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Offshore Oil Rig Welding Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Offshore Oil Rig Welding information

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the offshore oil rig welding position, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Offshore Oil Rig Welder, you need advanced welding skills, a strong understanding of metal fabrication, and typically certification such as AWS or equivalent offshore welding qualifications. Experience with specialized equipment like MIG, TIG, and stick welding tools, as well as compliance with safety and maritime regulations, is essential. Physical stamina, attention to detail, teamwork, and strong problem-solving abilities are vital soft skills in this field. These competencies are crucial for maintaining structural integrity, ensuring safety in challenging conditions, and supporting reliable operations on offshore rigs.

What is the typical work environment like for an offshore oil rig welder?

Offshore Oil Rig Welders work in a highly dynamic and physically demanding environment, often spending weeks at sea in rotational shifts. You will be part of a tight-knit crew, collaborating closely with engineers, rig technicians, and safety personnel to perform repair and maintenance tasks on the rig’s critical infrastructure. The workspace can be noisy, confined, and exposed to harsh weather, so adherence to strict safety protocols is essential. Many find the camaraderie and sense of accomplishment rewarding, and the role offers competitive compensation with opportunities for career advancement into supervisory or inspection positions.

What is an offshore oil rig welder?

An Offshore Oil Rig Welding job involves welding and repairing metal structures on oil rigs located in oceans or seas. Welders work on pipelines, platforms, and machinery to ensure structural integrity and safety. The job requires knowledge of various welding techniques, including underwater and high-pressure welding. It often involves working in challenging environments with strict safety protocols. Welders must have certifications and experience in offshore operations.

What are the most commonly searched types of Offshore Oil Rig Welding jobs in Virginia? The most popular types of Offshore Oil Rig Welding jobs in Virginia are:
What are popular job titles related to Offshore Oil Rig Welding jobs in Virginia? For Offshore Oil Rig Welding jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Offshore Oil Rig Welding jobs in Virginia look for? The top searched job categories for Offshore Oil Rig Welding jobs in Virginia are:
What cities in Virginia are hiring for Offshore Oil Rig Welding jobs? Cities in Virginia with the most Offshore Oil Rig Welding job openings:
Infographic showing various Offshore Oil Rig Welding job openings in Virginia as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, and 9% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.

Welder II $3,000 Sign on Bonus

Oceaneering International, Inc.

Chesapeake, VA • On-site

$28 - $34/hr

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 3 days ago

New


Oceaneering rating

6.8

Company rating: 6.8 out of 10

Based on 22 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

365th of 487 rated machine equipment manufacturers


Job description


The Welder II supports marine and shipboard operations at Oceaneering's Marine Services Division (MSD) in Chesapeake, VA. This role requires welding proficiency, technical judgment, and the ability to perform complex work in high-consequence environments. This role may require overtime. Travel may be required up to 75% of the year.
Responsibilities
  • Perform welding using TIG (GTAW), Stick (SMAW), MIG (GMAW), and/or Flux-Cored (FCAW) processes.
  • Interpret blueprints, weld symbols, and technical drawings.
  • Fabricate and repair structural and piping components.
  • Select appropriate materials, joint configurations, and welding parameters.
  • Perform welding in confined spaces and elevated positions.
  • Meet visual, dimensional, and UT/RT inspection requirements.
  • Maintain safety, quality, and housekeeping standards.
  • Provide technical guidance and mentorship to junior welders.

Qualifications
Required
  • High school diploma/GED

  • Minimum two (2) years welding experience in an industrial environment, preferably in the shipbuilding industry.

  • Proficiency in TIG, Stick, MIG, and/or Flux-Cored welding.

  • Ability to interpret technical drawings and specifications.

  • Ability to obtain and maintain required welding certifications.

  • Must be a U.S. citizen who is not a dual citizen of any other country.

  • Ability to obtain and maintain a Secret security clearance.

Desired
  • Experience working in marine or naval environment.

  • Familiarity with SUBSAFE, Deep Submergence Systems, or other high-consequence quality programs.

  • Experience with UT/RT inspection methods.

  • Experience with hull penetration, mechanized, and/or automatic welding.

  • Experience mentoring or leading others.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, and Other Characteristics:
  • Ability to work independently and perform with some oversight.
  • Detail-oriented

Pay Transparency:
We offer a comprehensive and competitive benefits package. Employee benefits vary by role, however, may include Health and Wellness, Mental Health, Retirement Savings, Life and Disability, Paid Maternity and Parental Leave, Paid Time Off, Tuition Reimbursement, and an Employee Assistance Program.
Compensation: $28 - $34/Hr
Working Conditions
This position is considered SHOP/INDOORS which is characterized as follows.
  • Primarily indoors during the day and occasionally at night
  • Frequently working on or near moving equipment and vibrating equipment
  • When outdoors, humidity is frequently above 90%
  • Noise is over 85 decibels
  • Light is intense/glare
  • Occasional exposure to open fire/flames/sparks
  • Frequent exposure to airborne dust, fumes, and gases
  • Includes exposure to contaminants
  • Requires working in very hot (above 90 F degrees) or very cold (below 32 F degrees) temperatures
  • Includes exposure to sounds and noise levels that are distracting or uncomfortable
  • Job tasks are performed in close physical proximity to other people
  • Requires working indoors in non-controlled environmental conditions

Physical Activity/Requirements
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
This position is considered MEDIUM work.
OCCASIONAL
FREQUENT
CONSTANT
  • Lift 20-50 pounds
  • Work in confined spaces, kneel, jump, run, work while lying on stomach/back, crawl, and use repetitive movements of the arms and hands.
  • Identify color differences
  • Wear PPE for skin protection
  • Lift 10-25 pounds
  • Climb stairs/ladders, stand, balance, stoop, squat, reach, and lift/carry objects
  • Twist body, sit with back supported, head forward/flexed, head tilted/rotated, and work with arms extended overhead
  • Operate a motor vehicle
  • Lift up to 10 pounds
  • Wear PPE protection for body, vision, and hearing protection

About Us
Oceaneering is a global provider of engineered services and products, primarily to the offshore energy industry. We develop products and services for use throughout the lifecycle of an offshore oilfield, from drilling to decommissioning. We operate the world's premier fleet of work class ROVs. Additionally, we are a leader in offshore oilfield maintenance services, umbilicals, subsea hardware, and tooling. We also use applied technology expertise to serve the defense, material handling, aerospace, science, and renewable energy industries.
Equal Opportunity Employer:
All qualified candidates will receive consideration for all positions without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, disability, genetic information, or other non-merit factor.
About the Team
Oceaneering Marine Services Division (MSD) has over 30 years of experience providing full-service submarine and surface ship repairs supporting maintenance and alterations aboard commercial and U.S. military vessels. We are SUBSAFE and DDS-SOC certified and perform high-consequence maintenance on assets that operate in demanding environments.

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