Senior Welding Engineer

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.

Key Job Duties:

• 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.

Experience/Skills 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.

Education Requirements:

• Bachelors degree in Welding Engineering Materials Science Mechanical Engineering or related field (Masters preferred).

Preferred Certifications:

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

Benefits:

Join our team and be a part of shaping the future of aerospace and defense technology! If you have the skills experience and passion to excel in this role we encourage you to apply.

Design West Technologies Inc. is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to diversity in the workplace. We encourage applications from all qualified individuals including those with diverse backgrounds and those with disabilities.

Required Experience:

Senior IC