Become a Leader in Naval Welding: Join the Department of the Navy

If you are a master welder with a passion for leadership and maritime engineering, the Department of the Navy is looking for you. The role of Welder Leader (Expert) is more than just a job; it is a vital position responsible for maintaining the structural integrity of the fleet. You will be guiding teams of skilled professionals in some of the most advanced shipyard environments in the United States.

Job Responsibilities

As an Expert Welder Leader, your daily tasks are diverse and high-impact:

Leadership: Supervise and mentor a specialized team, ensuring tasks are completed safely and efficiently.
Quality Control: Inspect both ongoing and completed work to ensure it aligns with strict naval specifications.
Technical Innovation: Stay ahead of the curve by introducing new welding technologies and tooling to the shop.
Process Improvement: Collaborate with engineering teams to optimize welding processes and reduce costs.
Mentorship: Share your expertise with less-skilled employees to build a stronger shop floor.

Requirements

To qualify for this expert-level role, candidates must demonstrate a high degree of skill and leadership. Key requirements include:

A proven ability to lead or supervise, which acts as a mandatory screen-out element.
Deep technical knowledge of metals and welding theoretical practices.
The ability to interpret blueprints and technical specifications accurately.
Professional experience that demonstrates your ability to work cohesively within a large team.

Feature	Requirement Status
Screen-out Element	Ability to Lead/Supervise
Travel Requirement	Minimal to Moderate
Drug Testing	Required
Bargaining Unit	Yes

Salary Overview

This position offers a competitive wage ranging from $30.11 to $50.37 per hour. The final compensation is determined by geographical location and the annual wage survey for your specific shipyard area, ensuring your pay reflects the local cost of labor.

Benefits

Working for the Navy comes with a comprehensive suite of benefits:

Health, vision, and dental insurance options.
Retirement benefits through the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS).
Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) with government matching.
Paid annual and sick leave.
Opportunities for specialized technical training.

Application Tips

Use the Resume Builder: This ensures you don't miss key data points like pay plans and series.
Be Specific: Quantify your leadership experience. Mention how many people you led and the impact you made.
Sanitize Personal Info: Remove SSNs and DOBs from documents, but keep them for the final hiring stage.
Check Your Eligibility: Ensure you have your DD-214 or other supporting documents if applying via veteran or spouse preference.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: How often is this position filled? A: Referral lists are issued as vacancies occur. It is highly recommended to apply and keep your profile updated.

Q: Can I apply for multiple locations? A: Yes, this announcement covers multiple shipyards across the U.S. Ensure you meet the residency or UIC requirements for your target location.

Q: What is the hiring process like? A: Once your application is reviewed, the best-qualified candidates are referred to the hiring manager for potential interviews.

Serving as a Welder Leader (Expert) for the Department of the Navy is an exceptional way to apply your technical craft to a meaningful, patriotic mission. With competitive pay, job stability, and the opportunity to lead in a prestigious environment, this career move is perfect for those ready to take their welding career to the next level. Apply today and start your journey with the Navy.

Why This Welder Leader (Expert) Job Matters

Elevate your welding career with the Department of the Navy! We are seeking an Expert Welder Leader to drive quality, mentor teams, and shape the future of naval ship maintenance.

Welder Leader (Expert) Job Overview

The Department of the Navy is looking for an experienced Welder Leader (Expert) to join the Structural Shop (Shop 26). In this role, you will lead high-level welding operations, provide technical guidance, mentor team members, and ensure that all work meets rigorous maritime standards. This position supports critical infrastructure across major naval shipyards in California, Hawaii, Maine, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and Washington.

Requirements for Welder Leader (Expert)

Ability to lead or supervise a team (Screen-out element).
Proficiency in interpreting technical instructions, specifications, and blueprints.
Strong knowledge of metals and their properties.
Expertise in welding technical practices.
Ability to collaborate effectively with others in a team-oriented environment.
Must meet all OPM Job Qualification Handbook standards for Trades and Labor occupations.

Preferred Qualifications for Welder Leader (Expert)

Experience in process improvement and reducing operational costs.
Demonstrated history of training and mentoring junior welders.
Expertise in non-destructive testing and quality assurance programs.
Proficiency in implementing new technologies and tooling in a shop environment.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Comprehensive federal health insurance options.
✓Federal retirement savings plan (TSP).
✓Competitive salary based on regional wage surveys.
✓Extensive professional development and training opportunities.
✓Potential for relocation incentives for eligible candidates.
✓Meaningful work with a focus on public service and national security.

💡 How to Apply Welder Leader (Expert) Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Welder Leader (Expert) Job

Log into or create your USAJOBS account.
Prepare a detailed resume (maximum 2 pages) highlighting your welding leadership, technical duties, and accomplishments.
Complete the online assessment questionnaire.
Upload all required supporting documentation, such as DD-214s, professional certificates, or performance appraisals.
Submit your complete application package before the deadline.

💡 General Tips

Use the USAJOBS Resume Builder to ensure all required information (dates, hours per week, pay plan, and grade) is included.
Be specific about your leadership experience; the 'Ability to Lead' is a critical screen-out factor.
Double-check that all uploaded documents are legible and have cleared the virus scan process.
Do not wait until the last minute, as document processing can take several hours.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the primary responsibility of the Welder Leader?

You will lead a team of welders, mentor staff, conduct quality inspections on shop work, and work with engineering to refine welding processes and reduce costs.

Is a security clearance required?

Yes, this position involves work requiring a security clearance of an unspecified type.

Can I apply if I am not currently a federal employee?

Yes, this position is open to various hiring paths including veterans, individuals with disabilities, and military spouses.

Are there multiple duty stations?

Yes, the role covers multiple locations, including shipyards in California, Hawaii, Maine, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and Washington.

Job from Department Of The Navy - Agency Wide

The Department of the Navy (DON) is a cornerstone of national security. As a civilian employee, you contribute to a mission-driven organization that values innovation, technical excellence, and the development of its workforce. The DON offers a unique work environment where your expertise directly impacts the operational readiness of naval vessels.