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Performance Welding Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

$111K/yr

... address performance concerns. Responsible for personnel administration needs, to include ... Specific experience must include "hands-on" involvement in the layout, fitting, and welding of ...

$155K/yr

Tracks, reports, and presents to stakeholders on the weld program's key metrics, performance indicators, trends, audit results, corrective actions, etc. on matters related to their area of ...

Welder

Newport News, VA ยท On-site

$28 - $40/hr

... welding equipment to ensure optimal performance . Qualifications & Skills: AWS D1.5 & D1.3 Certifications - Required Ability to read and interpret blueprints - Required for D1.5 welders (not required ...

Showing results 41-60

Performance Welding information

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$14

$29

$45

How much do performance welding jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for performance welding in Virginia is $29.53, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $23.12 and $33.85 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is performance welding?

Performance welding refers to advanced welding techniques used to create high-quality, precise, and durable welds, often for applications that require superior strength and reliability. This type of welding is commonly used in industries like automotive racing, aerospace, and manufacturing where components must withstand extreme conditions. Performance welders use specialized equipment and materials, and they must have a deep understanding of various welding processes, metallurgy, and safety standards. Their skills ensure that welded joints meet strict specifications and performance requirements.

What is the difference between Performance Welding vs Structural Welding?

AspectPerformance WeldingStructural Welding
CertificationsAWS Certified Welding Inspector (CWI), AWS D1.1AWS Certified Welding Inspector (CWI), AWS D1.1
Work EnvironmentManufacturing, industrial plants, quality controlConstruction sites, bridges, buildings
Industry UsageManufacturing, aerospace, automotiveConstruction, infrastructure projects

Performance Welding focuses on ensuring weld quality and adherence to standards, often in manufacturing or quality control settings. Structural Welding involves building and repairing large structures like bridges and buildings. While both roles require similar certifications and work environments, their primary focus differs: Performance Welding emphasizes quality assurance, whereas Structural Welding emphasizes construction and structural integrity.

What are some common challenges faced by performance welding professionals, and how can they be addressed?

Performance Welding professionals often work on high-precision, custom projects such as automotive racing parts or aerospace components, where meeting tight tolerances and quality standards is critical. Common challenges include working with specialized metals, interpreting complex blueprints, and ensuring welds meet strict performance requirements. To address these challenges, welders should stay current with industry certifications, continuously improve their skills with advanced welding techniques, and collaborate closely with engineers and quality control teams. A strong attention to detail and proactive communication are also essential for success in this demanding environment.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a performance welder?

To thrive as a Performance Welder, you need advanced welding skills, in-depth knowledge of metallurgy, and typically industry certifications such as AWS or ASME qualifications. Familiarity with specialized welding equipment, CNC machinery, and inspection systems is essential for precision and quality control. Attention to detail, problem-solving, and strong teamwork are crucial soft skills that set top performers apart in this field. These abilities ensure high-quality, safe, and efficient fabrication of components in demanding industrial and performance-focused environments.

What careers can I do with performance welding?

Performance welding skills can lead to careers such as welding technician, pipe welder, structural welder, or manufacturing welder. These roles often require certifications like AWS and involve working in construction, manufacturing, or maintenance environments, utilizing tools like arc, MIG, or TIG welders.
What job categories do people searching Performance Welding jobs in Virginia look for? The top searched job categories for Performance Welding jobs in Virginia are:
Infographic showing various Performance Welding job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 87% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 83% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 14% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $61,429 per year, or $29.5 per hour.

General Foreman - Plate/Weld Shop (Job ID: 1433)

Colonna's Shipyard, Inc.

Hampton, VA โ€ข On-site

$88K - $111K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 7 days ago


Job description

General Foreman (Plate/Weld Shop)
Purpose:
Colonna's Shipyard is seeking a General Foreman for our Plate/Weld Shop to support operations in our shipyard in Norfolk, VA.
Position Summary:
Position maintains detailed understanding of project specifications and all requirements necessary for appropriate trades support, ensuring safe and efficient production in ship repair/industrial fabrication operations. Provides oversight to qualified trades workforce & trades supervision and is responsible for meeting overall schedule, budget, quality, and safety goals of work assigned.
The position is located onsite in Norfolk, VA and will often require hours beyond a standard work week with flexible schedule availability to support production/operations. Position may require limited travel.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
Supports labor requirements for completion of job assignments. Understand specifications, blueprints, and job orders in order to effectively communicate duties to work teams. Maintains adequate personnel/manning levels, production space, tooling, and equipment assets, while establishing work processes to meet production schedules. Suggests changes in working conditions and use of equipment to increase efficiency of shop, department, or work crews. Analyzes and resolves work problems to minimize disruptions to production schedule.
Key responsibilities include:
  • Manages all shop resources by assigning trades personnel to Foremen based on project needs.
  • Supports trades foremen in supervising, assigning, coordinating, training, and evaluating semi-skilled and skilled trades personnel according to their skill, experience, and job knowledge. Recommends training to enhance skill and productivity of employees and assists in development of training processes/procedures. Continually monitor foremen's project designations, deck plate presence, understanding of work scope, and efficiency of trades management.
  • Manages lifecycle of shop personnel through all phases of employment, to include hiring and retention efforts of shop personnel, as well as developing/delivering coaching and disciplinary actions needed to address performance concerns. Responsible for personnel administration needs, to include recommendations/handling of change requests facilitated by EANs (pay, reclassification, etc.).
  • Engaged in workforce development by identifying candidates for additional development/mentorship opportunities, support succession planning efforts, and ensuring assigned apprentices have appropriate oversight and developmental resources.
  • Breaks broad projects down to practical action plans, ensuring adequate shop manning resources, and develops/executes POD for all shop resources (with the input of Foreman) daily to ensure production goals are executed safely and efficiently.
  • Responsible for final approval and presentation of all project deliverables via condition reports and approval/management of all material orders, ensuring contractual requirements and period of performance are met.
  • Responsible for complying with all technical aspects of the job including adherence to all drawings, procedures, etc. and manages test and inspection plans for assigned areas (overseeing submittal of required documentation, ensure foreman attend inspections as required, etc.).
  • Responsible for manufacturing, installation, operation, testing, and process operations that have a significant financial impact on the company's performance.

Additionally, position will:
  • Provide data/feedback for current budgets via hours management/EACs, including dates, and report scheduling and progress updates to superintendents/project management.

Required Qualifications:
  • Must have a Bachelors or Registered Apprentice (grad) and at least 2 years relative trades experience (or HS + 6 years trades experience) and 2 years of prior supervisory experience.
  • Must have knowledge of design principles, ASME/AWS codes, and safety standards as well as knowledge/ experience with various welding methods, weld procedures, and quality controls. Specific experience must include "hands-on" involvement in the layout, fitting, and welding of structural steel, pipe, plate, and sheet metal.
  • Must be experienced in supporting QA/QC programs and procedures.
  • Must have working knowledge of all standard ship repair/industrial fabrication tools and equipment (i.e., overhead cranes, saw, iron workers, shears, brakes, welding equipment).
  • Must have ability to understand job specifications, drawings, and corresponding technical references as well as ability to read/interpret blueprints and schematics.
  • Must have well-developed communication skills, both verbal and written, to effectively communicate with employees/leadership/customers and prepare/deliver written reports and correspondence.
  • Must have regular, reliable attendance. Must be available to work all shifts (1st, 2nd, 3rd).

Preferred Skills/Qualifications:
  • Exposure to or experience supporting multiple trades is highly preferred.
  • 4 years of overall supervision experience for the trade to be supervised is highly preferred.

Security Requirements:
  • U.S Citizenship Required.
  • Ability to obtain DBIDS preferred.

Travel Requirements:
  • Minimal Travel; 10% or less.

Physical Requirements:
  • Must be able to lift, carry and transport heavy equipment and boxes. The exact weight requirements will be determined by the specific job, but no less than 20 lbs.
  • Must be physically agile to perform tasks in naval ships. Able to work on and climb ladders, work in extreme temperature environments, aboard ships, in shipyards, under industrial conditions and in confined spaces, including enter and moving through manholes.
  • May ride ships at sea for extended periods.
  • Able to perform other duties as required which may involve high heat, humidity, noise and dirty conditions, working aloft or over the sides of vessels.
  • Frequent exposure to noise due to machinery and equipment.
  • Employee is required to operate trucks, forklifts & man-lifts.
  • While performing the duties of this job, you may frequently be required to stand, walk & sit; use hands or fingers; handle or feel; talk and hear. Occasionally required to reach with hands and arms, climb and balance, stoop, squat, kneel, twist and crawl.
  • Work in extreme temperatures and conditions. At times you will work in areas that have less adequate ventilation
  • Frequent use of respirator.
  • Protective clothing or equipment and face shields or goggles shall be worn when welding, cutting, or working with molten metal.

Respect, Pride, Truth, Family - These are our VALUES and the guidelines that make us a leader in our industry. We are pleased and confident in stating that our skilled employees are among the most respected experts in the ship repair industry.
Colonna's Shipyard, Inc. is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. We do not discriminate based upon race, religion, color, national origin, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, or other applicable legally protected characteristics.
Additionally, Colonna's Shipyard provides a variety of benefits to support your best health, wellness, and future, to include medical/dental/vision options, company paid disability insurances, 401k with match, legal services, as well as company paid holidays and paid time off (PTO).
Pay Range: $88,307 - $111,683.00/yr
Determination of base salary considers various factors, including but not limited to scope of responsibility, candidate's relative and specific experience, education level, key skills, as well as other business considerations. The company also provides a variety of benefits to support employees' best health and wellness. Additionally, the company offers a 401k retirement program with match, paid holidays, and competitive paid time off (PTO)