Structural Welder (Pulse Arc)

Job Description

Job Description

Job Title: Structural Welder (Pulse Arc) Job Description

This role focuses on high-quality structural welding in a demanding shipbuilding environment, using multiple welding processes including pulse arc. You will perform multi-pass, all-position fillet and butt welds on a variety of structures and materials, working both on board naval vessels and in shop settings. The position requires strong technical welding skills, strict adherence to safety and quality standards, and the ability to work effectively in physically challenging conditions such as confined spaces, ladders, and staging.

Responsibilities

• Perform multi-pass, all-position fillet and butt welds using SMAW (Shielded Metal Arc Welding), GMAW (Gas Metal Arc Welding), FCAW (Flux Cored Arc Welding), and GMAW-P (Pulse Arc Welding) processes.
• Execute high-quality structural welding on shipboard structures, sub-assemblies, and related components in accordance with applicable standards and procedures.
• Use Air Carbon Arc Gouging to prepare, remove, or correct welds and base materials as required.
• Properly use fillet and butt weld gauges to verify weld size, quality, and conformance to specifications.
• Work safely and efficiently in physically demanding environments, including shipboard spaces, sub-assemblies, ladders, staging, and confined areas.
• Apply knowledge of OSHA regulations related to the shipbuilding industry to maintain a safe working environment.
• Climb up and down ladders and stairs and maneuver in confined spaces to access work areas on board naval ships and in shop environments.
• Prepare for and successfully complete all required Welder Qualification Tests prior to the start of productive work, in accordance with MIL-STD-248D Paragraph 5.3.3.
• Perform all-position (Horizontal (2G), Vertical (3G), and Overhead (4G)) welds using SMAW, FCAW, and GMAW-P processes, and perform 2G position welds using GMAW as required.
• Demonstrate proficiency in gouging techniques as part of qualification and ongoing production work.
• Follow work instructions, technical drawings, and specifications to ensure welds meet quality and structural requirements.
• Maintain tools, equipment, and work areas in a clean, safe, and serviceable condition.

Essential Skills

• Approximately four years of experience in a naval shipyard or similar environment as a first-class structural welder.
• Proficiency in SMAW (Shielded Metal Arc Welding) for multi-pass, all-position fillet and butt welds.
• Proficiency in GMAW (Gas Metal Arc Welding) for structural applications, including 2G position welds.
• Proficiency in FCAW (Flux Cored Arc Welding) for multi-pass, all-position structural welds.
• Proficiency in GMAW-P (Pulse Arc Welding) for all-position structural welds.
• Experience with MIG welding, flux-core welding, shipyard welding, structural welding, pulse arc welding, and pulse MIG welding.
• Demonstrated ability to perform Air Carbon Arc Gouging and pass a gouging proficiency test.
• Ability to properly use fillet and butt weld gauges to verify weld quality and dimensions.
• Experience working in a physically demanding environment, including shipboard spaces, sub-assemblies, ladders, and staging.
• Familiarity with OSHA regulations relevant to the shipbuilding industry.
• Ability to pass all-position, multi-pass butt weld Welder Qualification Tests in accordance with MIL-STD-248D Paragraph 5.3.3 for SMAW, FCAW, GMAW-P, and specified GMAW positions.
• Capability to work in confined spaces and at heights, including frequent climbing of ladders and stairs.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Prior experience working on naval ships or in a naval shipyard environment.
• Demonstrated ability to interpret and follow welding procedures, standards, and technical specifications.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to weld quality and structural integrity.
• Ability to adapt to changing work assignments and priorities in a shipbuilding or heavy industrial setting.
• Solid understanding of safe work practices in industrial and shipboard environments.

Why Work Here?

You will join a team that values craftsmanship, safety, and continuous improvement in a highly skilled shipbuilding environment. The role offers the opportunity to work with advanced welding processes and standards, build experience on complex naval projects, and develop your technical expertise through rigorous qualification and ongoing practical work. You will work in a setting that emphasizes teamwork, professional conduct, and long-term career growth in the structural welding trade.

Work Environment

The work environment is physically demanding and centered around shipbuilding and heavy industrial operations. You will work both on board naval ships and in a shop setting, frequently operating in confined spaces and on sub-assemblies. The role requires regular climbing of ladders and stairs and working on staging or elevated areas. You will use a range of welding equipment and tools, including SMAW, GMAW, FCAW, GMAW-P, and Air Carbon Arc Gouging equipment, along with weld gauges and related tools. The environment emphasizes adherence to OSHA regulations, safe work practices, and proper use of personal protective equipment appropriate for welding and industrial work.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract position based out of Newport News, VA.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $45.00 - $45.00/hr.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

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 Newport News,VA.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Sep 4, 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.

\nCompany Description

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 meet 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 in solving 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.

Company Description

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 meet 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 in solving 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.