Entrylevel Helper Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Job Title: Welder Helper

Job Description

This role combines hands-on fabrication and entry-level welding mechanic responsibilities, focusing on grinding, cutting, assembling, and helping to weld pipe, rails, and miscellaneous materials to meet high quality standards. You will support the layout, fabrication, assembly, and welding of piping systems, fixtures, and equipment used in steam, hot water, heating, cooling, lubricating, and industrial processing systems. Working closely with experienced team members, you will develop technical skills in pipe fabrication, welding techniques, blueprint reading, and safe use of fabrication tools while contributing to a fast-paced, organized production environment.

Responsibilities

• Grind pipe, rails, and miscellaneous materials to meet company quality standards.
• Use grinders and hand tools to finish metal components and perform metal finishing tasks.
• Work at a fast pace to meet job deadlines and production schedules.
• Move efficiently from job to job while maintaining accuracy and quality.
• Keep jobs and work areas organized after welding and grinding are complete.
• Assist with selecting pipe types, sizes, and materials based on job specifications.
• Support cutting, threading, and preparing pipe using appropriate tools under supervision.
• Help assemble and install metal and nonmetal piping systems and fittings.
• Assist with joining piping using methods such as welding, threading, soldering, or brazing.
• Perform minor welds as needed to complete fabrication and assembly work.
• Observe and support welding activities while developing skills in various welding techniques.
• Work alongside experienced team members to learn proper equipment use and welding methods.
• Read and interpret blueprints to understand job requirements and fabrication details.
• Perform material handling and job site organization to support efficient workflow.
• Carry out other duties as assigned to support fabrication, welding, and production operations.

Essential Skills

• Ability to use grinders and hand tools safely and effectively for grinding and metal finishing.
• Basic fabrication skills, including cutting and assembling pipe and related materials.
• Ability to perform minor welding tasks and assist with more complex welds under supervision.
• Capability to read and interpret blueprints to guide fabrication and assembly work.
• Knowledge of basic math skills, including addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, and fractions.
• Ability to work within precise limits or standards of accuracy and evaluate information using measurable standards.
• Ability to work easily and skillfully with hands and perform repetitive tasks according to set procedures.
• Strong organizational skills to keep jobs and materials orderly throughout the fabrication process.
• Ability to maintain a positive attitude and work effectively in a team environment.
• Effective communication skills to interact with team leaders and teammates.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Interest in developing welding skills in areas such as MIG, flux core, and pipe welding.
• Exposure to or interest in working with carbon steel and industrial piping systems.
• Willingness to learn about welding, industrial processes, and piping systems used in steam, hot water, heating, cooling, lubricating, and industrial processing applications.
• Motivation to participate in apprenticeship or training programs in trades such as welding, plumbing, sheet metal, or HVAC.
• Commitment to safety, quality, and continuous improvement in a production environment.

Why Work Here?

You will join a well-established organization that offers strong opportunities for growth, ongoing training, and internal promotion. The culture emphasizes an inclusive, team-oriented environment where your development and career progression are a priority. Employees benefit from market-competitive wages based on experience, an apprenticeship program funded by the company, and a comprehensive benefits package that includes a 401(k) plan with a generous company match, personal leave, paid holidays, bereavement leave, and excellent medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug coverage. Additional support includes life and accidental death insurance, short- and long-term disability insurance, a company-sponsored wellness program, an Employee Assistance Program, tuition reimbursement, employee referral incentives, a scholarship program for employees’ children, and discounts with major automotive, computer, and cell phone companies. This environment supports long-term career stability, skill development, and work-life balance.

Work Environment

This position is based in a very clean and organized manufacturing shop environment. Typical work hours are Monday through Friday, approximately 6:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., with the possibility of working until 4:30 p.m. as needed and occasional Saturdays to meet workload demands, resulting in a workweek of roughly 40–55 hours. You will work with fabrication and welding tools such as grinders, hand tools, cutting and threading equipment, and welding equipment in a structured, safety-conscious setting. The environment supports hands-on learning alongside experienced trades professionals in a well-maintained production facility.

Job Type & Location

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

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $18.00 - $22.00/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 Richmond,VA.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Jun 15, 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.