Welding Engineer

FlexTrades is seeking a Welding Process Development Engineer / Subject Matter Expert (SME) to support our client located in New Orleans, Louisiana. This individual will own the development, qualification, documentation, and production implementation of aluminum welding processes from concept through production readiness.

FlexTrades offers paid travel time, paid lodging, and per diem 7 days per week.

FlexTrades also has a guaranteed 50 hours per week = 10 hours of OT pay weekly!

The ideal candidate will be a hands-on welding expert with strong process engineering experience, capable of leading weld development efforts, qualifying procedures, collaborating with manufacturing and quality teams, and supporting production troubleshooting.

Key Responsibilities

Welding Process Development & Qualification

• Lead weld process development for aluminum structures, primarily 2000 and 6000 series alloys
• Develop and qualify welding procedures using:
• Manual TIG Welding
• Pulsed MIG Welding
• Exposure to Friction Stir Welding (FSW) preferred
• Define weld parameters including:
• Joint design interpretation
• Heat input and travel speed
• Filler material selection
• Pre- and post-weld requirements
• Execute and analyze weld trials and coupon testing
• Create and maintain:
• Welding Procedure Specifications (WPS)
• Procedure Qualification Records (PQR)
• Work instructions and supporting technical documentation

Production Support

• Support transition from development to production welding operations
• Be the SME: Show the team the proper first weld & special techniques
• Assist with welder qualification activities
• Troubleshoot weld defects, process deviations, and production issues
• Revise and update procedures as needed
• Act as technical liaison between Engineering, Manufacturing, and Quality teams

Quality & Compliance

• Ensure compliance with AWS D17.1 & AWS D1.2
• Define inspection requirements and acceptance criteria
• Work closely with Quality teams regarding:
• Radiographic Testing (RT)
• Ultrasonic Testing (UT)
• Other NDT methods
• Maintain complete documentation and traceability records

MUST-HAVE Requirements

• Experience developing and qualifying WPS and PQR documentation
• Strong aluminum welding experience with 2000 and/or 6000 series alloys
• Hands-on expertise with Manual TIG Welding and Pulsed MIG Welding
• Working knowledge of AWS D17.1 and/or AWS D1.2 welding codes
• Familiarity with NDT methods including RT (Radiographic Testing) and UT (Ultrasonic Testing)
• Proven experience:
• Leading weld process development initiatives
• Taking welding procedures from development through production implementation
• Writing technical documentation and work instructions
• Ability to work directly with welders, manufacturing, and quality personnel in a production environment

Preferred Qualifications

• Friction Stir Welding (FSW) experience
• Defense, aerospace, shipbuilding, or heavy fabrication background
• Build-to-print manufacturing experience
• RCCA / Root Cause Corrective Action experience
• Combination of hands-on welding and engineering expertise
• Experience working with third-party certification or compliance organizations

Education & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Welding Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field preferred
• Equivalent combination of advanced welding/process engineering experience considered
• Typically 5–10+ years of relevant welding engineering, process development, or SME experience