Construction Welder

Job Title: Structural Welder

Job Description

This role focuses on structural welding in a dry dock environment, fabricating and assembling metal structures and components in accordance with engineering drawings and specifications. You will perform a variety of welding processes, support material handling, and apply mechanical knowledge to ensure safe, accurate, and high‑quality work on structural projects.

Responsibilities

• Perform structural welding on the dry dock in accordance with project requirements and safety standards.

• Fabricate and assemble metal structures and components based on engineering drawings and detailed specifications.

• Interpret and follow blueprints, layouts, and work instructions to complete structural welding and fabrication tasks accurately.

• Operate a forklift to safely move materials, components, and equipment as needed for welding and fabrication activities.

• Apply mechanical knowledge to perform tasks such as rigging, general layout, and plasma cutting to support fabrication and assembly work.

• Set up, operate, and maintain welding equipment for processes including MIG, TIG, Stick, Flux Core, and structural welding.

• Inspect welds and finished products to verify quality, accuracy, and conformance with applicable codes, standards, and specifications.

• Ensure compliance with relevant welding codes, industry standards, and safety regulations throughout all work activities.

• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work area in the dry dock and surrounding workspaces.

• Collaborate with team members to coordinate work, resolve issues, and meet production schedules and project deadlines.

• Report any equipment issues, safety concerns, or quality deviations to the appropriate personnel promptly.

Essential Skills

• Proven fabrication or welding experience in a structural or construction environment.

• Ability to perform structural welding in a dry dock setting, including work on large metal structures.

• Proficiency in MIG welding; ability to MIG weld is required for this welder position.

• Hands-on experience with MIG, TIG, and Stick welding processes and equipment.

• Experience with Flux Core welding and structural welding techniques.

• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, blueprints, and specifications for metal fabrication and assembly.

• Mechanical aptitude to perform rigging, general layout, and plasma cutting tasks safely and accurately.

• Ability to operate a forklift safely to move materials and equipment as needed.

• Strong attention to detail when inspecting welds and finished products for quality and accuracy.

• Commitment to following all relevant codes, standards, and safety regulations in a heavy industrial environment.

• Capability to work the required schedule, including early morning start times and mandatory Saturday shifts.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Prior experience in construction or structural fabrication environments.

• Familiarity with working in a dry dock or similar industrial setting.

• Comfort working with various welding positions and joint configurations on structural components.

• Ability to work effectively as part of a team and communicate clearly with coworkers and supervisors.

• Strong problem-solving skills to address fabrication challenges and layout issues.

• Willingness to learn and adapt to new techniques, tools, and procedures as needed.

Why Work Here?

You will join a hands-on industrial environment where you can apply and grow your welding and fabrication skills on meaningful structural projects. The schedule provides consistent full-time hours, offering stability and predictable work patterns. You will work alongside experienced tradespeople, gaining exposure to a variety of welding processes, mechanical tasks, and heavy industrial operations. This setting supports skill development, cross-training, and the opportunity to build a strong foundation in structural welding and fabrication.

Work Environment

This position is based in a dry dock and industrial fabrication setting, working primarily on structural metal components. The schedule runs Monday through Friday from 6:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., with mandatory Saturday shifts from 6:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. The environment is hands-on, with regular use of welding equipment, forklifts, rigging gear, and plasma cutting tools. Work is performed around heavy materials and large structures, requiring consistent adherence to safety procedures, use of appropriate personal protective equipment, and readiness for physically demanding tasks in an industrial facility.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Suffolk, VA.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $26.00 - $32.00/hr.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following:

• Medical, dental & vision

• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital

• 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available

• Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)

• Short and long-term disability

• Health Spending Account (HSA)

• Transportation benefits

• Employee Assistance Program

• Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Suffolk,VA.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Jun 1, 2026.

About Aerotek

We know that finding work is hard, and finding meaningful work is harder. Aerotek connects 180,000+ light industrial and skilled trades workers with 14,000+ employers each year, helping our workers navigate an evolving labor market and find jobs that meets their goals, skills and interests. Since 1983, we have provided a variety of career opportunities across North American industry – from short-term assignments at Fortune 500 companies where you can build your skills, to long-term opportunities where you can play a vital role solving for companies’ construction, manufacturing and maintenance challenges. Our 1,500+ experienced recruiters across 250+ offices work relentlessly to put our workforce in a position to thrive. Let us rise to meet your challenges and put our people-are everything spirit to the test as your career continues to grow.

Aerotek offers weekly pay, employee benefits including medical, dental & vision, life insurance, health advocacy and employee assistance programs, a 401(k) plan, and employee discounts.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regards to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance:

Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector:

It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI):

We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.