Welder

Stark Aerospace Inc.; Columbus (MS); On-site; USD 52,000 - 86,000; Full time

Job summary

Stark Aerospace Inc. in Columbus, MS is seeking an experienced welder specialized in GTAW/TIG for aerospace components.

You will read blueprints, set up orbital welding systems, and ensure tight tolerances on thin-walled parts while maintaining strict quality records. Responsibilities include performing welding to AWS D17.1 and NAVSEA standards, supporting NADCAP audits, and collaborating with engineering and quality teams to optimize processes.

Qualifications

• Education: High school diploma or GED; technical training in Welding Technology or equivalent experience.
• Experience: Minimum 5 years in aerospace or defense welding with thin-walled, precision components.
• AWS Certified Aerospace Welder to D17.1 or equivalent; NAVSEA or similar certification preferred.

Responsibilities

• Perform GTAW (TIG) on aluminum, steel, titanium, Inconel, and exotic alloys.
• Achieve tight tolerances and interpret GD&T symbols and weld maps.
• Read blueprints and WPS per AWS D17.1 and DoD or NAVSEA standards.
• Set up and maintain welding equipment including orbital systems and fixtures.
• Conduct weld inspections using NDT methods and document results.
• Assist in weld schedule development and provide feedback to engineering.
• Support NADCAP and customer audits with compliance documentation.
• Maintain 5S housekeeping and adhere to PPE and safety regulations.

Skills

Attention to detail

Manual dexterity

Team collaboration

GD&T interpretation

Education

High school diploma or GED

Technical Welding Training

Tools

Welding equipment setup

Calipers

Micrometers

Orbital welding systems

Job description

Key Responsibilities

• Perform GTAW (TIG), on materials such as aluminum, steel, titanium, Inconel, and other exotic alloys .
• Achieve tight dimensional tolerances (e.g., ±0.005″–0.030″ or better), interpreting GD&T symbols and precision weld maps
• Read and interpret blueprints, engineering drawings, and Welding Procedure Specifications (WPS) in compliance with AWS D17.1 and applicable DoD or NAVSEA welding standards
• Set up, operate, and maintain welding equipment, including orbital welding systems, jigs, fixtures, and aids to control heat distortion
• Conduct weld inspections using NDT methods (e.g., X‑ray, visual, FPI) and maintain accurate records of weld parameters, heat inputs, and inspection results
• Assist in developing and validating weld schedules, providing feedback to engineering teams to optimize performance and quality
• Support NADCAP and customer audits by documenting and demonstrating compliance to aerospace quality and safety protocols
• Maintain meticulous housekeeping and adhere to 5S practices, PPE use, and all plant safety regulations.

Qualifications & Certifications

• Education: High school diploma or GED; technical training in Welding Technology, or equivalent experience.
• Experience:
  • Minimum 5 years of welding experience in aerospace or defense environments, with demonstrated success on thin-walled and precision components
  • Proven skill with thin materials (~.020″–.125″) and exotic alloys
• AWS Certified Aerospace Welder to D17.1, or equivalent.
• Level III required
• NAVSEA or company-specific aerospace/defense welding certification preferred
• Technical Skills:
  • Ability to read GD&T and blueprints.
  • Proficiency in precision measurement tools (calipers, micrometers, etc.).
  • Strong knowledge of welding metallurgy for distortion control.
  • Familiarity with orbital or chamber welding setups
• Soft Skills:
  • High attention to detail, manual dexterity, and concentration.
  • Effective collaboration with engineering and quality teams.
  • Good documentation habits and ability to support audits and inspections

Physical & Work Environment

• Expect to lift and position materials up to ~50 lbs and weld in multiple positions including overhead and vertical
• Climate-controlled fabrication area—may involve noise, heat, and use of PPE.
• Regular standing, bending, and fine manual tasks (fitting, grinding, measuring) required.