Sr. / Principal Welding Process Engineer

About the role

The Senior / Principal Welding Process Engineer will develop welding and joining capabilities that support Hydrasearch's aerospace, naval, and defense programs. This role focuses on solving complex manufacturing capability gaps and establishing the technical infrastructure required for growth in regulated markets.

Responsibilities

• Identify and solve manufacturing capability gaps limiting growth and develop internal welding knowledge and standards.
• Drive rapid cycles of welding procedure development (WPS), procedure qualifications (PQR), and personnel qualifications (WPQ).
• Interpret and apply AWS, ASME, NAVSEA, and customer-specific welding requirements.
• Provide early technical input to development teams to ensure manufacturability and prevent late-stage rework.
• Support the development of joining processes including welding, brazing, and tube joining.
• Support "make vs. partner" decisions and ensure the clean transition of qualified processes into production.

Requirements

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Welding Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Materials Engineering, or a related field.
• Experience: 10+ years or equivalent experience in welding engineering or welding process development within compliance-driven manufacturing environments.
• Technical Expertise: Deep knowledge of welding metallurgy, various welding processes, and inspection methods (VT, PT, RT, UT).
• Procedure Qualification: Extensive experience qualifying welding procedures and developing welder certification programs.
• Compliance Knowledge: Thorough understanding of AS9100 special process requirements.
• Execution Mindset: A "builder" mindset with a bias toward execution over discussion and the ability to work effectively in small, fast-paced teams.

Qualifications

• Required Qualifications: See above.
• Preferred Qualifications: Experience with defense or naval welding standards, specifically NAVSEA Tech Pub 248/278; industry certifications such as Certified Welding Engineer (CWE); experience preparing for and supporting NADCAP welding process audits; working knowledge of AWS D17.1 and D17.2 for aerospace welder qualification; exposure to brazing and tube joining processes in high-mix, low-volume environments.

Skills

Deep knowledge of welding metallurgy, various welding processes, and inspection methods (VT, PT, RT, UT).

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance for you and your family.
• Competitive salary.
• Bonus programs.
• 401K retirement plan.
• Training opportunities.
• Tuition reimbursement.
• Paid vacation, PTO, and holidays.
• Gym reimbursements, and more!

Pay

$116,000 - $156,000/yr.

Schedule

8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday.