Your Guide to a Career in Aerospace Welding

Got a knack for hands-on work? It might help you pursue high-tech welding careers.

If you’re interested in careers that support aircraft, spacecraft and even satellites, you might want to learn more about aerospace welding.

This specialized field is about more than just metal, pressure and heat. It’s also about precision, safety and innovation.

Whether you're new to welding or looking to specialize, this guide will walk you through what you need to know. Explore how this career works, what skills you'll need and how training at Universal Technical Institute can help you get started on the path to pursuing a job in this field!¹

What is Aerospace Welding?

Aerospace welding is a highly specialized process that focuses on building and repairing critical parts for aircraft, spacecraft, satellites and missiles. It demands a high level of skill, consistency and attention to detail, since even the smallest mistake can lead to serious safety concerns.

Because of the extreme conditions aerospace components must endure, these welds often involve materials like stainless steel, titanium, aluminum and nickel-based alloys. Working with these materials requires a deep understanding of heat control and metallurgy.

If you’ve ever asked yourself, what is aerospace welding, know that it’s a career where technical accuracy is everything and where your work can literally help launch missions into space.

What Does an Aerospace Welder Do?

Aerospace welders work with blueprints, technical drawings and specialized welding equipment to create or repair high-performance parts. They may work on everything from jet engines and fuselage components to small brackets used in satellites.

Jobs typically include:

• Fabricating new parts for aircraft and spacecraft.
• Conducting repairs on mission-critical components.
• Following strict industry codes and quality control standards.
• Using X-ray, ultrasonic and other tests to confirm weld integrity.

Types of Welding Methods Required

Depending on the job, aerospace welders must be skilled in multiple welding methods. Each serves a different purpose, especially when working with thin metals and specialized alloys.

Gas metal arc welding (GMAW)

Also known as MIG welding, this method is often used for aluminum and other lightweight metals. It's efficient for both fabrication and repair tasks.

Gas tungsten arc welding (GTAW)

Also called TIG welding, this technique allows for precision and control. It’s widely used in aerospace for welding thin materials and exotic alloys.

Plasma arc welding (PAW)

Similar to GTAW but more intense, plasma arc welding is used for very thin or delicate components that need high precision.

Oxy-acetylene welding

While less common in modern aerospace settings, oxy-acetylene welding is still useful for some repairs and can be a valuable skill for both entry-level and advanced roles.

How To Become an Aerospace Welder

The journey to becoming an aerospace welder involves a mix of technical training and industry experience.

1. Earn a high school diploma or GED certificate

Before applying for technical training, it’s important to have a high school education or GED. It proves you have the focus to finish a structured program, something especially valuable for those new to the industry. It’s also a standard requirement at places like Universal Technical Institute.

2. Learn the right welding skills

Welding is a hands-on career, so building strong practical skills is key. In our Welding Technology program, students train in MIG, TIG, stick and pipe welding to get ready for real-world challenges.

The best part? Welding training at UTI takes just 9-10 months — not four years.

If you’re interested in learning the foundations of welding, UTI’s Welding Technology program may be right for you. This program prepares graduates for entry-level roles like welder, fabrication welder, welder fitter, and wirer.⁷⁷

3. Graduate and pursue employment

Our welding training students can connect with Career Services Advisors while seeking employment—whether they’re still in school or have already graduated. These services include help with resume building and job applications, plus connections to a broad network of potential employers.

This support helps graduates find and step into entry-level welding positions and put their training to use.

4. Keep learning and advancing your career

No matter where your path leads, your learning doesn’t stop at graduation. As the industry keeps introducing new technologies and techniques, professionals must stay current with the latest developments.

By pairing foundational hands-on skills with persistence, drive and experience, you could go on to step into more specialized roles — like aerospace welding — where the odds for exciting opportunities are even greater.⁷⁷

Get certified

American Welding Society (AWS) certifications

The most important certification needed to become an aerospace welder is the AWS D17.1 certification, which focuses specifically on welding for aircraft and aerospace components.

Earning it requires passing both a written exam and a hands-on weld test that may be inspected using radiographic or destructive methods. Fortunately, learning core hands-on welding skills at UTI can help you prepare for certification testing.

Before pursuing D17.1, many welders start with foundational certifications like AWS D1.1 for structural steel and AWS D1.2 for aluminum—both essential credentials in the aerospace field. These certifications indicate that welders have built core skills and demonstrated their ability to work with the materials and processes commonly used in aerospace fabrication and repair.

4 Unique Benefits of a Career in Aerospace Welding

1. Less heavy manual labor

Unlike some construction or pipeline welding jobs, aerospace welding is usually more about precision than brute force. The work often involves small parts and controlled movements.

2. Controlled work environment

Many aerospace welders work in clean, temperature-controlled environments with high-end equipment and workstations, making for a more comfortable daily routine.

3. Access to innovative equipment

You can use advanced tools and technologies, such as robotic welding arms and digital weld monitoring systems, as part of your job.

4. Can pay well

While pay varies according to employer, area, experience and demand, aerospace welders can often earn above-average wages, especially with certifications and experience.⁶

Learn the Skills Needed for an Aerospace Welding Career!

Interested in how to become an aerospace welder? Training is a great place to start. Our 9-10 month Welding Technology training program can teach you foundational hands-on techniques, safety procedures and industry practices.

Want to know more? Contact an Admissions Representative to learn how you can take the first step toward a career in welding. You can also call 1-800-834-7308 to speak directly with our team and ask questions about enrollment, course content and upcoming start dates!