Sr. Weld Engineer
Terran Orbital Corporation · Irvine, CA · 1 mo ago
On-siteInformation Technology$170k/yrFull-time
Key Duties and Responsibilities
- Develop, optimize, and characterize resistance welding process windows using structured DOE methodologies, including analysis of expulsion limits, electrode wear behavior, and design improvements.
- Apply Design for Manufacturing (DFM) principles to enhance producibility, reliability, and robustness of welded assemblies for spaceflight hardware.
- Partner closely with manufacturing teams and technicians to implement welding process plans, operating procedures, and standardized work instructions.
- Interpret industry welding standards and tailor them to Terran Orbital applications to support WPS and PQR creation and maintenance.
- Develop, qualify, and maintain weld schedules for resistance welding equipment used in battery and power storage system production.
- Collaborate with Quality Engineering to establish pass/fail criteria across battery cell and module weld operations, and lead disposition, root cause analysis, and corrective actions for weld-related nonconformances.
- Drive cross-functional initiatives to improve manufacturing reliability, implement poke-yoke strategies, and reduce variation across production lines.
- Clearly communicate, justify, and defend engineering decisions using a data-driven, fact-based approach suitable for flight-critical hardware.
- Contribute to continuous improvement activities, including equipment capability studies, weld tool design enhancements, and advanced welding technique evaluations.
- Support the development of next-generation welding processes and battery technologies for spacecraft power systems.
Required Qualifications and Skills
- BS in Welding Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or related discipline.
- 5+ years of experience with welding materials and processes, including parallel gap resistance spot welding.
- Strong understanding of weld parameter development, metallurgy, and weld joint design; ability to assess tradeoffs between welding methods for aerospace applications.
- Experience with robotic welding systems and automated welding integration.
- Demonstrated ability to develop and qualify resistance weld profiles for battery cells and battery structural components.
- Proficiency with root cause analysis methodologies (e.g., 5 Whys, fishbone, fault-tree analysis) and corrective action implementation.
- Familiarity with CAD tools and ability to interpret complex engineering drawings and GD&T.
- Background in materials science or metallurgical behavior of weld joints preferred.
- Demonstrated ability to operate outside comfort zones, innovate, and contribute to the advancement of space-based power storage technologies.
- U.S. Person or lawful permanent resident to comply with U.S. government space technology export regulations.
Benefits
- 100% Company-paid comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage for you and your dependents
- 401(k) Match
- Flexible Time Off (FTO)
- Education Reimbursement
- Competitive Paid Parental Leave
Pay
Salary Range: $125,000 USD - $170,000 USD. Your actual level and base salary will be determined case-by-case and may vary based on the job-related qualification, knowledge, skills, education, and experience.
About Terran Orbital
Terran Orbital is a leading manufacturer of satellite products primarily serving the aerospace and defense industries. Terran Orbital provides end-to-end satellite solutions by combining satellite design, production, launch planning, mission operations, and on-orbit support to meet the needs of the most demanding military, civil, and commercial customers. Learn more at www.terranorbital.com