Welder/Fabricator

VetPowered; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 52,000 - 59,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical coverage

Dental and vision coverage

401(k) with employer match

Eight paid holidays

Paid time off

Uniforms and PPE

Job summary

VetPowered, a San Diego-based manufacturer, is seeking a Welder Fabricator to join our skilled shop. You will perform MIG, TIG, and Stick welding, read drawings, lay out parts, and fabricate components to exact specifications in mild steel, stainless, and aluminum.

This full-time, non-exempt position offers 40+ hours weekly, with overtime as needed. Compensation ranges from $38.00 to $43.00 per hour, plus robust benefits and a supportive team environment at VetPowered.

Qualifications

• Strong welding and fabrication skills with fitting and metalworking experience.
• Current MIG and TIG welding certifications or qualifications.
• Ability to pass entrance weld tests in MIG, TIG, and Stick on multiple metals.
• Knowledge of AWS D1.1 and AWS D17.1 standards.

Responsibilities

• Weld and fabricate components per drawings and welding procedures.
• Read and interpret fabrication drawings, blueprints, and weld symbols.
• Set up and operate welding and fabrication equipment; maintain tools and workspace.

Skills

Welding

Fabrication

Reading blueprints

Communication

Problem solving

Mentoring

Supervisory (experience)

DBIDS clearance readiness

Safety compliance

Education

MIG welding certification

TIG welding certification

AWS D1.1/D17.1 knowledge

Tools

Welding equipment (MIG/TIG/Stick)

Job description

About VetPowered

VetPowered, LLC, named Veteran Owned Small Business of the Year in the United States, is a rapidly growing San Diego-based corporation specializing in manufacturing, welding, fabrication, machinery repair, and customized training under private and U.S. Government contracts. VetPowered employs a highly trained workforce that uses advanced CNC equipment. VetPowered is dedicated to bringing advanced manufacturing back to America.

Key Job Functions

At VetPowered, the Welder Fabricator performs precision welding and fabrication work in support of manufacturing and customer requirements. This role works from fabrication drawings, specifications, and applicable welding codes to produce high-quality components and assemblies in mild steel, stainless steel, and aluminum. The position is well suited for a skilled, dependable fabricator who takes ownership of workmanship, safety, and continuous improvement while supporting VetPowered's mission and core values.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Perform MIG, TIG, and Stick welding on mild steel, stainless steel, and aluminum in accordance with fabrication drawings, specifications, weld procedures, and quality requirements.
• Read and interpret fabrication drawings, blueprints, sketches, welding symbols, bills of materials, and job instructions.
• Lay out, fit, tack, weld, grind, and finish fabricated components and assemblies using appropriate tools, fixtures, and measuring equipment.
• Set up and operate welding and fabrication equipment, including saws, grinders, drills, shears, and related shop tools.
• Obtain and maintain required MIG and TIG welding qualifications for steel, stainless steel, and aluminum.
• Perform work to AWS D1.1 and AWS D17.1 requirements when applicable.
• Inspect completed work for dimensional accuracy, weld quality, finish, and conformance with customer and internal requirements.
• Identify fabrication or drawing issues and communicate practical solutions before work proceeds.
• Maintain tools, equipment, and work areas in a clean, safe, and serviceable condition.
• Support production priorities and provide hands-on guidance to less-experienced team members when requested.
• Follow all company, state, and federal safety policies and procedures.
• Perform other duties as required in support of the department and company goals.

Qualifications & Work Experience

To perform this job successfully, the candidate must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily, with or without an accommodation. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and ability required.

• Strong welding and fabrication skills, including fitting, layout, and metalworking experience.
• Current or previous MIG and TIG welding certifications or qualifications, with the ability to requalify or certify within two weeks of hire.
• Ability to successfully complete an entrance weld test in MIG, TIG, and Stick welding on mild steel, stainless steel, and aluminum, including fabrication of a test piece.
• Knowledge of or experience performing work to AWS D1.1 and AWS D17.1 standards.
• Ability to accurately interpret fabrication drawings, blueprints, weld symbols, dimensions, and tolerances.
• Strong communication, problem-solving, and organizational skills.
• Experience with prototype development or jig and fixture design is a plus.
• Prior supervisory, team lead, or hands-on mentoring experience is preferred.
• Valid driver's license with reliable transportation to and from the worksite.
• Eligibility to obtain a DBIDS clearance, including the ability to meet background requirements.
• Compliance with all applicable company, state, and federal safety regulations.
• U.S. citizenship or permanent resident status required.

Mission and Values

Contribute to achievement of the Mission and Vision of our organization by:

• Attention to Detail - The ability to accomplish a task while demonstrating a thorough concern for all the areas involved, no matter how small.
• All In - Brings their whole self to work and gives it their all no matter how difficult the job or situation.
• Accountable - Takes personal responsibility for their work, owns mistakes, communicates honestly rather than hiding the truth, and does not blame others or make excuses.
• Adaptable - Easily adjusts to changing circumstances.
• Always Improving - Makes a constant, ongoing effort to improve a product, service, skill set, or the team's way of working.

Important Notes

Position Details

This is a full-time hourly (non-exempt) position, 40+ hours per week. Overtime applies based on workload and production needs.

Schedule

This position is Monday-Friday, 7:00 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Occasional weekends or schedule adjustments may be required to support company goals and production needs.

Pay

The range of pay for this California-based position is $38.00-$43.00 per hour.

Incentive Compensation

Potential for bonus or incentive compensation after one full year of employment.

Benefits and Perks

VetPowered makes available comprehensive benefits the first of the month following the date of hire. Options include medical coverage with a 50% employer contribution, dental and vision coverage with a 100% employer contribution, a 401(k) program with employer match up to $1,000 per year, eight paid holidays, and paid time off.

Dress Code

The position is provided VetPowered uniforms and laundry service. Closed-toe safety shoes and all required personal protective equipment must be worn in production areas.

Supervisory

None

Physical Requirements

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to perform the essential functions of this job successfully. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee is frequently required to stand, sit, walk, use hands to finger, handle or feel, and reach with hands and arms. The employee is regularly required to push, move, lift, or otherwise bear 10-30 lbs. and occasionally 35-75 lbs. The role requires sustained use of welding and fabrication equipment and appropriate personal protective equipment.

Work Environment

The employee works in an urban industrial contract manufacturing facility with administrative offices, classrooms, welding areas, and machining areas. Potential hazards may be chemical, electrical, flammable, or mechanical.

E-Verify Compliance Statement

VetPowered, LLC participates in the E-Verify program. We ensure employment eligibility of all employees by using the E-Verify electronic verification system.

Policy for Discrimination, Harassment and Retaliation Prevention

VetPowered, LLC is committed to providing a professional work environment free from discrimination and harassment, including discrimination and harassment based on a protected characteristic, and an environment free from retaliation for participating in any protected activity covered by this policy. VetPowered, LLC employees are expected to assume responsibility for maintaining a work environment that is free from discrimination, harassment, and retaliation. Employees are encouraged to promptly report conduct that they believe violates this policy so that we have an opportunity to address and resolve any concerns. Managers and supervisors are required to promptly report conduct that they believe violates this policy. We are committed to responding to alleged violations of this policy in a timely and fair manner and to taking appropriate action aimed at ending the prohibited conduct.

EEO Statement

VetPowered, LLC is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees, applicants, unpaid interns, and volunteers without regard to actual or perceived: race (including hair texture or protected hairstyles, e.g. braids, locks, and twists), color, religion, religious creed (including religious dress and grooming practices), national origin (including language use restrictions), ancestry, citizenship, disability (mental and physical) including HIV and AIDS, medical condition (including cancer and genetic characteristics), genetic information, marital status, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or related medical conditions), gender, gender identity, gender expression, age (40 years and over), sexual orientation, veteran and/or military status, family and medical leave status, domestic violence victim status, political affiliation, and any other status protected by federal, state, or local law.

All openings are subject to change without notice, due to the volume of applications / resumes received, we are unable to respond to status inquiries. Please be assured that your information is being properly handled and forwarded to the appropriate hiring staff. If your skills and qualifications meet the needs of the job, you will be contacted.