Staff Technician, Welder (R5113)

Shield AI is a venture-backed defense-tech company with the mission of protecting service members and civilians with intelligent systems. Its products include Hivemind autonomy software, V-BAT and X-BAT aircraft, and Aechelon simulation and synthetic reality technologies. With offices and facilities across the U.S., Europe, the Middle East, and Asia-Pacific, Shield AI’s technology actively supports operations worldwide. For more information, visit [<www.shield.ai>](https://shield.ai/). Follow Shield AI on [LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/company/shield-ai), [X](https://x.com/shieldaitech), [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/shield_ai), and [YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/@Shield_AI).

### Job Description

The L4 Staff Welder is a senior-level fabrication specialist responsible for precision welding, prototype development, and low-volume aerospace hardware fabrication in a fast-paced R&D and prototype manufacturing environment. This role supports engineering teams in building flight-critical and mission-critical components using advanced welding techniques and aerospace-grade materials. The ideal candidate combines expert welding craftsmanship with strong problem-solving skills, blueprint interpretation, and collaboration in prototype development cycles. Aerospace prototype welders are commonly expected to work with TIG/GTAW processes, interpret engineering drawings with GD&T, and support AS9100-quality environments.

### What you'll do

• Perform precision TIG/GTAW welding on aerospace materials including stainless steel, aluminum, titanium, Inconel.
• Fabricate prototype assemblies, fixtures, tooling, and development hardware from engineering drawings, CAD models, and sketches.
• Read and interpret blueprints, welding symbols, and GD&T requirements.
• Work closely with design, manufacturing, and test engineers to iterate prototype designs rapidly.
• Execute welds capable of meeting aerospace inspection standards including dye penetrant, leak testing, and X-ray inspection where required.
• Set up and operate welding and fabrication equipment including TIG welders, orbital welders, saws, grinders, positioners, and fixturing tools.
• Inspect completed welds for dimensional accuracy, penetration, distortion, and cosmetic quality.
• Repair weld defects and recommend process improvements to improve manufacturability and repeatability.
• Support development and qualification of welding procedures and work instructions.
• Maintain compliance with AS9100, AWS, OSHA, and internal quality standards.
• Mentor junior welders and assist in establishing best practices within the fabrication shop.
• Document fabrication activities, process notes, and prototype deviations accurately.

### Required qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required; technical welding certification preferred.
• 8+ years of precision welding experience in aerospace, motorsports, defense, or prototype manufacturing environments.
• Expert-level TIG/GTAW welding proficiency.
• Experience welding thin-wall tubing and precision assemblies.
• Ability to pass aerospace weld qualification tests in multiple positions and materials.
• Strong understanding of metallurgy, weld distortion control, heat management, and fixturing.
• Ability to read complex engineering drawings and GD&T.
• Experience with aerospace inspection requirements and quality systems.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills in cross-functional engineering environments.

### Preferred qualifications

• AWS D17.1 or equivalent aerospace welding certification.
• Experience with pressure vessels, propulsion systems, fluid systems, or flight hardware.
• Familiarity with vacuum, leak-check, or clean-room fabrication requirements.
• Fabrication or machining familiarity.
• Experience in prototype or R&D environments supporting rapid iteration cycles.
• Ability to support design-for-manufacturing feedback during product development.

### Physical requirements

• Ability to stand for extended periods and lift up to 50 lbs.
• Comfortable working around welding fumes, heat, and fabrication equipment while using PPE.
• Manual dexterity and visual acuity for precision weld work.

### Work environment

• This position operates within a prototype aerospace fabrication shop supporting rapid development programs. Work may involve quick-turn engineering changes, low-volume production, and high-precision hardware fabrication under tight schedules.

### Typical skills for success

• Precision craftsmanship
• Attention to detail
• Strong troubleshooting ability
• Ownership mentality
• Adaptability in fast-paced prototype environments
• Collaboration with engineering teams