Welding Specialist

Welding Specialist


Company
Department of the Navy - Agency Wide
Location
Philadelphia, PA
Job Type
Full-time
Posted
7 days ago
Via
Lensa

Job Description
Summary

Join the proud team supporting the Department of the Navy as a WELDER. This role involves working at various Navy installations including the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard, Puget Sound Naval Shipyard, Norfolk Naval Shipyard, Trident Refit Facility Bangor, and Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard. Your skills are crucial to ensuring the strength and integrity of our nation's naval capabilities.

Duties

As a Welder, your responsibilities will include:
• Identifying and associating metals, alloys, and filler metals by their color codes and standard markings.
• Producing welds that meet acceptance standards for NDT, strength, and pressure tests.
• Utilizing test methods to determine the composition of metals and alloys.
• Inspecting completed welding projects for quality and compliance.
• Operating various welding machines and processes to weld piping parts and structures.

Requirements

Conditions of Employment:
• Must be a U.S. Citizen.
• Must pass a suitability assessment for federal employment.
• Must participate in the direct deposit pay program.
• New employees will be required to pass the E-Verify employment verification check.
• Males born after 12-31-59 must be registered for Selective Service.
• This position may be part of a bargaining unit.
• A pre-appointment physical examination may be required.
• You must obtain and maintain a security clearance for this role.
• This is a Drug Testing position, and successful completion of a drug test is mandatory.
• This position requires personal protective equipment (PPE) for the duration of your shifts.
• Work may occur in environments with harmful physical and chemical agents.
• This role may involve exposure to high noise levels and require travel to various domestic and international locations.
• Be prepared for potentially uncommon work hours, including nights, weekends, and holidays.

Qualifications

While specific experience length is not a strict requirement, you must demonstrate through your experience and training that you possess the necessary skills to perform effectively in this position. A minimum score on the screening element related to your ability to work independently is necessary for eligibility.

Education

No formal education qualifications are required for this position.

Additional Information

Salary varies by location and is subject to annual reviews based on local wage surveys.

Benefits

Working for the U.S. government provides a comprehensive benefits package designed to support you and your family through various career stages.

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers about Welder Jobs

Q What is the median hourly wage for welders in the United States as of 2026?
As per the U.S. Department of Labor, the median hourly wage for welders, cutters, solderers, and brazers is $25.22 as of May 2026 data. Welders in manufacturing earn $26.15 per hour on average while those in construction receive $24.80 per hour. Overtime pay at 1.5 times the regular rate applies after 40 hours per week under the Fair Labor Standards Act.
Q What certifications and experience are required to qualify for welder jobs in the United States?
As per the U.S. Department of Labor, welders must complete a high school diploma or equivalent plus a postsecondary welding program lasting 6 to 18 months. AWS Certified Welder credential and 2,000 hours of documented experience are required for most positions in structural welding. Employers in shipbuilding and aerospace require additional ASME Section IX qualifications.
Q What are the standard working hours and paid leave entitlements for welders in the United States?
As per the U.S. Department of Labor, full-time welders work 40 hours per week with overtime required after 40 hours. Workers receive at least 10 paid holidays and accrue 10 days of paid sick leave annually under the Families First Coronavirus Response Act extensions. Union contracts in construction add 15 days of paid vacation after one year.
Q How are federal income taxes calculated on welder wages in the United States for 2026?
As per the Internal Revenue Service, welders earning $52,500 annually in 2026 pay 12% federal income tax on income between $11,601 and $47,150 plus 22% on the amount above $47,150. Social Security tax is withheld at 6.2% up to the $168,600 wage base. Employers must issue Form W-2 by January 31 each year.
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