Shipbuilding

Welding Engineer & Quality Lead

Austin, TXOnsiteFull TimeLeadPosted 2 months ago

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Required skills

welding processes
robotic automation
manufacturing quality
nondestructive testing
structural fabrication
joint design
fit-up requirements
welding parameters
fixturing
sequencing

Nice to have

CAD
AWS D1.1
ASNT Level II
robotics
AI-driven manufacturing software
industrial robots

Role summary

Valstad is revolutionizing shipbuilding with robotic production systems that convert engineering data directly into finished steel structures. We are seeking a Welding Engineer, Quality & NDT Lead to develop, qualify, and ensure the production performance of our welding processes, while establishing robust quality and inspection systems. This hands-on role requires expertise in welding engineering, robotic automation, manufacturing quality, and nondestructive testing. You will collaborate with engineers, manufacturing personnel, and customers to create stable, documented, and scalable welding capabilities, ensuring consistent, high-quality results from our automated systems. Responsibilities include process development, parameter definition, procedure qualification, robotic weld path review, NDT execution, quality system building, root cause analysis, and customer documentation.

About Valstad

Valstad is building the machine that builds the ships.

We combine industrial robotics, welding, sensing, and AI to turn 3D models into real high-mix ship structure. Our mission is to rapidly expand America's maritime output by 100x.

Our team works directly with large industrial robots and real manufacturing equipment at our Austin facility. The systems we build will ultimately be deployed across shipyards and industrial facilities throughout the country.

The Role

Valstad is seeking a Welding Engineer to own welding-process development, manufacturing quality, and nondestructive testing for robotic steel fabrication.

You will develop and qualify welding procedures, improve robotic welding performance, investigate defects, and establish the inspection systems required for production.

What You Will Do

Develop and qualify welding procedures for structural steel fabrication.
Define process windows, parameters, consumables, and acceptance criteria.
Partner with robotics and automation engineers to improve robotic welding.
Investigate defects and lead root-cause and corrective-action efforts.
Perform or oversee VT, MT, and other applicable NDT methods.
Maintain welding, inspection, calibration, and qualification records.
Develop production inspection plans and quality-control processes.
Support customer, classification, and program-specific requirements.

What We Are Looking For

5+ years of welding-engineering or welding-quality experience.
Strong knowledge of GMAW and structural-steel fabrication.
Experience developing WPSs, PQRs, and qualification programs.
Current or previous Level II qualification in VT and MT under a recognized written practice.
Experience investigating weld defects and production variation.
Ability to work directly with robotic systems and manufacturing teams.

AWS CWI and Level II UT experience are strongly preferred. PAUT, automated NDT, shipbuilding, and heavy-fabrication experience are valuable.

Ready to apply?

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