Welder Visa Sponsorship Jobs in California
Welder visa sponsorship jobs in California are concentrated in aerospace, shipbuilding, and heavy manufacturing sectors, with major employers operating in Los Angeles, San Diego, and the Central Valley. Companies like Northrop Grumman, BAE Systems, and General Dynamics regularly hire skilled welders and have established visa sponsorship infrastructure for qualified international candidates.
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Get Access To All JobsJob Description
What’s it like working for an innovative company that takes on some of the world’s most important challenges? Rewarding. Being a welder at BAE Systems means taking pride in the work you do in helping in the repair and modernization of the U.S. Navy vessels and knowing you make a difference every day. Right now we are looking for a Welder to join our Maritime Solutions team in San Diego.
Here, you’ll grow your career through training and development opportunities and the support of a knowledgeable team. We are committed to excellence with the products we make and by providing an environment where our employees feel valued. Enjoy a career where you can feel safe, be rewarded, and proud of the work you do.
As a Welder, you will:
- Weld structural steel in all positions
- Weld stainless steel and carbon steel and possibly other alloys
- Examine work pieces for defects and measure work pieces with straightedges or templates to ensure conformance with specifications
- Operate and maintain the machines that fabricate and repair metal structures, equipment and machinery
- Obtain the following welding certifications (at a minimum): SMAW plate, SMAW Pipe, GTAW Pipe
Required Education, Experience, & Skills
High School Diploma or GED or equivalent experience.
Requires a minimum of 3 years related experience in craft.
Ability to accomplish welding processes aboard vessels and shops.
Able to pass a hands-on welding practical test on SMAW, FCAW and GMAW-P (5XXX Aluminum) by way of x-ray NDT. Welding test will consist of full penetration butt weld test plates in three positions each; overhead (4G), vertical (3G) and horizontal position (2G). Full penetration welds 2G and 3G with ceramic backing, 4G with permanent backing.
Ability to interpret and understand NAVSEA drawings/blueprints. Able to understand, read and interpret welding symbols based on the requirements of Military Standard 22-D and have working experience with Military Standard 1689, DM 10-623B and CG-47 Crack Repair Manual.
Able to use hand tools and power tools safely and efficiently.
Able to read, write and comprehend simple instructions.
Able to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions in written, oral or diagram form.
Able to calculate and understand units of measure, including fractions and decimals.
Able to accurately use tape measure for measurements.
Able to obtain DBIDS credential/Government clearance to enter US Navy Vessels.
Physical Requirements
Able to wear appropriate protective equipment, including respirator.
Able to physically perform essential job duties with or without accommodations.
Able to work at heights, in confined spaces and have the ability to climb staircases and ladders of varying sizes and grades.
Able to carry personal tool bag weighing up to 50 lbs.
Preferred Education, Experience, & Skills
Highly skilled and experienced in 5XXX aluminum process, to include Process Control Procedure (PCP) work.
Pay Information
Full-Time Salary Range: $61360 - $93662
Please note: This range is based on our market pay structures. However, individual salaries are determined by a variety of factors including, but not limited to: business considerations, local market conditions, and internal equity, as well as candidate qualifications, such as skills, education, and experience.
Employee Benefits: At BAE Systems, we support our employees in all aspects of their life, including their health and financial well-being. Regular employees scheduled to work 20+ hours per week are offered: health, dental, and vision insurance; health savings accounts; a 401(k) savings plan; disability coverage; and life and accident insurance. We also have an employee assistance program, a legal plan, and other perks including discounts on things like home, auto, and pet insurance. Our leave programs include paid time off, paid holidays, as well as other types of leave, including paid parental, military, bereavement, and any applicable federal and state sick leave. Employees may participate in the company recognition program to receive monetary or non-monetary recognition awards. Other incentives may be available based on position level and/or job specifics.
About BAE Systems Platforms & Services
BAE Systems, Inc. is the U.S. subsidiary of BAE Systems plc, an international defense, aerospace and security company which delivers a full range of products and services for air, land and naval forces, as well as advanced electronics, security, information technology solutions and customer support services. Improving the future and protecting lives is an ambitious mission, but it’s what we do at BAE Systems. Working here means using your passion and ingenuity where it counts – defending national security with breakthrough technology, superior products, and intelligence solutions. As you develop the latest technology and defend national security, you will continually hone your skills on a team—making a big impact on a global scale. At BAE Systems, you’ll find a rewarding career that truly makes a difference.
The Platforms & Services (P&S) sector under BAE Systems, Inc does the big stuff: the armored combat vehicles, naval guns, missile launchers, and naval ship repair…just to name a few. Our employees take pride in the work they do and why they do it. They are on the front lines every day, building our products to protect the lives of those who serve. We may be biased, but we think P&S does some of the coolest work around, and we think you will too.
This position will be posted for at least 5 calendar days. The posting will remain active until the position is filled, or a qualified pool of candidates is identified.
Job Description
What’s it like working for an innovative company that takes on some of the world’s most important challenges? Rewarding. Being a welder at BAE Systems means taking pride in the work you do in helping in the repair and modernization of the U.S. Navy vessels and knowing you make a difference every day. Right now we are looking for a Welder to join our Maritime Solutions team in San Diego.
Here, you’ll grow your career through training and development opportunities and the support of a knowledgeable team. We are committed to excellence with the products we make and by providing an environment where our employees feel valued. Enjoy a career where you can feel safe, be rewarded, and proud of the work you do.
As a Welder, you will:
- Weld structural steel in all positions
- Weld stainless steel and carbon steel and possibly other alloys
- Examine work pieces for defects and measure work pieces with straightedges or templates to ensure conformance with specifications
- Operate and maintain the machines that fabricate and repair metal structures, equipment and machinery
- Obtain the following welding certifications (at a minimum): SMAW plate, SMAW Pipe, GTAW Pipe
Required Education, Experience, & Skills
High School Diploma or GED or equivalent experience.
Requires a minimum of 3 years related experience in craft.
Ability to accomplish welding processes aboard vessels and shops.
Able to pass a hands-on welding practical test on SMAW, FCAW and GMAW-P (5XXX Aluminum) by way of x-ray NDT. Welding test will consist of full penetration butt weld test plates in three positions each; overhead (4G), vertical (3G) and horizontal position (2G). Full penetration welds 2G and 3G with ceramic backing, 4G with permanent backing.
Ability to interpret and understand NAVSEA drawings/blueprints. Able to understand, read and interpret welding symbols based on the requirements of Military Standard 22-D and have working experience with Military Standard 1689, DM 10-623B and CG-47 Crack Repair Manual.
Able to use hand tools and power tools safely and efficiently.
Able to read, write and comprehend simple instructions.
Able to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions in written, oral or diagram form.
Able to calculate and understand units of measure, including fractions and decimals.
Able to accurately use tape measure for measurements.
Able to obtain DBIDS credential/Government clearance to enter US Navy Vessels.
Physical Requirements
Able to wear appropriate protective equipment, including respirator.
Able to physically perform essential job duties with or without accommodations.
Able to work at heights, in confined spaces and have the ability to climb staircases and ladders of varying sizes and grades.
Able to carry personal tool bag weighing up to 50 lbs.
Preferred Education, Experience, & Skills
Highly skilled and experienced in 5XXX aluminum process, to include Process Control Procedure (PCP) work.
Pay Information
Full-Time Salary Range: $61360 - $93662
Please note: This range is based on our market pay structures. However, individual salaries are determined by a variety of factors including, but not limited to: business considerations, local market conditions, and internal equity, as well as candidate qualifications, such as skills, education, and experience.
Employee Benefits: At BAE Systems, we support our employees in all aspects of their life, including their health and financial well-being. Regular employees scheduled to work 20+ hours per week are offered: health, dental, and vision insurance; health savings accounts; a 401(k) savings plan; disability coverage; and life and accident insurance. We also have an employee assistance program, a legal plan, and other perks including discounts on things like home, auto, and pet insurance. Our leave programs include paid time off, paid holidays, as well as other types of leave, including paid parental, military, bereavement, and any applicable federal and state sick leave. Employees may participate in the company recognition program to receive monetary or non-monetary recognition awards. Other incentives may be available based on position level and/or job specifics.
About BAE Systems Platforms & Services
BAE Systems, Inc. is the U.S. subsidiary of BAE Systems plc, an international defense, aerospace and security company which delivers a full range of products and services for air, land and naval forces, as well as advanced electronics, security, information technology solutions and customer support services. Improving the future and protecting lives is an ambitious mission, but it’s what we do at BAE Systems. Working here means using your passion and ingenuity where it counts – defending national security with breakthrough technology, superior products, and intelligence solutions. As you develop the latest technology and defend national security, you will continually hone your skills on a team—making a big impact on a global scale. At BAE Systems, you’ll find a rewarding career that truly makes a difference.
The Platforms & Services (P&S) sector under BAE Systems, Inc does the big stuff: the armored combat vehicles, naval guns, missile launchers, and naval ship repair…just to name a few. Our employees take pride in the work they do and why they do it. They are on the front lines every day, building our products to protect the lives of those who serve. We may be biased, but we think P&S does some of the coolest work around, and we think you will too.
This position will be posted for at least 5 calendar days. The posting will remain active until the position is filled, or a qualified pool of candidates is identified.
Welder Job Roles in California
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Search Welder Jobs in CaliforniaWelder Jobs in California: Frequently Asked Questions
Which companies sponsor visas for welders in California?
California's aerospace and defense manufacturers are among the most active sponsors for welder roles. Northrop Grumman and BAE Systems in the Los Angeles and San Diego areas have histories of sponsoring skilled trade workers. Shipbuilding and heavy industrial contractors in the Bay Area and Southern California also hire sponsored welders, particularly for certified positions requiring AWS or ASME qualifications.
Which visa types are most common for welder roles in California?
The H-2B visa temporary nonimmigrant visa is commonly used for welder roles where employers can demonstrate a seasonal or peak-load need and a shortage of available U.S. workers. For welders with specialized or advanced certifications, employers may pursue H-1B visa classification if the role genuinely requires a theoretical or technical degree, though this is less common for trade positions. EB-3 is the most typical immigrant visa pathway for skilled welders.
Which cities in California have the most welder sponsorship jobs?
San Diego leads due to its concentration of naval shipbuilding and defense contractors, including facilities tied to General Dynamics NASSCO. Los Angeles and the broader Southland region offer manufacturing and aerospace opportunities. The Central Valley has agricultural equipment and infrastructure fabrication employers. Richmond and the East Bay have industrial and refinery-related welding demand, making the Bay Area another active market for sponsored positions.
How to find welder visa sponsorship jobs in California?
Migrate Mate is a job board built specifically for international candidates seeking visa sponsorship in the U.S. You can filter directly for welder roles in California to see employers actively open to sponsoring workers. This saves significant time compared to sifting through general listings where sponsorship availability is unclear. Focusing your search on aerospace, shipbuilding, and heavy manufacturing employers in California gives you the strongest chances of finding sponsored openings.
Are there any California-specific considerations for welders seeking visa sponsorship?
California's prevailing wage requirements under state law often exceed federal minimums, which affects what employers must pay sponsored workers under H-2B and similar visa categories. California also enforces strict occupational safety standards through Cal/OSHA, so employers generally require documented certifications such as AWS Certified Welder credentials. Defense contractors operating in California may also require security clearance eligibility, which can limit sponsorship to certain nationalities.
What is the prevailing wage for sponsored welder jobs in California?
U.S. employers sponsoring a visa must pay at least the prevailing wage, which is what workers in the same role, area, and experience level typically earn. The Department of Labor sets this rate to make sure companies aren't hiring foreign workers simply because they'd accept lower pay than a U.S. worker. It varies by job title, location, and experience. You can look up current prevailing wage rates for any occupation and location using the OFLC Wage Search page.