Weld Engineer (All Levels)

Saronic Technologies is a leader in revolutionizing autonomy at sea, dedicated to developing state-of-the-art solutions that enhance maritime operations through autonomous and intelligent platforms.Job OverviewWeld Engineers are responsible for establishing and maintaining the welding engineering program that supports ship construction at Port Alpha. This role develops the welding procedures, automation strategies, and technical standards that govern one of the most critical trades in shipbuilding.The Weld Engineer will work closely with production, quality assurance, and ship design teams to ensure that welding processes are safe, repeatable, and compliant with classification society and regulatory requirements. A key responsibility of this role is building the shipyard’s welding program from the ground up, including procedure development, qualification programs, welder training requirements, and integration of automated welding technologies.The role ensures that welding operations support efficient production while maintaining structural integrity and long-term vessel reliability.ResponsibilitiesWelding Procedure DevelopmentDevelop and qualify Welding Procedure Specifications (WPS) and Procedure Qualification Records (PQR) for shipbuilding applications.Establish weld joint design standards for plates, stiffeners, panels, and structural assemblies.Define welding processes and parameters appropriate for shipbuilding materials and thickness ranges.Weld Program DevelopmentBuild and implement the shipyard’s welding engineering program in coordination with Quality Assurance.Establish welding standards, technical guidance, and documentation for production teams.Develop weld inspection criteria and acceptance standards aligned with classification society rules.Automation & Advanced Welding SystemsSupport implementation of automated welding systems including panel line welding, robotic welding, and mechanized welding processes.Define welding parameters and procedures for automated production systems.Collaborate with automation and equipment vendors to optimize welding productivity and quality.Production IntegrationWork with production engineering to ensure welding processes support block construction and panel fabrication strategies.Identify opportunities to improve welding efficiency through process improvements or automation.Provide technical support to fabrication shops and assembly teams.Welder Qualification & Training SupportDefine welder qualification requirements and certification standards.Support development of welder training programs and qualification processes.Ensure welders are qualified to applicable procedures and codes.Quality Assurance CoordinationPartner with QA to develop weld inspection programs, including visual inspection, NDT methods, and acceptance criteria.Support root cause investigations related to weld defects or failures.Participate in corrective action programs and continuous improvement initiatives.Standards & ComplianceEnsure welding procedures comply with classification society rules (e.g., ABS, DNV, or equivalent).Maintain compliance with applicable welding codes and shipbuilding standards.Support regulatory and classification audits related to welding operations.What Success Looks LikeA complete welding engineering program established and functioning across the shipyard.Welding procedures are standardized, qualified, and aligned with ship design requirements.Welders are properly trained and qualified to required standards.Automated welding systems operate reliably with optimized parameters.Weld quality meets classification society requirements with minimal rework.QualificationsEntry-LevelBachelor’s degree in Welding Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Materials Engineering, or related discipline.Understanding of welding processes and metallurgy.Interest in heavy manufacturing or shipbuilding operations.Mid-Level4–8 years of welding engineering experience in shipbuilding, heavy fabrication, or industrial manufacturing.Experience developing welding procedures and supporting production welding operations.Familiarity with NDT methods and weld quality standards.Senior-Level8+ years of welding engineering experience in shipbuilding or large structural fabrication.Demonstrated experience implementing welding programs and supporting automated welding systems.Strong experience working with classification societies and regulatory welding requirements.BenefitsMedical Insurance: Comprehensive health insurance plans covering a range of servicesSaronic pays 100% of the premium for employees and 80% for dependentsDental and Vision Insurance: Coverage for routine dental check-ups, orthodontics, and vision careSaronic pays 100% of the premium under the basic plan for employees and 80% for dependentsTime Off: Generous PTO and HolidaysParental Leave: Paid maternity and paternity leave to support new parentsCompetitive Salary: Industry-standard salaries with opportunities for performance-based bonusesRetirement Plan: 401(k) plan with company matchStock Options: Equity options to give employees a stake in the company’s successLife and Disability Insurance: Basic life insurance and short- and long-term disability coveragePet Insurance: Discounted pet insurance options including 24/7 Telehealth helplineAdditional Perks: Free lunch benefit and unlimited free drinks and snacks in the officeSaronic CCPA Notice for Candidates and California EmployeesIf this role is based in the United States, it requires access to export-controlled information or items that require “U.S. Person” status. As defined by U.S. law, individuals who are any one of the following are considered to be a “U.S. Person”: (1) U.S. citizens, (2) legal permanent residents (a.k.a. green card holders), and (3) certain protected classes of asylees and refugees, as defined in 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3).Saronic does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, color, religion, age, national origin, marital status, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or any other reason prohibited by law in provision of employment opportunities and benefits. We are also committed to providing reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities.LocationAustin, TX; Brownsville, TXEmployment TypeFull timeLocation TypeOn-siteDepartmentPort Alpha