As an end-to-end space transportation company, Firefly Aerospace is on a mission to enable our world to launch, land, and operate in space – anywhere, anytime. Our launch vehicles, lunar landers, and orbital vehicles provide government and commercial customers with full mission services from low Earth orbit to the surface of the Moon and beyond. Headquartered in north Austin, Texas, Firefly is looking for passionate, hardworking innovators to join our team and help fuel our successful trajectory into space. SUMMARY The Welding Engineer is responsible for maintaining good welding practices across Firefly’s programs, including, but not limited to launch vehicles, spacecraft, and ground systems. A strong team-oriented attitude, professional communication skills, passion for the work and a results-driven are critical to creating and maintaining Firefly’s standard for top notch quality. This position integrates with many departments across the company, including Ground Support Equipment, Fluids systems, Structural systems, Test operations, and Launch operations. The breadth of support requires a self-driven individual that will internalize the intent of the position and fill gaps as the team continues to grow and evolve. This engineer must identify opportunities for improvement, review solutions with relevant stakeholders, and take action to drive any improvements to completion without direct pressure or supervision. This role is located at our manufacturing and test site in Briggs, TX, north of Cedar Park. RESPONSIBILITIES • This position will support the production of Firefly’s launch vehicles, spacecraft, and ground systems alongside a strong design-and-build engineering groups at multiple work sites • The welding engineer will help develop, qualify and refine welding designs for vehicles and ground systems. · The welding engineer will interface directly with individual welders, the weld shop manager, Materials & Processes, Quality, Program, and design engineers to develop standard practices for creating reliable & repeatable welds. · Develop, qualify, and refine weld processes and parameters for multiple welding processes, including but not limited to GTAW, GMAW, resistance, plasma arc, electron beam, and laser beam • Support production operations on full-scale welded assemblies, providing direction to manufacturing engineers and welders on correct techniques in a fast-paced manufacturing environment • Support design, manufacturing, and materials engineering with root cause analysis • Work closely with design, tooling, automation, and development engineers to improve welded designs for manufacturing · Set up welder certification test campaigns and interpret mechanical testing and NDE results • Work closely with NDT personnel to interpret weld quality on development and flight hardware in addition to developing and implementing innovative state-of-the-art NDE techniques • Develop and implement improved process control where possible using test and NDE results as a feedback loop QUALIFICATIONS Required • Bachelor’s degree in a relevant engineering discipline • Ability to perform job duties that require standing, kneeling, crouching, twisting upper body, working in cramped positions in small openings, and climbing hand over hand • Ability to multi-task and communicate with a broad spectrum of internal and external customers • 5+ years of experience with hands-on fabrication, manufacturing, or testing experience of welded assemblies • Experience writing PQRs, test plans, test procedures, and inspection criteria • Experience inspecting welds and providing constructive feedback to welding team • Experience working with the welding of aluminum, stainless steel, nickel alloys, and high strength steels • Experience with welding processes including, but not limited to GTAW, GMAW, resistance, plasma arc, electron beam, and laser beam • Experience using tooling, jigs, or part design to improve producibility • Familiarity with D17.1, B31.3, AFSPCMAN 91-710, and other applicable Aerospace welding codes • Familiarity with NDT techniques, including, but not limited to VT, Dye Penetrant Testing, Ultrasonic, & Radiography • To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful, permanent resident (aka green card holder), (iii) Refugee under 8 U.S.C. § 1157, or (iv) Asylee under 8 U.S.C. § 1158, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S Desired • 7+ years of experience with hands-on fabrication, manufacturing, or testing experience of welded assemblies • Familiarity with AFSPCMAN 91-710 and other Launch Site specific Aerospace codes & guidelines • Ability to communicate at all levels of an organization (technical to programmatic, technician to executive leadership)
See More Details >>This position is responsible for using fabrication tools such as plasma, stud gun, and a welder. Overhead crane and forklift usage.Types of welding include Flux core, stick welding, vertical up welding, overhead welding, out of position, arc gouge.Maintains internal quality standards and compliance with all safety factors.Complete production output level for the day/week.Elevate complex issues such as unusual nameplates and complex testing issues.Support monthly operational goals.Straightening sheet metal.Plasma cutting.Fitting parts.Repair work. This position is responsible for using fabrication tools such as plasma, stud gun, and a welder. Overhead crane and forklift usage.Types of welding include Flux core, stick welding, vertical up welding, overhead welding, out of position, arc gouge.Maintains internal quality standards and compliance with all safety factors.Complete production output level for the day/week.Elevate complex issues such as unusual nameplates and complex testing issues.Support monthly operational goals.Straightening sheet metal.Plasma cutting.Fitting parts.Repair work.
See More Details >>Position: Welder- Fort Hood, TX; Must have an active Secret Clearance with Security Clearance Welder Fort Hood, TX Full-Time | On-site | Position Contingent Upon Award We're seeking a mission-focused Welder to support the repair and sustainment of armored military vehicles. In this hands-on role, you'll weld, cut, solder, and braze a variety of military-grade materials - including aluminum armor - while strictly adhering to U.S. Army procedures and AWS welding codes. Your expertise will directly contribute to combat readiness and fielding support for U.S. and Foreign Military Sales (FMS) programs. RESPONSIBILITIES: • Repair defects in welds and armor steel castings on military vehicles. • Weld a range of materials, including aluminum armor, using pulse and stick welding techniques. • Perform cutting, soldering, and brazing tasks in accordance with U.S. Army standards. • Follow all U.S. Army welding procedures, safety guidelines, and technical regulations. • Conduct weld inspections to ensure quality and compliance with AWS code standards. • Qualify welds for non-ballistic structures per AWS specifications. • Collaborate with maintenance and fielding teams to support sustainment missions. REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS: Must meet qualifications for Welder, Combination, Maintenance (Occupation Code 23960). Essential Knowledge & Skills: • 5+ years of welding experience on military vehicles or armored ground combat platforms. • Skilled in pulse welding, stick welding, soldering, and brazing operations. • Familiarity with U.S. Army welding procedures, technical manuals, and protocols. • Proficient in interpreting welding blueprints and weld symbols. • Knowledge of AWS welding codes for structural and non-ballistic applications. Certifications & Licenses: • AWS welding certification or equivalent military/DoD weld qualification preferred. • OSHA-compliant safety training strongly preferred. • Valid state-issued driver's license. Experience: • Minimum 5 years welding experience, with preference for work on military equipment. • Experience performing structural repairs to armored vehicles or heavy combat platforms. Education: • High School Diploma or GED required. • Military technical training or vocational welding certification preferred. Physical Requirements: • Must be able to lift/move objects exceeding 50 lbs. • Frequent bending, stooping, climbing, and exposure to heat, fumes, and outdoor elements. • Capable of working in confined spaces or awkward positions as needed. Security Clearance: • U.S. Citizenship required. • Active Secret clearance required due to access to controlled military systems and materials. DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS: • Prior experience supporting U.S. Army maintenance or logistics programs. • Welding experience on tracked or wheeled combat vehicles. • Familiarity with TACOM contracts or FMS program support. • Background in field-level sustainment or depot-level repair operations. Position Contingent Upon Award: This position will be filled following the award of a U.S. Army vehicle sustainment and fielding contract. Application Instructions: Submit a resume that clearly demonstrates qualifications under Occupation Code 23960 and highlights experience welding armored or military-grade components. AWS or DoD weld certifications should be noted in the application. Join a skilled workforce committed to operational readiness and excellence in armored vehicle sustainment. Apply today to be part of a mission-critical welding and maintenance team.
See More Details >>Becoming a welder in Killeen, TX, typically begins with technical training, which can range from 6 months to 2 years, providing the necessary skills for this skilled trade. According to the American Welding Society, the welding industry is expected to need approximately 320,500 new welding professionals by 2029, with a median salary of $45,190 per year for welders in 2021. In Killeen, the average wage for welders is approximately $109.25 per week, with opportunities for growth through certifications and specialization. Training programs, community colleges, and welding schools offer pathways to enter this in-demand field, leading to a career with strong earning potential and job stability.
