1St Class Structural Welder Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Job Title: Structural Welder
Job Description

This full-time, on-site Structural Welder role involves performing high-quality structural and pipe welds in a shipyard and ship repair environment. You will work with multiple welding processes, interpret blueprints and drawings, and complete weld tests in various positions while supporting structural fabrication and repair projects aboard ships and in industrial settings.

Responsibilities

• Perform structural welding using SMAW (stick) and FCAW (flux-core) processes in all required positions in accordance with project specifications and applicable codes.
• Complete and maintain qualification tests such as SMAW butt weld tests in all positions and FCAW butt weld tests in all positions, or GTAW 6G copper nickel butt weld pipe tests and 6G stainless steel socket weld tests, as applicable to skill level.
• Execute fillet and butt welds on structural components and piping systems, ensuring strong, clean, and defect-free welds.
• Read, interpret, and work from blueprints, drawings, and welding symbols to plan and lay out welding tasks accurately.
• Use and maintain basic hand tools and welding equipment safely and effectively during daily operations.
• Work aboard ships, in shipyards, and under industrial conditions, including confined spaces and elevated areas, to support structural and repair activities.
• Follow all safety procedures and shipyard regulations while working in extreme temperature environments and around heavy industrial equipment.
• Lift, carry, and transport heavy equipment, materials, and boxes as needed to support welding and fabrication tasks.
• Collaborate with other welders, fitters, and trades personnel to complete projects efficiently and to quality standards.
• Pursue opportunities to advance from third class to second class and first class welder levels by gaining experience, certifications, and demonstrating proficiency.

Essential Skills

• Ability to perform SMAW (stick) butt welds in all positions with strong proficiency.
• Ability to perform FCAW (flux-core) butt welds in all positions with strong proficiency.
• Capability to certify in 2G, 3G, and 4G positions for SMAW and FCAW welding.
• Proficiency in SMAW and FCAW fillet welding in any position.
• Ability to pass combination structural tests involving SMAW and FCAW butt welds in all positions, or pass GTAW 6G copper nickel butt weld pipe tests and 6G stainless steel socket weld tests for higher-level roles.
• Experience working in a shipyard or ship repair environment.
• Experience using basic hand tools safely and effectively.
• Experience reading and interpreting blueprints and drawings.
• Ability to gain access to area shipyards and naval facilities as required by project assignments.
• Physical ability to lift at least 30 lbs and perform tasks that require climbing ladders, working in confined spaces, and operating in extreme temperature environments.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience with structural welding in industrial or marine environments.
• Experience with GTAW (TIG) welding on 6G copper nickel pipe and stainless steel socket welds.
• Interest in obtaining additional welding certifications and qualifications.
• Motivation to progress from third class or second class welder to first class welder through training and demonstrated performance.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to producing high-quality, structurally sound welds.
• Ability to work effectively as part of a team in a busy shipyard setting.

Why Work Here?

You will join a growing organization that is actively expanding and working toward becoming a prime contractor, creating long-term stability and opportunity. The company values individuals who want to build their careers, offering clear paths to advance into leadership roles or move up through welder classifications. You will have opportunities to gain new certifications, broaden your technical skills, and work on significant shipyard and ship repair projects in a supportive, growth-oriented environment.

Work Environment

This is a full-time, on-site role based in shipyards and ship repair facilities. You will work aboard ships, in shipyards, and under industrial conditions that may include confined spaces, elevated work areas, and extreme temperature environments. The position requires frequent lifting, carrying, and transporting of equipment and materials weighing at least 30 lbs, as well as climbing ladders and working in physically demanding conditions. You will use basic hand tools, structural welding equipment, and processes such as SMAW, FCAW, and potentially GTAW, while following strict safety procedures and shipyard regulations in a busy, heavy-industrial setting.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Norfolk, VA.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $41.60 - $52.80/hr.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following:
• Medical, dental & vision
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
• 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
• Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
• Short and long-term disability
• Health Spending Account (HSA)
• Transportation benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Norfolk,VA.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Jun 12, 2026.

About Aerotek

We know that finding work is hard, and finding meaningful work is harder. Aerotek connects 180,000+ light industrial and skilled trades workers with 14,000+ employers each year, helping our workers navigate an evolving labor market and find jobs that meets their goals, skills and interests. Since 1983, we have provided a variety of career opportunities across North American industry – from short-term assignments at Fortune 500 companies where you can build your skills, to long-term opportunities where you can play a vital role solving for companies’ construction, manufacturing and maintenance challenges. Our 1,500+ experienced recruiters across 250+ offices work relentlessly to put our workforce in a position to thrive. Let us rise to meet your challenges and put our people-are everything spirit to the test as your career continues to grow.

Aerotek offers weekly pay, employee benefits including medical, dental & vision, life insurance, health advocacy and employee assistance programs, a 401(k) plan, and employee discounts.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regards to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance:
Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector:
It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI):
We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.

We know that finding work is hard, and finding meaningful work is harder. Aerotek connects 180,000+ light industrial and skilled trades workers with 14,000+ employers each year, helping our workers navigate an evolving labor market and find jobs that meet their goals, skills, and interests. Since 1983, we have provided a variety of career opportunities across North American industry – from short-term assignments at Fortune 500 companies where you can build your skills, to long-term opportunities where you can play a vital role in solving companies’ construction, manufacturing, and maintenance challenges. Our 1,500+ experienced recruiters across 250+ offices work relentlessly to put our workforce in a position to thrive. Let us rise to meet your challenges and put our people-are-everything spirit to the test as your career continues to grow.