Welder/ Metal Fabricator - Level 3

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be available

CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: No

CLEARANCE TYPE: None

TRAVEL: Yes, 10% of the TimeDescription

At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work - and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible. Our employees are not only part of history, they're making history.

The Mission Enabling Products organization within the Northrop Grumman Space Systems pushes the boundaries of innovation, redefines engineering capabilities, and drives advances in various sciences. Our team is chartered with providing the skills, innovative technologies to develop, design, produce and sustain optimized product lines across the sector while providing a decisive advantage to the warfighter. Come be a part of our mission.

The Mission Enabling Products (MEP) organization is seeking a Welder/ Metal Fabricator - Level 3 to perform welding on spacecraft systems or subsystems.

This position is located in San Diego, CA.

Position Summary:

Set up, fabricate, fit, and weld metal components to print using MIG, TIG, and related processes in a manufacturing/fabrication Aerospace shop environment. Interpret blueprints and weld symbols, operate standard shop equipment, ensure product quality and safety compliance, and support on-time delivery to the production schedule.

Job Responsibilities:

• Read and interpret engineering drawings, weld symbols, work instructions and statement of work.
• Perform layout, measuring, cutting, forming, drilling, tapping, and fit-up of metal components.
• Set up and perform welding operations (GTAW/TIG, GMAW/MIG, FCAW, SMAW as required) on carbon steel, stainless steel, and aluminum per applicable WPS and quality standards.
• Operate common fabrication equipment (press brake, shear, ironworker, roll, band saw, drill press, grinders) and use jigs/fixtures to achieve dimensional accuracy.
• Control distortion, perform weld prep and post-weld finishing; deburr and grind to required finish.
• Verify dimensions and tolerances using calipers, micrometers, height gauges, and other precision tools; complete in-process inspections and documentation.
• Maintain a clean and safe work area; follow all safety procedures, PPE requirements, and 5S standards.
• Perform basic preventive maintenance on tools and equipment; report issues promptly.
• Collaborate with engineering, quality, and production to resolve issues and improve manufacturability; support prototypes, rework, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Accurately record labor, materials, and quality data.
• Quote labor and material for projects

• High school diploma or GED and 4+ years of metal fabrication and welding experience in a production shop environment; or completion of an accredited welding/fabrication program and 2+ year of experience. 4 additional years of experience will be considered in lieu of a degree.
• Proficiency in MIG and TIG welding on steel and stainless; ability to pass company/industry welder qualification tests.
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints and weld symbols; basic understanding of GD&T.
• Skilled in setup and use of standard fabrication equipment and hand tools.
• Proficient with precision measurement and shop math (fractions/decimals, tolerances).
• Basic computer skills for viewing drawings, completing work orders, and data entry in ERP/MES.
• Ability to work overtime and alternative shifts as needed.
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs, stand for prolonged periods, and perform physical tasks typical of a fabrication shop.
• U.S. Citizenship and ability to obtain/maintain a security clearance

• Current AWS welder certifications (e.g., D1.1, D1.2, D17.1) or ability to certify quickly.
• Experience fabricating to tight tolerances in aerospace/defense or similar regulated environment (ISO 9001/AS9100).
• Experience with aluminum welding; familiarity with stainless and other alloys.
• Knowledge of weld inspection methods (VT, PT) and documentation practices.
• Experience with Design for manufacturability
• Experience with CNC press brake setup/programming and/or laser/plasma cutting processes.
• Lean/5S/continuous improvement participation; forklift/overhead crane operation experience.

• Work performed in a fabrication shop with exposure to noise, heat, fumes, and airborne particulates.
• Frequent standing, walking, bending, kneeling, reaching, and handling of materials.
• Regular lifting, pushing, and pulling of materials up to 50 lbs; use of cranes/forklifts/rigging as trained.
• Use of PPE including welding hood, safety glasses, gloves, hearing protection, and safety footwear; respirator use may be required for certain tasks.
• Adherence to all safety, environmental, and housekeeping standards.