Job Description
The Department of the Navy is seeking a Welder Leader (WL-10) to join its team in San Diego, California. This full-time federal position involves leading welding personnel at naval shipyards and intermediate maintenance facilities. As a Welder Leader..
You will ensure tools and materials are available for projects.. Plan and arrange safe work operations.. Analyze trade requirements through audits and incident reports.. And provide guidance on nuclear and non-nuclear welding procedures.
This role is critical to maintaining the Navy's fleet readiness. The position is open to U.S. Citizens who can demonstrate the ability to lead or supervise in a trade environment.
Work may involve uncommon tours, including nights, weekends, and holidays, and requires travel to CONUS and OCONUS locations. The work area suits experienced welders ready to step into a supervisory capacity within a structured federal setting.
Salary & Compensation
Estimated market salary: $30 - $50 per hour.
Qualification
To qualify for the Welder Leader position, you must demonstrate the ability to lead or supervise, which is the screen-out element. Your qualifications will be evaluated on the quality of experience, not necessarily length of time. Show through experience and training that you possess the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.
- Ability to lead or supervise (screen-out element; minimum 2 points required).
- Experience in welding trade operations, including planning and arranging work.
- Knowledge of safety procedures and use of personal protective equipment.
- Ability to analyze trade requirements through audits, surveillance, or incident reports.
- Experience providing instructions and guidance to welding personnel.
- Must be a U.S. Citizen.
- Must be determined suitable for federal employment.
- Must participate in direct deposit pay program.
Role Responsibilities
Ensure tools and materials are available to complete assigned projects.
- Plan and arrange for proper and safe work operations for assignments.
- Analyze trade requirements through audits, surveillance, and incident reports.
- Provide instructions for nuclear and non-nuclear guidance to Welder shop personnel.
- Lead welding teams in shipyard maintenance and repair tasks.
- Enforce safety regulations and ensure compliance with security clearance requirements.
- May be required to work uncommon tours, including nights, weekends, and holidays.
How to Apply
Open the USAJOBS announcement and with your USAJOBS/Login.gov account.
- Complete the federal application questionnaire and attach your resume (max 2 pages) and required documents.
- Ensure your resume includes employer name, dates (Mo/Yr), hours per week if less than full-time, and pay plan/series/grade for federal experience.
- Submit your complete application package by 11:59 PM Eastern Time on October 13, 2026.
Additional Information
This position is in the Department of the Navy, with work sites including Portsmouth Naval Shipyard, Puget Sound Naval Shipyard, Norfolk Naval Shipyard, Trident Refit Facility Bangor, and Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard.
- Applicants will only be considered for positions within their own UIC (Unit Identification Code).
- Must obtain and maintain an interim and/or final security clearance.
- This is a Drug Testing position; pre-employment drug test (including marijuana) required.
- May be required to wear personal protective equipment continuously.
- Work may involve exposure to harmful physical and chemical agents; participation in medical surveillance programs required.
- Relocation expense reimbursement and recruitment incentives may be offered depending on funding availability.
About Company
The Department of the Navy is a major component of the U.S. Department of Defense, responsible for naval operations and maintaining the fleet. It employs a diverse civilian workforce supporting shipyards, maintenance facilities, and administrative offices worldwide. This Welder Leader position is part of the Navy's commitment to maintaining its ships and submarines through skilled trades leadership. Working for the Navy offers federal benefits, structured pay scales, and opportunities for career advancement in a public service environment.