Shipyard Welder Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Chesapeake Shipbuilding Corp is seeking a dedicated and safety-conscious Shipyard Welder to support the construction of high-quality, new-build cruise ships. The ideal candidate will demonstrate a strong work ethic, technical welding skills, and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment focused on high production standards

Why Should You Apply?

• Competitive Pay: $21.00/hr - $30.00/hr depending on experience and weld test
• $1,000 Sign-On Bonus: Paid in two installments after 60 and 180 days of continuous employment for eligible full-time positions.
• Employee Referral Bonus: Earn $500 for each referred candidate who is hired.
• Comprehensive Health Benefits: Medical, dental, and vision coverage available for employees and their families. Full-time employees are eligible beginning the first day of the month following their start date.
• Company-Paid Insurance: $20,000 AD&D life insurance and short-term disability coverage provided at no cost to full-time employees.
• Health Savings Account (HSA): Available for eligible employees.
• 401(k) with 5% Company Match: Available for full-time and part-time employees.
• Paid Holidays: Six company-paid holidays each year.
• Paid Sick and Vacation:
  • 80 hours during your first year
  • 96 hours after 1 year
  • 144 hours after 5 years
  • 168 hours after 10 years
• Career Growth Opportunities: Advance within your department or explore opportunities across the shipyard while working with a supportive and empowered team.
• Overtime Opportunities: Available for hours worked beyond 40 per week.
• $2.00 shift differential for evening and night shifts

ABOUT THE JOB: This opportunity is a full-time and benefits-eligible position.

REPORTS TO: Welding Supervisor/On-Site Foreman/Shipyard Superintendent

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES: Safely and efficiently perform welding labor to complete construction associated with building cruise ships.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS & TASKS:

• Perform welding on carbon steel plate and structural components ranging from 1/4 inch to 1 inch thick using Flux-Cored Arc Welding (FCAW) and, when required, Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW).
• Operate plasma cutting equipment as required.
• Perform tack welding using stick and semi-automatic welding equipment.
• Inspect completed welds to ensure compliance with quality standards and applicable welding procedures.
• Follow instructions from foreman/supervisors on-site and keep the job site clean.
• Use hand tools, power tools, grinders, and other fabrication equipment safely and effectively.
• Operate industrial welding torches and handle sharp pieces of metal for prolonged periods of time
• Assist with material handling and movement of equipment as needed.
• Operate in isolation within the skeleton of ships, wearing heavy protective gear and carrying equipment weighing 40 to 75lbs.
• Perform additional duties as assigned to support production and operational requirements.

KNOWLEDGE:

• Knowledge of safe welding practices, shipyard safety requirements, and hazard recognition.
• Working knowledge of FCAW and SMAW welding processes and related equipment.
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints, welding symbols, and technical drawings.
• Knowledge of the proper use, maintenance, and care of welding tools and equipment.
• Ability to work effectively with minimal supervision and as part of a team.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to producing high-quality workmanship.
• Effective communication and problem-solving skills.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• All types of physical movement are required for this position to successfully perform the essential functions.
• Ability to use upper and lower extremities
• Ability to work outside in heat, inclement weather, and cold
• Ability to crawl, kneel, crouch, climb, and bend around and under equipment, on ladders up to 24' at heights up to 70', stairs, scaffolds, through small accesses, enter inside of tanks, and confined spaces, through hatches, and manholes throughout much of the work shift
• Occasionally lift/move up to 75 pounds
• Ability to work over bodies of water
• Ability to safely wear and use required personal protective equipment (PPE), including respiratory protection, safety glasses, welding shields, grinding shields, gloves, life jackets, harnesses, hard hats, and other task- or area-specific PPE, as applicable. Employees required to wear tight-fitting respiratory protection must maintain facial hair in a manner that does not interfere with the respirator’s sealing surface or proper fit, in accordance with applicable respiratory protection requirements.

MENTAL REQUIREMENTS: Normal level of visual acuity needed. Must be able to understand and follow directions. Normal hearing level needed. Hand-eye coordination required.

HAZARDS: Weather, fumes, high noise levels, moving mechanical parts, equipment, and vibration.

SHIFT:

• Monday – Friday: 40 - 45+ hours per week
• Day Shift: 6:00am – 2:30pm
• Evening Shift: 3:00pm - 11:30pm

Overtime and Weekend required based on business needs.