.
Nice to Have
Why HII
We build the world's most powerful, survivable naval ships and defense technology solutions that safeguard our seas, sky, land, space and cyber. HII's diverse workforce includes skilled tradespeople; artificial intelligence, machine learning (AI/ML) experts; engineers; technologists; scientists; logistics experts; and business administration professionals.
Recognized as one of America's top large company employers, we are a values and ethics driven organization that puts people's safety and well-being first. Regardless of your role or where you serve, at HII, you'll find a supportive and welcoming environment, competitive benefits, and valuable educational and training programs for continual career growth at every stage of your career.
Working at HII is more than a job - it's an opportunity to build a future. We offer comprehensive benefits including: medical, prescription drug, dental and vision plan choices, on-site health centers, tele-medicine, wellness resources, employee assistance programs, savings plan options (401K), financial education and planning tools, life insurance, tuition reimbursement, employee discounts, early childhood and post-secondary education scholarships, and more. Some benefits may vary depending on your specific division or work location.
Together we are working to ensure a future where everyone can be free and thrive.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, physical or mental disability, age, or veteran status or any other basis protected by federal, state, or local law. U.S. Citizenship may be required for certain positions.
Do You Need Assistance?
If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment process, please send an e-mail to buildyourcareer@hii-co.com and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information. Reasonable accommodations are considered on a case-by-case basis. Please note that only those inquiries concerning a request for reasonable accommodation will be responded to from this e-mail address.
Additionally, you may also call 1-844-849-8463 for assistance. Press #2 for Newport News Shipbuilding.

Working at Huntington Ingalls Industries

About Huntington Ingalls Industries, in their own words

From Huntington Ingalls Industries

Our 44,000-strong team includes skilled tradespeople; artificial intelligence and machine learning experts; engineers; technologists; scientists; logistics experts; and business administration professionals. Recognized as one of America's top large employers, we are a values and ethics driven organization that puts people's safety and well-being first. Here you'll find a collaborative environment, competitive benefits, and valuable educational and training programs that span our shipbuilding apprentice schools in Virginia and Mississippi to tuition reimbursement programs that support continual career growth at every stage of your career.

Our values of integrity, safety, respect, engagement, responsibility and performance are the foundation of HII's ethical culture that inspires employees to do the right thing each day, regardless of the circumstances.


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