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Weld Operator Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Welder B

Lebanon, VA

$16 - $21.25/hr

... weld quality and conformance to specifications. * Inspects grooves, angles, or gap allowances ... safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions and procedure manuals. * Ability to ...

Welder B

Lebanon, VA · On-site

$16 - $21.25/hr

... evaluate weld quality and conformance to specifications. Inspects grooves, angles, or gap ... rules, operating and maintenance instructions and procedure manuals. Ability to communicate ...

Welder B

Lebanon, VA · On-site

$16 - $21.25/hr

... weld quality and conformance to specifications. * Inspects grooves, angles, or gap allowances ... safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions and procedure manuals. * Ability to ...

Welder B

Lebanon, VA · On-site

$16 - $21.25/hr

... evaluate weld quality and conformance to specifications. Inspects grooves, angles, or gap ... rules, operating and maintenance instructions and procedure manuals. Ability to communicate ...

Welder B

Lebanon, VA · On-site

$16 - $21.25/hr

... weld quality and conformance to specifications. * Inspects grooves, angles, or gap allowances ... safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions and procedure manuals. * Ability to ...

Welder

Portsmouth, VA · On-site

$20 - $41/hr

Weld steel, aluminum and stainless steel components based on the required weld processes and ... safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, quality manuals and procedure manuals

Welder

Newport News, VA · On-site

$41/hr

Weld steel, aluminum and stainless steel components based on the required weld processes and ... safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, quality manuals and procedure manuals

Welder

Newport News, VA · On-site

$20 - $41/hr

Weld steel, aluminum and stainless steel components based on the required weld processes and ... safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, quality manuals and procedure manuals

Weld steel, aluminum and stainless steel components based on the required weld processes and ... safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, quality manuals and procedure manuals

Have the ability to weld all types of materials, to tig and stick, weld plate, pipe including ... This includes safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, quality manuals, and procedure ...

Marine Welder

Portsmouth, VA · On-site

$30 - $35/hr

... operating, and maintaining the U.S. Navy fleet in locations such as Norfolk, Philadelphia ... Weld pipe joints using GTAW/TIG process. * Follow welding procedures and technical drawings.

Showing results 41-60

Weld Operator information

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a weld operator?

To thrive as a Weld Operator, you need strong manual dexterity, attention to detail, and a solid understanding of welding techniques, typically supported by a high school diploma or technical certification in welding. Familiarity with welding equipment, safety protocols, blueprints, and sometimes certifications such as AWS (American Welding Society) are commonly required. Strong problem-solving skills, teamwork, and effective communication help you excel in handling complex tasks and collaborating with others. These skills and qualities are crucial for producing high-quality welds, maintaining workplace safety, and ensuring efficient production processes.

What are some common challenges faced by weld operators, and how can they be managed?

Weld Operators often encounter challenges such as maintaining consistent weld quality, working with different metals, and adhering to strict safety standards. Managing these challenges involves staying up to date with proper welding techniques, following detailed blueprints, and using protective gear to minimize health risks. Collaboration with quality control inspectors and maintenance teams is also essential to ensure equipment is functioning correctly and finished products meet specifications. By staying organized and proactive, Weld Operators can effectively overcome these daily obstacles and contribute to a smooth production process.

How much do weld operators make?

Weld operators typically earn between $40,000 and $70,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and industry. Skilled welders with certifications and experience in specialized techniques can earn higher wages, especially in manufacturing, construction, or oil and gas sectors.

What does a weld operator do?

A Weld Operator is responsible for setting up, operating, and maintaining welding machines that join metal parts together. They typically follow blueprints or instructions to ensure precise welds and monitor the welding process for quality and safety. Weld Operators may work in manufacturing, construction, or repair industries, and must be familiar with different welding techniques and safety protocols. Their role is crucial for producing strong, durable products and structures.

What is the difference between Weld Operator vs Welder?

AspectWeld OperatorWelder
CertificationsTypically requires AWS or ASME certificationsOften requires similar certifications, but may vary by specialization
Work EnvironmentFactories, construction sites, manufacturing plantsFactories, construction sites, repair shops
Job FocusOperates welding machinery, sets parametersPerforms manual welding tasks
Industry UsageCommon in manufacturing and industrial settingsWidespread across construction, manufacturing, repair

Weld Operators primarily focus on operating welding equipment and setting parameters, while Welders perform manual welding tasks. Both roles require similar certifications and work in comparable environments, but their job responsibilities differ in terms of automation versus manual work.

What are popular job titles related to Weld Operator jobs in Virginia? For Weld Operator jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Weld Operator jobs in Virginia look for? The top searched job categories for Weld Operator jobs in Virginia are:
Infographic showing various Weld Operator job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 40% Full Time, 58% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution.

$16 - $21.25/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 8 days ago


Samuel, Son & Co. rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 42 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

88th of 536 rated manufacturers


Job description

RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Read and interpret blueprints or welding process specification. 
  • Operate manual or semi-automatic welding equipment to fuse metal segments using processes such as gas metal arc (GMAW), flux-cored arc (FCAW), shielded metal arc (SMAW), oxy-acetylene (OAW). 
  • Operate manual or semi-automatic flame cutting equipment. 
  • Operate metal shaping machines such as brakes, shears and other metal straightening and bending machines.
  • May cut metal plates or structural shapes. May be designated according to type of equipment used as Welder, Welder, Flux-Cored Arc (welding); Welder, Gas-Metal Arc (welding); Welder, Gas-Tungsten Arc (welding); Welder, Hand, Submerged Arc (welding); Welder, Plasma Arc (welding); Welder, Shielded-Metal Arc (welding). 
  • Observes tests on welded surfaces, such as hydrostatic, x-ray, and dimension tolerance to evaluate weld quality and conformance to specifications.
  • Inspects grooves, angles, or gap allowances, using micrometer, caliper, and precision measuring instruments.
  • Removes rough spots from work piece, using portable grinder, hand file, or scraper. 
  • Welds components in flat, vertical, or overhead positions. 
  • Determines required equipment and welding method, applying knowledge of metallurgy, geometry, and welding techniques.
  • Notifies supervisor of any quality or safety issues.
  • Maintains effective interpersonal working relationships and functions as a team member.
  • Ensures proper care in the use and maintenance of equipment and supplies; promotes continuous improvement of workplace safety and environmental practices.
  • Performs miscellaneous job-related duties as assigned. 
  • Works in other departments on an as-needed basis.
  • Follow and comply with all safety and work rules and regulations.  Maintain departmental housekeeping standards.
  • Assist in training new employees in the safe and most efficient use of fabricating and welding methods.

EQUIPMENT KNOWLEDGE:

  • Must have a basic understanding of computers.
  • Must have reading, writing and simple math skills.
  • Must be able to read blue prints.

ROLE REQUIREMENTS:  

  • High school diploma or GED with one year of trades training and at least one year of related experience; or a combination of education and experience.
  • Ability to read and interpret documents such as bills of material, blueprints, safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions and procedure manuals. 
  • Ability to communicate effectively one-on-one with other employees of the organization.
  • Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals.
  • Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out detailed but uninvolved written and oral instructions. 
  • Must possess good mechanical ability and the ability to perform basic calculations to operate welding and fabricating machines. 
  • Demonstrates ability to operate a welder, grinder, bandsaw, ironworker, overhead crane, torch, measuring devices and a variety of hand and power tools.
  • Prior work record indicating dependability and conscientiousness. 
  • Must be willing to work in a team-oriented environment.

PHYSICAL 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. 
  • Stand / walk                                           -          Frequent
  • Bend / squat                                           -          Frequent
  • Sitting                                                      -          Occasionally
  • Lifting                                                      -          Frequent (0 -50 lbs., if > 50 lbs. w/assistance)
  • Reaching / simple grasping                 -          Frequent
  • Push / Pulling                                         -          Frequent
  • Lifting above waist / shoulders          -          Frequent
  • Computer usage                                    -          Frequent
  • Verbal Communication                        -          Frequent

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

  • The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. 
  • Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 
  • Work 100% of the time in a manufacturing setting; standing, sitting, kneeling, walking, bending, lifting, and reaching.
  • Majority of work activities performed indoors in an area with temperature variations, noise, dust, and fumes.
  • Occasionally working in a wet environment 
  • Occasional work activity is performed outdoors.

This job description is not intended to be all inclusive, and the employee will also perform other reasonably related business duties as assigned by immediate supervisor and other management, as required. Staffing of positions to be determined by the company.

As an employee, you are required to understand the ISO system and the elements that affect your job. 

At Samuel, we believe every team member brings unique and valuable skills, experiences and knowledge to our thriving business - enabling us to build on over 170 years of success in the metals industry. We offer countless opportunities for our team members to develop and grow in their careers, empower them to make decisions on the job and be a part of driving positive change - within our organization and in the communities where we live and work. If you're seeking a dynamic, supportive and welcoming workplace to make your mark and grow your career, we have the programs, culture and opportunities to make it happen. We're stronger together.
At Samuel we believe in a culture of equality. Respect and integrity are at our core. We are committed to building and creating an environment that is open and welcoming for everyone.

This job posting is for an existing vacancy within the organization

Samuel is an Equal Opportunity Employer.  In the United States, we utilize E-Verify.

Samuel Pressure Vessel Group is a global leader in the design, manufacture and distribution of pressure vessel solutions. We offer a wide range of capabilities in fabricating stock, custom & engineered-to-order vessel designs. Whether you need an ongoing supply program for small standard vessels or have a one-time requirement for large engineered-to-spec pressure vessels, our experienced team is ready to assist you.

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