Senior Welding Engineer

Design West Technologies, Inc.Tustin, CA
16d

About The Position

Design West Technologies Inc. is a leading provider of cutting-edge aerospace and military technologies. With commitment to excellence and innovation, we specialize in designing, manufacturing, and delivering high-performance solutions for our clients worldwide. Our team comprises passionate professionals dedicated to pushing the boundaries of what is possible in aerospace and defense. Position Overview: The Senior Welding Engineer is responsible for leading all welding engineering activities to support aerospace and military manufacturing programs. This role ensures welded components meet stringent aerospace, defense, and MIL-STD requirements while driving continuous improvement in welding processes, equipment, and quality. The Senior Welding Engineer serves as the technical authority for welding processes and works cross-functionally with Design Engineering, Quality, Production, and Program Management.

Requirements

  • 7-10+ years of welding engineering experience in aerospace, defense, or military manufacturing environments.
  • Strong knowledge of AS9100, MIL-STD, AWS D17.1, and NADCAP requirements.
  • Experience with aerospace materials and fabrication processes.
  • Advanced understanding of welding metallurgy and process controls.
  • Proficiency with CAD/3D modeling software (SolidWorks, Creo, or similar).
  • Strong problem-solving abilities and experience conducting formal RCAs (e.g., 8D, Fishbone, 5-Why).
  • Excellent communication skills and ability to work cross-functionally.
  • Ability to lead projects and mentor junior engineers/welders.
  • Ability to work in a manufacturing/production environment.
  • Occasional lifting up to 25 lbs.
  • Must be able to obtain and maintain U.S. Government security clearance if required.
  • Bachelor's degree in Welding Engineering, Materials Science, Mechanical Engineering, or related field (Master's preferred).

Nice To Haves

  • Certified Welding Engineer (CWEng) or Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) - AWS.
  • NADCAP audit experience.
  • DoD or aerospace program exposure (DFARS, ITAR).

Responsibilities

  • Develop, qualify, and optimize welding procedures (WPS/PQR) in accordance with AWS D17.1, AWS D1.1, NADCAP, AS9100, and applicable MIL-STD requirements.
  • Provide advanced engineering support for TIG, MIG, resistance welding, laser welding, and other special processes.
  • Interpret engineering drawings, specifications, blueprints, and models for weld requirements and manufacturability.
  • Lead root cause analysis and corrective actions for weld-related nonconformances.
  • Ensure welding processes meet internal, customer, and regulatory requirements.
  • Maintain compliance with NADCAP Welding and special process audits.
  • Support continuous improvement initiatives using Lean, Six Sigma, and process capability methodologies.
  • Develop and maintain welding specifications, process instructions, and standard work.
  • Provide expertise in materials such as aluminum alloys, stainless steel, titanium, and high-temperature aerospace alloys.
  • Analyze heat-affected zones (HAZ), distortion, and metallurgical characteristics associated with welding.
  • Support material selection and weld joint design for new aerospace/defense programs.
  • Train, certify, and technically guide welders and operators.
  • Support new product introduction (NPI), prototype builds, and production transitions.
  • Evaluate and implement new welding technologies, equipment, and automation.
  • Collaborate with Quality on weld inspection, NDT results, and acceptance criteria.
  • Prepare and maintain technical documentation, including weld procedure specifications, test reports, deviation requests, and qualification records.
  • Participate in customer reviews, audits, and technical meetings.
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