Weld Engineer

Weld Engineer (Contract) | Bellevue, WA (On-site)

System One is seeking a highly motivated Weld Engineer to support a Materials Development & Qualification team advancing next-generation materials and components for sodium-cooled fast reactors. This is a hands-on, high-impact role where your weld engineering and metallurgy expertise will influence how advanced components are designed, tested, qualified, and transitioned into supplier-ready manufacturing processes.

Location: Bellevue, WA (On-site) Type: Contract | 40 hrs/week Pay Rate: $63–$80/hr (W2)

Why this role?

• Contribute to advanced energy technology with direct design, qualification, and long-term deployment impact.
• Own weld development from laboratory testing through manufacturing process definition with external suppliers.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with engineering teams and supplier partners to mature critical components.

What you’ll do

• Partner with project teams to provide guidance on welding configuration, joint geometry, and method selection for development programs.
• Develop weld designs, specifications, and processes supporting design and licensing needs.
• Shape and inform materials test programs to validate weld/material performance models and ensure program objectives are met.
• Analyze and interpret test data (e.g., metallography, NDE results, mechanical testing, ductility) and create technical reports documenting results.
• Support procurement of engineered components by leading technical development with suppliers to increase technology readiness for key items.

What we’re looking for

Required / strongly preferred experience

• B.S. + 3 years relevant experience (or M.S. + 2 years, or equivalent).
• Degree in Materials Science/Engineering, Welding Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related technical discipline preferred.
• Experience with weld engineering for new design (not just production support).
• Ability to evaluate weld methods, joint geometries, and property impacts for piping, pressure vessels, and equipment.
• Strong metallurgy foundation including welding/heat treatment of:
  • Ferrous alloys (e.g., austenitic and ferritic-martensitic steels)
  • Nonferrous alloys (e.g., nickel-base alloys)

Nice to have

• Working knowledge of ASME NQA-1 and ASME Section IX
• Experience qualifying welds for highly regulated applications
• Understanding of weld design/parameter impacts on creep, fatigue, creep-fatigue, SCC, and fracture in high-temperature systems

Soft skills

• Independent problem-solver with strong communication, integrity, and a collaborative working style.