Structural Welder / Fabricator

About Valstad

Valstad is building the machine that builds the ships.

We combine industrial robotics, welding, sensing, and AI to turn 3D models into real high-mix ship structure. Our mission is to rapidly expand America's maritime output by 100x.

Our team works directly with large industrial robots and real manufacturing equipment at our Austin facility. The systems we build will ultimately be deployed across shipyards and industrial facilities throughout the country.

What to Expect

Valstad is a manufacturing technology company with a mission to rebuild America's shipbuilding capacity from the ground up. The United States has fallen from the world's leading shipbuilder to producing less than 1% of global commercial output — while demand for domestic naval and commercial vessels continues to surge.

We're closing that gap by developing autonomous robotic fabrication systems that produce precision structural ship components at unprecedented speed, quality, and scale. Our platform combines industrial robotics, machine vision, and adaptive manufacturing to do what decades of manual processes have not — deliver the throughput and consistency the industry needs to build again.

Welders at Valstad are central to our production operation. You’ll work alongside advanced robotic systems in a modern fabrication facility, producing structural steel components to exacting quality standards. We’re looking for experienced, detail-oriented welders who take pride in their craft and want to be part of something bigger.

What You’ll Do

• Perform GMAW (MIG) and FCAW welding in positions 1G, 2G, and 3G on structural steel components and assemblies

• Perform corrective welding to repair, rework, or refit fabricated components

• Read and interpret engineering drawings, weld symbols, and work instructions

• Measure and verify dimensions using tape measures, squares, and other layout tools

• Perform material handling and positioning, including lifting up to 75 lbs

• Operate hand and power cutting tools including plasma, oxy-fuel, and angle grinders

• Work safely alongside robotic welding systems on the production floor

• Maintain weld quality in accordance with AWS D1.1 and ABS Part 2 Materials and Welding requirements

• Keep your work area clean and organized

What You’ll Bring

• Required: Proficiency in GMAW (MIG) and FCAW welding

• Ability to weld out of position (vertical, overhead, and horizontal)

• Ability to read a tape measure and basic fabrication drawings

• Familiarity with thermal cutting processes (plasma, oxy-fuel, or similar)

• Familiarity with structural welding codes or quality standards (e.g. AWS D1.1 or ASME Section VIII); willingness to learn ABS Part 2

• Ability to safely lift up to 75 lbs and perform physical labor in a manufacturing environment

• Tasks may require physical strength and dexterity

• May require extensive kneeling, bending, and standing for long periods of time

• Must be able to climb ladders or stairs to reach objects; comfortable with heights

• May require working in narrow or confined work spaces for extended periods of time

• Basic proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook)

• Strong attention to detail and commitment to weld quality

• Dependable, collaborative, and able to work from written and verbal work orders

Nice to Have

• SMAW (Stick) welding experience

• GTAW (TIG) welding experience

• Laser welding experience

• Robotics or cobot welding system experience

• AWS D1.1 welder qualification/certification

• Shipbuilding or heavy industrial fabrication background