Welder I - Certified - 1st Shift - Repair Solutions

Welder I - Certified - 1st Shift - Repair Solutions

Date: May 9, 2026

Location:El Cajon, CA, US

Company: GKN Aerospace Careers

Fantastic challenges. Amazing opportunities.

GKN Aerospace is reimagining air travel: going further, faster and greener! Fuelled by great people whose expertise and creativity sets the standards in our industry, we’re inspired by the opportunities to innovate and break boundaries. We’re proud to play a part in protecting the world’s democracies. And we’re committed to putting sustainability at the centre of everything we do, opening up and protecting our planet. With over 16,000 employees across 33 manufacturing sites in 12 countries we serve over 90% of the world’s aircraft and engine manufacturers and achieved sales of £3.35 bn.in 2023. There are no limits to where you can take your career.

Job Summary

Following specific and general instructions, specializes in TIG welding on all types of metal including titanium, nickel alloy, stainless steel and aluminum.  May also clean, tack and weld production hardware using both auto and manual TIG welding techniques on a variety of metals. Acts as mentor for junior Welders.  May work with engineering to resolve problems and develop new processes and/or procedures.

Job Responsibilities

•    Performs TIG welding on titanium and aluminum jet engine components.
•    Performs TIG welding on all types of metals to include steel, aluminum, stainless steel and titanium.
•    Cleans, grinds, and performs inspection as required to insure conformance to specifications.
•    Helps in the design stage as required on projects.
•    Mentors/provides guidance assistance and training to junior Welders.
•    Checks all work to assure that quality standards are maintained and has adhered to all specifications and procedures involving company and customer practices.
•    Maintains a clean work environment (including assigned storage and cleaning duties) in full compliance with company standards, customer and government regulations.
•    Assists in the development and maintenance of a business culture, which supports the Company's overall business objectives and goals, by providing leadership in issues that involve “cost, quality, process, schedule and people”. 
•    Ensures the company's commitment to maintain a safe workplace and to protect the environment through the establishment and support of Company policy and adherence to various government regulations. 
•    Fully complies with the "GKN Aerospace, Inc. Policy Statement on Contracting with the United States Government" in all areas of responsibility involving direct and indirect contracting with the United States Government.  Ensure subordinate staff is aware of the policy and their individual responsibility and accountability for complying with it.
•    Performs daily preventative maintenance of equipment in adherence with a predefined schedule.
•    Performs other duties, tasks and responsibilities as assigned.

Job Qualifications

Required Qualifications:
•    High School diploma or GED
•    5+ year welding experience in TIG welding, or successful completion of additional welding certification/education for TIG welding.
•    Must be able to achieve AWS certification (AWS D17.1) on all materials to be welded within 6 months of start.
•    3+ years of TIG welding experience working with basic math and reading blueprints and meet inspection requirements in accordance with customer specifications.
•    This job role requires proficiency in English, both verbal and written, that is sufficient to understand and effectively follow written safety procedures, company policies, work instructions, operations manuals, and more in a manufacturing environment.
•    Reliable and satisfactory attendance is an essential job function of this role and is critical in meeting operations and business needs”.
•    Must be a US Citizen or Green Card Holder due to program security clearance requirements and/or SSA requirements.
•    
Preferred Qualifications:
•    GKN Experience
•    Knowledge and experience in trouble shooting of safety, quality and technical issues with co-workers, quality and engineering functions.
•    Must be willing to work in a repetitive production environment with concern for meeting cost, quality and schedule requirements.
•    The ability to work as a team player as well as independently is required.
•    Mentors/provides guidance assistance and training to junior Welders.

 
Mental and Physical Demands:
•    Ability to read, write and comprehend English instructions
•    Basic Math skills
•    Manual dexterity    
•    Ability to stand for long periods of time
•    Lift up to 50 pounds
•    Withstand loud noise of a machine shop environment

Compensation Range

The compensation range for this position is between $28.00 - $32.00 per hour.

We’ll offer you fantastic challenges and amazing opportunities. This is your chance to be part of an organisation that has proven itself to be at the cutting edge of our industry; and is committed to pushing the boundaries even further.  And with some of the best training on offer in the industry, who knows how far you can go?

A Great Place to work needs a Great Way of Working

Everyone is welcome to apply to GKN.  We believe that we can only achieve our ambitions through a coming together of diverse minds who enjoy collaborating in an inspirational environment. Through our commitment to diversity, inclusion and belonging and by living our five powerful principles we’ve created a culture where everyone feels welcome to contribute.  It’s a culture that won us ‘The Best Workplace Culture Award’.  By embracing and celebrating what makes us unique we encourage everyone to bring their full self to work.

We’re also committed to providing an accessible recruitment process, so if you require reasonable adjustments at any stage during our recruitment process please get in touch and let us know.

We are the place where human dreams, plus human endeavour, shape the future of aerospace innovation and technology.​
​

Nearest Major Market: San Diego