Research Engineer: Advanced Welding & Fabrication

Southwest Research Institute; San Antonio (TX); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Southwest Research Institute in San Antonio, TX seeks an Engineer - Research Engineer in Welding & Fabrication to lead fabrication projects and translate design intent into qualified, repeatable welding processes for large pressure vessels and structural assemblies.

You will develop and maintain welding procedures in line with AWS and ASME standards, mentor technical staff, perform inspections, and coordinate with customers and internal teams.

Qualifications

• Requires a Bachelor's degree in Welding Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Metallurgy and Materials Engineering or related Engineering degree.
• Current Certified Welding Inspector Certification or must obtain AWS CWI Certification within first 3 years of employment.
• 0-5 years: Demonstrated ability in the development, qualification, interpretation, and application of welding procedures in accordance with AWS, ASME, and customer-specific codes and standards. Hands-on experience across multiple welding processes and materials.
• 0-5 years: Ability to exercise independent technical judgment in weld process selection, acceptance criteria interpretation, and resolution of non-conformances.
• 0-5 years: Capability to train, mentor, and technically evaluate welders, serving as a subject matter expert rather than line supervision. Proficiency in inspection planning, CWI-level evaluation, and objective quality evidence generation, ensuring traceability and audit readiness.
• Must pass a Jaeger 1 vision test and Ishihara color test to obtain Welding Inspector Certification per the American Welding Society specifications.
• A valid/clear driver's license is required.

Responsibilities

• Apply welding and fabrication principles to project execution, leading fabrication efforts by translating designs into qualified welding processes for large vessels and structures.
• Assist in leading fabrication efforts involving complex or critical welds with internal teams and external customers including weld qualification and risk mitigation.
• Provide advanced technical expertise and procedural oversight for welding and fabrication tasks, ensuring compliance with industry codes.
• Assist in skill development of technical staff through hands-on training, demonstrations, and process improvement recommendations.
• Maintain and improve welding procedures in accordance with AWS and ASME standards, addressing project-specific applications.
• Assist with development, qualification and maintenance of welding procedures and prepare technical fabrication proposals.

Job description

Southwest Research Institute in San Antonio, TX seeks an Engineer - Research Engineer in Welding & Fabrication to lead fabrication projects and translate design intent into qualified, repeatable welding processes for large pressure vessels and structural assemblies.

You will develop and maintain welding procedures in line with AWS and ASME standards, mentor technical staff, perform inspections, and coordinate with customers and internal teams.