Shipfitter Apprentice

NOW HIRING, SHIPFITTER APPRENTICE On 1st Shift $20 - $22/HR

Oceanside, CA

Job Description

• The shipfitter apprentice lays out, fabricates, and assembles aluminum structures such as plates, bulkheads, frames, and braces within the hull of a ship to support riveting and welding operations. This role works from blueprints and templates, uses a variety of hand tools and shop machinery, and ensures precise alignment and fit-up of components to meet structural and quality standards.

Responsibilities

• Lay out the position of aluminum parts, including plates, bulkheads, frames, and braces, within the hull of a ship using blueprints, templates, scribes, and hand tools.
• Fabricate, fit, and brace aluminum components in position to prepare them for riveting or welding, ensuring proper alignment and structural integrity.
• Mark the location of holes to be drilled and install temporary fasteners to hold parts securely in place prior to welding or riveting.
• Roll, bend, flange, cut, and shape plates, beams, and other heavy metal parts using shop machinery such as plate rolls, presses, and bending brakes.
• Use a variety of hand tools and finishing tools to perform precise cuts, adjustments, and finishing work on aluminum and other metal components.
• Interpret and follow blueprints, drawings, and templates accurately to ensure components meet design specifications.
• Coordinate with welders, fabricators, and other trades to ensure proper sequence of work and safe, efficient completion of tasks.
• Inspect completed layouts and assemblies for accuracy, quality, and compliance with project requirements, making adjustments as needed.
• Maintain a clean, organized work area and follow all safety procedures when operating tools and machinery.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience in a shipyard or marine fabrication environment preferred.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with welders, fabricators, and other trades.
• Strong problem-solving skills for resolving fit-up and alignment issues during fabrication.
• 3–5 years of finish carpentry experience, with strong skills in precise measurement, layout, and fit-up.
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints, drawings, and templates for metal fabrication and shipfitting work.
• Proficiency using hand tools for layout, marking, cutting, and finishing metal and aluminum components.

Work Environment

• The role involves both indoor and outdoor work areas typical of a shipyard, with exposure to noise, moving equipment, and varying weather conditions.
• Appropriate work attire and personal protective equipment are required to safely operate tools and machinery and to work around active fabrication and welding operations.

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of National City, CA.

The pay range for this position is $20.00 - $22.00/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)

This is a fully onsite position in National City,CA.

This position is anticipated to close on Jul 8, 2026.

About Aerotek

Aerotek® Inc. provides staffing and services solutions in manufacturing, logistics, construction, aviation, facilities and maintenance. We provide the expertise, solutions and people required to rise to the challenges of North American industry. Headquartered in Hanover, Md., Aerotek operates a unified network of over 200 offices across North America, supporting more than 18,000 clients each year. Aerotek is an Allegis Group company, the global leader in workforce and business solutions. To learn more, visit: Aerotek.com | 1-888-AEROTEK.

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.