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Weld Shop Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Colonna's Shipyard, Inc.

$111K/yr

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 ...

Clark

Welder (Shop)

Richmond, VA · On-site

$20 - $35/hr

Field - Field install welds, including weld pile, bearings, SIP decking and other bridge structural elements. * Shop - Fabricate and repair buckets, blades, trench boxes, vehicle parts, and ...

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Weld Shop information

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in a weld shop?

To thrive in a weld shop, you need strong technical skills in welding techniques, blueprint reading, and metal fabrication, typically supported by a high school diploma and relevant welding certifications like AWS (American Welding Society). Familiarity with welding machines, safety equipment, and inspection tools is essential. Attention to detail, problem-solving, and effective teamwork are valuable soft skills in this environment. These competencies ensure the production of high-quality, safe, and precise welds while maintaining workplace safety and efficiency.

What is a weld shop?

A weld shop is a specialized facility where welding work is performed, typically by skilled welders. These shops handle tasks such as joining metal parts, repairing equipment, fabricating metal structures, and sometimes customizing or prototyping metal products. Weld shops can be found in various industries, including construction, manufacturing, automotive, and shipbuilding. They are equipped with welding machines, safety gear, and other tools necessary for different welding processes. The environment emphasizes safety due to the high temperatures and hazardous materials involved in welding.

What are some common challenges faced in a weld shop, and how can new employees prepare for them?

New employees in a weld shop often encounter challenges such as adapting to strict safety protocols, managing exposure to heat and fumes, and maintaining high-quality welds under time constraints. It's important to familiarize yourself with safety equipment and procedures, practice proper ergonomics, and stay attentive to detail while working. Teamwork and clear communication with supervisors and colleagues also play a key role in tackling complex projects efficiently. Proactively seeking feedback and hands-on training can help new hires quickly build confidence and competence in this environment.

What is the difference between Weld Shop vs Welder?

AspectWeld ShopWelder
CredentialsOften requires certifications like AWS or ASMERequires welding certifications, such as AWS Certified Welder
Work EnvironmentWorkshop or fabrication facilityOn-site, industrial, or construction sites
Employer & IndustryManufacturing, construction, shipbuildingConstruction, manufacturing, repair services

Weld Shop refers to the facility or workspace where welding activities occur, often involving multiple welders. A Welder is an individual skilled worker performing welding tasks. While a weld shop provides the environment, a welder is the person executing the work. Both roles require similar certifications and are integral to industries like manufacturing and construction.

What are the most commonly searched types of Weld Shop jobs in Virginia? The most popular types of Weld Shop jobs in Virginia are:
What are popular job titles related to Weld Shop jobs in Virginia? For Weld Shop jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Weld Shop jobs in Virginia look for? The top searched job categories for Weld Shop jobs in Virginia are:
What cities in Virginia are hiring for Weld Shop jobs? Cities in Virginia with the most Weld Shop job openings:
Weld Shop jobs near you
Infographic showing various Weld Shop job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 84% Full Time, 14% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution.

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

Colonna's Shipyard, Inc.

Norfolk, VA

$88K - $111K/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 14 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 amp; 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 amp; man-lifts.
  • While performing the duties of this job, you may frequently be required to stand, walk amp; 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)

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