Sigma Defense is seeking a Welding Lead to be responsible for supervising welding activities, overseeing weld quality, and ensuring the structural integrity of mechanical components repaired or modified within a maintenance environment. This role provides technical leadership, enforces strict quality standards, and ensures that all welding operations meet required metallurgical, procedural, and safety expectations.

This is a contingent position that is pending award of contract. This means that the position is subject to the successful awarding of a contract and will be confirmed once the contract is finalized. The candidate selected for this role will be offered the position on the condition that the contract is awarded to our organization.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disabled: Sigma Defense Systems is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability.

Requirements

• 5+ years of experience performing maintenance, repair, or modification on aircraft or U.S. Navy shipboard mechanical systems.
• 5+ years of concurrent supervisory experience leading welding or mechanical repair efforts in these environments.
• Strong background in structural, mechanical, and fabrication‑related maintenance.
• Must possess current NAVSEA Welding Certifications for Aluminum, Stainless steel, and Inconel.
• Must possess current Non‑Destructive Testing (NDT) certifications.
• Expertise in welding metallurgy, welding techniques, and weld quality control practices.
• Demonstrated experience implementing and managing welding quality control programs.
• Ability to evaluate weld conditions, identify defects, implement corrective actions, and ensure structural integrity.
• Strong understanding of quality principles and their application to welded components and mechanical assemblies.
• Proven ability to lead welding teams, provide technical instruction, and ensure compliance with welding standards.
• Strong documentation, communication, and problem‑solving skills.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with quality assurance personnel, maintenance supervisors, engineers, and safety staff.
• Must be a U.S. citizen.

Personnel Clearance Level:

• Candidate must possess or have the ability to obtain an active Secret security clearance or higher.
• Clearance may be sponsored for the right candidate.

Education Requirements:

• High School Diploma or equivalent is required.
• Formal welding training, completion of recognized welding programs, or equivalent experience is preferred.

Essential Job Duties (not all-inclusive):

• Lead and oversee welding and fabrication activities involving aluminum, stainless steel, Inconel, and other specialized alloys.
• Assign work, monitor progress, and provide hands‑on technical guidance to welders and mechanics to ensure high‑quality workmanship.
• Ensure that welding activities comply with approved procedures, specifications, and safety requirements.
• Implement, maintain, and enforce a robust welding quality control program.
• Conduct inspections and verify that welded joints, assemblies, and structural repairs meet required strength, alignment, and quality criteria.
• Ensure all welding work aligns with current NAVSEA welding requirements and applicable technical standards.
• Apply advanced knowledge of welding metallurgy, heat‑affected zones, material compatibility, and joint design to support high‑integrity welds.
• Guide welders in the use of proper welding techniques, filler materials, equipment settings, and heat controls for various metals.
• Identify metallurgical defects, diagnose root causes, and implement corrective actions.
• Utilize current NDT certifications to perform or oversee inspections, verify weld soundness, and detect defects such as cracking, porosity, or inclusions.
• Ensure appropriate NDT methods are applied (e.g., penetrant testing, magnetic particle, ultrasonic, or radiographic, depending on qualifications).
• Maintain accurate documentation of NDT results, weld maps, and inspection records.
• Identify quality issues related to welding processes, procedures, equipment, or personnel training.
• Lead root‑cause analyses and implement corrective and preventative actions to resolve welding‑related deficiencies.
• Recommend and develop improvements to welding procedures, workflow, and quality control measures.
• Enforce welding safety protocols, hot‑work controls, ventilation requirements, and hazard mitigation practices.
• Conduct safety checks on equipment such as welders, torches, protective gear, and work areas.
• Ensure compliance with all safety, fire protection, and environmental regulations related to welding operations.
• Provide training, mentoring, and certification support to welders and maintenance personnel.
• Develop proficiency in welding techniques, metallurgical awareness, and quality requirements among team members.
• Maintain oversight of welder qualifications, continuity logs, and certification currency.

Salary Range: $63,000 - $77,000 annually.

Benefits

• Dental and Vision Insurance
• Medical Insurance to Include HSA, FSA, and DFSA Plans
• Life and AD&D coverage
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• 401(k) Plan with Company Matching Contributions
• 160 Hours of Paid Time Off (PTO)
• 12 (Floating) Holidays
• Educational Assistance
• Highly Competitive Salary