A process for projection welding a steel weld nut to an ultra high strength steel component using a direct current projection welding machine is provided. The process includes placing a steel weld nut at a predetermined location on the steel component such that the at least one projection of the weld nut is in direct contact therewith. The DC projection welding machine passes a current through the at least one projection that is in direct contact with the steel component a predetermined amount of weld time, which in turn creates a resistance weld joint between the weld nut and the steel component as is known to those skilled in the art. The predetermined amount of weld time is less than 1 Hz (16.67 sec) and the weld joint between the weld nut and the steel component has a twist off strength greater than 30.0 newton meters (Nm).