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Shutdown Welding Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

CNC Machinist 1/Class

Portsmouth, VA · On-site

$26.62 - $39.94/hr

Execute machine startup, changeovers, and shutdown procedures safely and efficiently. * Monitor ... Exposure to moving mechanical equipment, robotic systems, airborne particulates, welding fumes ...

Be able to weld and fabricate, as needed. * Heavy equipment parts familiarization including parts ... Paid Holiday's including Christmas shutdown between Christmas and New Years Day. * Paid vacation is ...

Be able to weld and fabricate, as needed. * Heavy equipment parts familiarization including parts ... Paid Holiday's including Christmas shutdown between Christmas and New Years Day. * Paid vacation is ...

Be able to weld and fabricate, as needed. * Heavy equipment parts familiarization including parts ... Paid Holiday's including Christmas shutdown between Christmas and New Years Day. * Paid vacation is ...

Be able to weld and fabricate, as needed. * Heavy equipment parts familiarization including parts ... Paid Holiday's including Christmas shutdown between Christmas and New Years Day. * Paid vacation is ...

Operator, Mechanic

Richmond, VA · On-site

$51.71/hr

Initiate shutdown or delay startup when conditions are not safe or reliable * Support Root Cause ... Experience as an industrial electrician, millwright, pipe fitter, welder, or machinist

Gas Maintenance Technician*

Richmond, VA · On-site

$43K - $67K/yr

... compliance, pipeline shutdown valves, Hazmat/PPE protection equipment and safety procedures ... welding. Demonstrated ability to follow standard operating procedures, prioritize, multi-task ...

Initiate shutdown or delay startup when conditions are not safe or reliable * Support Root Cause ... Experience as an industrial electrician, millwright, pipe fitter, welder, or machinist

Showing results 21-32

Shutdown Welding information

See Virginia salary details

$14

$29

$45

How much do shutdown welding jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for shutdown 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 are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a shutdown welder, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Shutdown Welder, you need strong welding skills, knowledge of materials and safety standards, and typically a welding certification or trade qualification. Familiarity with welding machines, non-destructive testing (NDT) equipment, and safety compliance systems is crucial. Attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and teamwork help you excel in high-pressure, time-sensitive shutdown environments. These skills ensure safe, efficient repairs and maintenance critical to minimizing downtime in industrial operations.

What is the difference between Shutdown Welding vs Pipe Welding?

AspectShutdown WeldingPipe Welding
CertificationsAWS Certified Welder, OSHA safety trainingAWS Certified Welder, API 1104 (for pipelines)
Work EnvironmentRefineries, power plants, industrial facilities during outagesPipeline construction, maintenance, and repair
Industry UsageIndustrial shutdowns, plant maintenanceOil & gas, water, and sewer pipelines

Shutdown Welding and Pipe Welding share certifications and safety standards, but Shutdown Welding focuses on repairing or maintaining industrial facilities during outages, while Pipe Welding specializes in fabricating and installing pipelines. Both roles require similar skills but differ in work environment and specific industry applications.

What is shutdown welding?

Shutdown welding refers to specialized welding work that is performed during planned plant or facility shutdowns, typically in industries such as oil and gas, power generation, or manufacturing. These shutdowns are scheduled maintenance periods when production is halted, allowing welders to repair, replace, or upgrade critical equipment and infrastructure. Shutdown welders must work efficiently and safely within tight timeframes to minimize downtime. The work often involves high-pressure systems, hazardous environments, and strict safety protocols, requiring skilled and experienced professionals.

What are the typical challenges faced by shutdown welders during large-scale industrial projects?

Shutdown welders often work under tight deadlines and in high-pressure environments, as projects must be completed within scheduled plant shutdowns to minimize operational downtime. This can involve working long shifts, sometimes in confined spaces or at heights, and strictly adhering to safety protocols. Additionally, welders must be adaptable, as daily tasks can change rapidly based on project needs and unexpected equipment issues. Effective communication and teamwork with other trades and supervisors are crucial to ensure all tasks are completed safely and on time.

What are popular job titles related to Shutdown Welding jobs in Virginia?

For Shutdown Welding jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Shutdown Welding jobs in Virginia look for?

The top searched job categories for Shutdown Welding jobs in Virginia are:

Infographic showing various Shutdown Welding job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $61,429 per year, or $29.5 per hour.

$51.71/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 28 days ago


Job description

The Process Expert is responsible for performing operations and maintenance tasks with the goal of safe and reliable process operations.  The Process Expert monitors the equipment and process conditions, identifies problems early, and takes action to prevent safety incidents, quality issues, or production losses. When something doesn’t look right, the Process Expert investigates, adjusts the process if needed, and raises concerns quickly. Working closely with the Team Captain and other support teams, the Process Expert helps keep the plant running reliably while continuously looking for ways to improve how work is done.

• $34.85 â€” starting pay rate

• $51.71 â€” top pay, based on our tiered system tied to verified skill development


The Process Expert delivers results through ownership of process standards, operational discipline, maintenance and technical rigor.

1. Safety, Quality, Reliability & Environmental

  • Conduct routine area patrols to proactively identify and address process, equipment, or behavioral risks
  • Stop unsafe acts and conditions immediately; initiate hazard recognition, preliminary and near-miss reporting
  • Execute work per operating procedures
  • Issue safe work permits, manage LOTO, and support safe return to service
  • Participate in emergency response and plant upset management

2. Process Monitoring & Control

  • Monitor operating conditions via DCS, field instrumentation, and direct observation
  • Adjust operating parameters within defined authority to maintain targets and in-spec production
  • Identify patterns, anomalies, and early warning signals in process behavior
  • Collect process samples and interpret results to guide actions
  • Execute startups, shutdowns, and transitions safely and effectively

3. Troubleshooting & Abnormal Situation Management

  • Investigate deviations, alarms, and abnormal operations
  • Apply structured troubleshooting and escalation when issues cannot be resolved locally
  • Initiate shutdown or delay startup when conditions are not safe or reliable
  • Support Root Cause Analysis (RCA), PHA, and MOC activities

4. Continuous Improvement & Learning

  • Identify and generate improvement ideas to reduce losses and improve performance
  • Provide input to and own SOPs, checklists, and operating standards
  • Share lessons learned and best practices across shifts
  • Continuously build process knowledge and technical capability
  • Take initiative for self-development and individual goal setting in alignment with site objectives

5. Partnership & Handover

  • Execute disciplined shift turnover
  • Escalate emerging risks early to the 24/7 Team Captain
  • Collaborate closely with Team Captains, Technology Experts, Maintenance, and peers
  • Provide technical input to enable effective decision-making

Required

  • High School diploma or GED equivalent
  • Two or more years of industrial/manufacturing experience
  • Willing and able to work a 12-hr. rotating shift schedule
  • Willing and able to work overtime, including holidays, weekends, and on short notice, call-in as required
  • Willing to train in multiple process areas as well as do maintenance work and perform administrative functions
  • Willing and able to wear required PPE (personal protective equipment) such as steel-toed boots, hardhat, protective eyewear, face shields, arc protective clothing, and SCBA (self-contained breathing apparatus)
  • Willing and able to climb up and down several flights of stairs several times per shift; able to lift 55 lbs.; work inside and outside for extended periods of time. 

 

Preferred

  • Associate degree or higher, or 48+ college credit hours, technical education
  • Experience as an industrial electrician, millwright, pipe fitter, welder, or machinist
  • Demonstrated experience/competency in any of the following: Engineering, Electrical, Instrumentation or Mechanical, Computer Applications, Accounting, Planning & Scheduling or Training & Development, Manufacturing Operations, Control Systems, ISO Systems or Basic Science