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Welding Phd Jobs (NOW HIRING)

... PhD in Mechanical Engineering with 8+ years of professional experience in energy, aerospace ... Prior experience designing and testing welded pressure vessels and heat transfer equipment, and ...

... PhD in Mechanical Engineering with 8+ years of professional experience in energy, aerospace ... Prior experience designing and testing welded pressure vessels and heat transfer equipment, and ...

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Welding Phd information

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$41

$56

How much do welding phd jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for welding phd 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 is a Welding PhD?

A Welding PhD is a doctoral degree focused on advanced research in welding engineering, metallurgy, materials science, or related fields. Individuals pursuing this degree contribute to innovations in welding processes, technology, and safety. Graduates often work in academia, research institutions, or industry, leading projects that advance welding science and manufacturing techniques. The degree typically involves original research, dissertation work, and the publication of scholarly articles.

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

To thrive as a Welding PhD, you need advanced knowledge of welding processes, metallurgy, and materials science, typically supported by a doctoral degree in welding engineering or a related field. Experience with specialized research equipment, advanced welding simulation software, and familiarity with industry standards such as AWS and ASME codes are often required. Strong analytical thinking, problem-solving, and the ability to communicate complex ideas clearly are essential soft skills for success in academia or industry research. These skills enable the development of innovative welding technologies, ensure rigorous research outcomes, and facilitate effective collaboration within multidisciplinary teams.

What are some typical research and collaboration opportunities for a Welding PhD in an industrial or academic setting?

As a Welding PhD, you can expect to engage in advanced research projects focused on welding processes, materials science, and joining technologies. In academic settings, you may collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, supervise graduate students, and partner with industry sponsors to solve real-world manufacturing challenges. In industry, you often work closely with engineers, production teams, and R&D departments to develop innovative solutions, improve weld quality, and optimize manufacturing processes. These roles frequently offer opportunities to publish research, present at conferences, and contribute to the development of welding standards.

What is the difference between Welding Phd vs Welding Engineer?

AspectWelding PhdWelding Engineer
Required CredentialsPhD in Welding Engineering or related fieldBachelor's or Master's in Welding Engineering or related field
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, academia, advanced R&DManufacturing, construction sites, industrial settings
Industry UsageResearch institutions, universities, specialized R&DManufacturing companies, construction firms, quality assurance

Welding Phd professionals focus on advanced research, development, and teaching in welding technology, often working in academia or research labs. Welding Engineers apply their expertise in practical industrial settings, overseeing welding processes, quality control, and project management. While both roles require strong welding knowledge, the Phd emphasizes research and innovation, whereas the Engineer emphasizes application and implementation in industry.

Infographic showing various Welding Phd job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, 6% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 90% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $86,554 per year, or $41.6 per hour.
Sr Heat Treat Process Engineer

Sr Heat Treat Process Engineer

Relativity Space

Long Beach, CA

$109K - $141K/yr

Other

Posted 9 days ago


Job description

About the Team: 

The Powder Bed Fusion Additive Manufacturing team is pushing the boundaries of what's possible in rocket propulsion hardware. Responsible for development, process, and production, the team oversees initial concept to final hardware with rigorous quality and precision. From developing print parameters on state-of-the-art 3D printers to enabling fast iteration for partner departments, the team plays a critical role in taking engine designs from concept to hot fire. The team was instrumental in producing Aeon 1 engines for Terran 1 launch and is now pioneering next-generation processes and designs for our Aeon R engines that will power Terran R. With flight hardware production scaling up rapidly, now is the time to join and make a direct impact.

About the Role:

Relativity Space is seeking a highly skilled Senior Heat Treat Process Engineer to own and optimize heat treatment processes for additively manufactured parts and welded assemblies. This hands-on role requires technical expertise in aerospace heat treatment, process development, and the ability to drive innovation in a fast-paced manufacturing environment. You'll spend significant time on the manufacturing floor working with furnaces, technicians, and cross-functional teams to establish world-class heat treatment operations for next-generation rocket components.

Key Responsibilities

  • Own heat treatment processes for L-PBF additively manufactured Inconel 718 parts and welded assemblies, including development and validation of heat treatment recipes (solution annealing, aging, HIP) through material testing (hardness, tensile, microstructural evaluation)
  • Drive experimentation and innovation beyond industry standards to meet production goals while maintaining aerospace quality requirements
  • Author and maintain process specifications and SOPs in compliance with NADCAP and AS9100 requirements, including temperature uniformity surveys, furnace calibration records, and process validation documentation
  • Lead root cause analysis for thermal processing non-conformances and develop corrective/preventive actions to prevent recurrence
  • Provide training, guidance, and technical support to heat treat technicians while collaborating with materials, quality, and manufacturing teams to resolve issues and implement improvements
  • Interface with suppliers and vendors for heat treatment equipment and services
  • Manage equipment calibration schedules, conduct temperature uniformity surveys, and identify infrastructure needs for capital equipment improvements
  • Design efficient shopfloor workflows with visual management systems to clearly identify part status and required heat treatment cycles, optimizing throughput and first-time quality

About You:

  • Bachelor's degree in Materials Science Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or Manufacturing Engineering
  • 5-7+ years of heat treatment process engineering in aerospace manufacturing with proven NADCAP and AS9100 experience
  • Deep understanding of heat treatment metallurgy for nickel-based superalloys (solution annealing, precipitation hardening, stress relief, HIP)
  • Knowledge of aerospace heat treatment specifications (AMS2774, AMS2750) and additive manufacturing (L-PBF) heat treatment requirements
  • Understanding of furnace Installation qualification, calibration, temperature uniformity surveys, and thermal processing equipment management
  • Hands-on vacuum furnace operations, cycle development, and process validation
  • Experience with technical writing: Specification, SOP, work instructions
  • Experience training and working with manufacturing technicians

Nice to haves but not required:  

  • Advanced degree (MS/PhD) in Materials Science, Mechanical Engineering, or Manufacturing Engineering
  • Material characterization proficiency including hardness testing, tensile testing per ASTM E8, and metallographic evaluation