Welder – Aerospace Manufacturing

Salary Range: 32 to 41 (Currency: USD) (Pay period: per-hour-wage)

Job Description:

About the Role

Machina Labs is seeking an experienced TIG Welder to support the production of high-quality aerospace components and assemblies. This is a hands-on role for someone who takes pride in precision workmanship and thrives in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

You will perform precision TIG welding, work from engineering drawings and established processes, and partner with Manufacturing, Engineering, and Quality to troubleshoot issues and improve production. Experience with laser welding is a plus, but not required.

Schedule: 1st Shift, Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM-4:30 PM | Overtime and weekends as needed

Key Responsibilities:

• Perform precision TIG welding on aerospace components and assemblies.
• Set up and operate TIG welding equipment based on established procedures, specifications, and work instructions.
• Read and interpret engineering drawings, blueprints, weld symbols, specifications, and manufacturing instructions.
• Prepare, fit, tack, align, and assemble components prior to welding.
• Produce consistent, high-quality welds while maintaining dimensional and workmanship requirements.
• Perform welding on a variety of materials and thicknesses based on production requirements.
• Inspect completed work and identify weld defects, dimensional issues, or other nonconforming conditions.
• Perform approved weld repairs and rework when necessary.
• Use precision measuring equipment and inspection tools to verify completed work.
• Maintain accurate production, inspection, and material traceability documentation.
• Work closely with Manufacturing, Engineering, and Quality to troubleshoot welding and production challenges.
• Provide feedback on fit-up, tooling, weld processes, and manufacturability based on hands-on experience.
• Support the development and continuous improvement of welding and fabrication processes.
• Assist with welding equipment setup, adjustment, cleaning, and operator-level preventive maintenance.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work environment.
• Support production schedules while maintaining Machina Labs' expectations for safety, quality, and workmanship.
 
*This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities required for this role. Duties and responsibilities may change based on business needs.

Quality & Process Responsibilities:

• Perform work in accordance with Machina Labs' AS9100D quality management system and applicable manufacturing procedures.
• Follow approved drawings, specifications, work instructions, and process requirements.
• Maintain product identification, material traceability, configuration control, and production documentation.
• Identify and communicate quality concerns, process deviations, or nonconforming conditions promptly.
• Support nonconformance, rework, root-cause, and corrective-action activities as needed. 

Required Qualifications:

• Minimum 5 years of hands-on TIG welding experience.
• Demonstrated ability to consistently produce high-quality precision TIG welds.
• Strong understanding of TIG welding fundamentals, joint preparation, fit-up, heat control, and weld quality.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, blueprints, weld symbols, and specifications.
• Experience with precision metal fabrication, fitting, and assembly.
• Experience setting up and operating TIG welding equipment.
• Ability to work with tight tolerances and maintain consistent workmanship.
• Ability to identify common weld defects and recognize when work does not meet requirements.
• Experience using precision measuring and basic inspection equipment.
• Strong mechanical aptitude and hands-on problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with Manufacturing, Engineering, and Quality teams.
• Strong attention to detail and pride in workmanship.
• Ability to safely operate welding equipment, hand tools, power tools, and other manufacturing equipment.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Previous aerospace, defense, automotive, or other advanced manufacturing experience.
• Experience working within an AS9100/AS9100D quality environment.
• Hands-on laser welding experience.
• Experience with precision or close-tolerance fabrication.
• Experience TIG welding stainless steel, aluminum, titanium, nickel-based alloys, or other specialty metals.
• Familiarity with weld inspection and quality-control requirements.
• Experience supporting nonconformance, rework, root-cause, and corrective-action processes.
• Experience working directly with engineers to troubleshoot welding or manufacturing challenges.
• Experience contributing to process improvements in a production environment.

Physical & Work Environment:

• Ability to stand and work for extended periods.
• Ability to safely handle and position metal components and assemblies.
• Ability to perform repetitive welding, fitting, and fabrication activities.
• Ability to wear required personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Ability to work safely around welding equipment, machinery, robotics, noise, and other manufacturing equipment.
• Ability to maintain focus and attention to detail while performing precision manufacturing work.