Welder
Machina Labs
Los Angeles, CA, USA
Posted on Sep 27, 2025
About Machina Labs
At Machina Labs, we’re reshaping manufacturing through advanced robotics and machine learning. Our platform uses the largest 6-axis robots on the market to form 2D sheets of metal into complex 3D parts, layer-by-layer.
Traditional sheet metal production was designed for scale, not flexibility. It relies on costly dies and tooling that make lower volume projects prohibitively slow and expensive. We’re changing that. Whether you’re a startup building a few thousand airframes or an automaker prototyping next-generation components, Machina Labs gives you the ability to iterate and manufacture at the speed of software.
With support from the venture arms of Toyota, NVIDIA, and Lockheed Martin, we’re accelerating the future of manufacturing, one where factories are flexible, production is on-demand, and innovation is unconstrained.
About the Role
This Welder will focus on designing, developing, and optimizing weld tooling and processes to support production. The position will be responsible for ensuring compliance with industry standards, particularly AWS D17.1 Aerospace Welding Specifications, and for driving continuous improvements in weld quality and efficiency. A strong background in welding tanks and structural assemblies is preferred. The Welding Manufacturing Engineer will also be involved in the development of manufacturing methods, documentation of processes, and deployment of best practices to ensure high-quality welds in aerospace applications.
This position requires access to information controlled under the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) or the Export Administration Regulations (EAR), so the successful candidate must meet the U.S. person requirements as defined by ITAR and EAR regulations.
What You'll Do:
- Set up, fit, and weld thin-wall components and assemblies (tanks, rings, skins, brackets) to AWS D17.1 and customer specs.
- Perform Laser and GTAW on aluminum, stainless, titanium, and nickel alloys per WPS.
- Build and use fixtures; plan sequence, heat input, and clamping strategy to control distortion.
- Execute purge setups (argon back-purge, dams) for titanium/stainless; ensure weld cleanliness and prep (degrease, edge prep, dedicated brushes).
- Read prints & GD&T, travelers, WPS/PQRs; hold tight tolerances on thin-gauge materials.
- Run weld coupons and assist with welder/procedure qualifications; maintain complete parametric records and traceability in MRP/travelers.
- Safely operate/assist robotic welding cells (basic teach, fixture changeover, torch/consumable maintenance).
- Partner with Engineers/Quality on continuous improvement (first-article feedback, fixturing tweaks, consumables, parameter windows).
- Maintain a clean, safe cell (5S, PPE, machine care) and mentor junior welders as needed.
What You'll Bring:
- U.S. person (ITAR/EAR).
- High school diploma or equivalent; welding trade certificate or apprenticeship preferred.
- 2+ years hands-on GTAW in aerospace/defense or equivalent high-spec environment.
- Ability to qualify to AWS D17.1 (Class A/B) and pass required visual acuity tests.
- Proficiency reading prints/GD&T; using calipers, micrometers, height gauges, and weld gauges.
- Demonstrated skill with thin-wall welding and distortion management.
- Comfortable with digital travelers/MRP and disciplined documentation.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience with tank and structural welding in an aerospace or defense manufacturing environment.
- Manufacturing engineering experience in an ISO9001/AS9100 Certified facility.
- Experience with Material Resource Planning (MRP) software.
- Prior experience implementing lean manufacturing principles and safety compliance.
- Strong background in robotic welding and automated welding systems.
Physical/Work Environment:
- Stand for extended periods; lift up to 50 lbs; fine motor work under PPE.
- Occasional overtime/weekend shifts based on program need.
Machina Labs is an Affirmative Action and Equal Employment Opportunity employer and considers all applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, or status as a protected veteran in accordance with state and federal law.
We endeavor to make the job application process accessible to any and all users. If you have a disability that impacts your ability to complete the job application process and would like to request assistance or a reasonable accommodation, please contact us at (888)444-9777. This contact information is for accommodation requests only, not to inquire about the status of applications.