Sheet Metal Mechanic

Job Description

Job Description

Job Title: Sheet Metal Mechanic

Job Description

This role focuses on commercial and naval sheet metal work, including the installation and fabrication of foundations, ventilation systems, bulkheads, shipboard furniture, and related structures. The Sheet Metal Mechanic interprets complex drawings and blueprints, lays out and fabricates piece parts, and assembles components to precise specifications while working in a demanding shipyard and shipboard environment.

Responsibilities

• Install foundations, ventilation systems, bulkheads, and shipboard furniture on naval and commercial vessels in accordance with specifications and quality standards.
• Perform sheet metal fabrication shop work, including cutting, forming, and assembling sheet metal components for shipboard applications.
• Read and interpret complex ventilation assembly drawings, blueprints, and sketches, including weld symbols, material types, datum points, and reference lines, to plan and execute work accurately.
• Use fractional and decimal measurements with rulers and other measuring tools to lay out and verify dimensions for fabrication and installation.
• Lay out piece parts for fabrication and assembly, ensuring accurate marking, cutting, and preparation of materials.
• Assemble piece parts and components into completed systems and structures, ensuring they meet all specifications, tolerances, and quality requirements.
• Operate and maintain small hand tools such as electric drills, grinders, and rivet guns safely and effectively.
• Operate shop equipment such as drill presses and press brakes to form and prepare sheet metal components.
• Work safely and efficiently in a physically demanding shipyard and shipboard environment, including climbing, bending, lifting, and working in confined or elevated areas as required by the job.
• Follow OSHA regulations and shipyard safety procedures at all times, including the proper use of personal protective equipment and safe tool operation.
• Collaborate with other trades and team members to coordinate work, resolve issues, and support project schedules.
• Inspect completed work for accuracy, structural integrity, and compliance with drawings and specifications, and make adjustments or repairs as needed.

Essential Skills

• At least four years of commercial or naval sheet metal experience as a first-class Sheet Metal Worker, specifically in the installation of foundations, ventilation, bulkheads, shipboard furniture, and sheet metal fabrication shop work.
• Ability to comprehend complex ventilation assembly drawings, blueprints, and sketches, including weld symbols, material types, datum points, and reference lines.
• Strong ability to read and work with fractional and decimal dimensions using rulers and other measuring devices.
• Proficiency in laying out piece parts for fabrication and assembly with a high degree of accuracy.
• Demonstrated ability to assemble piece parts and components to meet specifications and quality standards.
• Experience working in a physically demanding environment, including shipyards or similar industrial settings.
• Familiarity with OSHA regulations related to the shipbuilding industry and commitment to safe work practices.
• Hands-on experience using small hand tools such as electric drills, grinders, and rivet guns.
• Experience operating shop equipment such as drill presses and press brakes for sheet metal fabrication.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience working on Navy vessels or similar shipboard platforms.
• Ability to adapt to changing priorities and work requirements in a large, fast-paced shipyard.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to producing high-quality work.
• Ability to work effectively as part of a team and communicate clearly with supervisors and coworkers.

Why Work Here?

Join a major shipbuilding operation that offers exposure to large-scale, complex projects and the opportunity to work on critical naval and commercial vessels. The environment encourages the development of advanced trade skills, with varied work settings that keep each day engaging and challenging. You will gain valuable experience in a high-profile industry while working alongside skilled tradespeople in a setting that values safety, craftsmanship, and continuous improvement.

Work Environment

Work takes place in a large shipyard that extends for several miles, as well as onboard Navy vessels and in fabrication shop areas. The location in Southeast Virginia experiences hot, humid conditions in the summer and cooler temperatures in the winter, so you should be prepared to work in varying weather conditions. The role involves a physically demanding industrial environment, including climbing, bending, lifting, and working in confined or elevated spaces as required by shipboard and yard conditions. Operations run across multiple shifts, and you may be assigned to any of the following: first shift (7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.), second shift (3:30 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.), or third shift (11:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m.), depending on project needs. You will regularly use small hand tools such as electric drills, grinders, and rivet guns, as well as shop equipment including drill presses and press brakes, while following all applicable safety and OSHA guidelines.

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

The pay range for this position is $24.00 - $27.31/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 Newport News,VA.

This position is anticipated to close on Jun 26, 2026.

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.

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.