Shipfitter

This role focuses on the fabrication, assembly, and installation of steel structures and components for shipbuilding projects. You will interpret complex structural drawings and blueprints, lay out and assemble piece parts, and perform precise burning, grinding, and welding-related tasks to ensure high-quality construction of hulls, decks, bulkheads, and foundations.

• Read, interpret, and apply complex structural assembly drawings, blueprints, sketches, weld symbols, material specifications, datum points, and reference lines to plan and execute work accurately.
• Comprehend and work with fractional dimensions using rulers and other measuring tools to ensure precise layout and fit-up of components.
• Lay out piece parts for fabrication and assembly, ensuring proper dimensions, alignment, and orientation according to specifications.
• Assemble structural piece parts in a high-quality manner, following all applicable standards and project requirements.
• Use oxygen/propane burning torches and other cutting equipment to burn and cut steel materials safely and efficiently.
• Operate vibratory tools, including grinders and needle guns, to prepare surfaces, remove defects, and finish welded or fabricated components.
• Perform air carbon arc gouging to remove welds, prepare joints, and shape steel components as required.
• Use work packages and drawings to plan, sequence, and execute assigned tasks, ensuring compliance with project schedules and quality requirements.
• Apply molded lines and ship reference lines to set up, align, and install structural components accurately on the vessel.
• Erect, set, and make up complex-shaped shell plates, ensuring proper curvature, alignment, and fit to the hull structure.
• Erect, set, and make up decks, bulkheads, longitudinals, trunks, and other major structural elements in accordance with specifications.
• Install and replace hull inserts and penetrations, ensuring structural integrity and proper integration with existing systems.
• Install miscellaneous and complex foundations to support equipment and systems, following detailed drawings and instructions.
• Work effectively in a physically demanding shipbuilding or steel fabrication environment, often in confined spaces or at heights.
• Follow OSHA regulations and safety guidelines related to shipbuilding, including safe operation of tools, equipment, and work practices.
• Collaborate with other trades and team members to coordinate work, resolve fit-up issues, and maintain project quality and schedule.

• Approximately four years of experience in building and construction, with a strong preference for steel fabrication and shipbuilding environments.
• Proficiency in using oxygen/propane burning torches for cutting and burning steel materials.
• Ability to comprehend and work from complex structural assembly drawings, blueprints, sketches, and weld symbols, including understanding material types, datum points, and reference lines.
• Strong ability to read and apply fractional dimensions using rulers and measuring tools for accurate layout and fabrication.
• Demonstrated skill in laying out piece parts for fabrication and assembly according to detailed specifications.
• Experience assembling structural piece parts to meet quality standards and project requirements.
• Background working in physically demanding environments such as shipbuilding or steel fabrication, including work in varying weather conditions and on large industrial sites.
• Familiarity with OSHA regulations relevant to the shipbuilding industry and commitment to safe work practices.
• Ability to use vibratory tools, including grinders and needle guns, for surface preparation and finishing.
• Experience with air carbon arc gouging for weld removal and joint preparation.
• Ability to use work packages and drawings to plan, sequence, and execute tasks efficiently.
• Ability to work with molded lines and ship reference lines to align and install structural components accurately.
• Capability to erect, set, and make up complex-shaped shell plates in a shipbuilding environment.
• Capability to erect, set, and make up decks, bulkheads, longitudinals, trunks, and similar structural elements.
• Ability to install and replace hull inserts and penetrations and to install miscellaneous and complex foundations.
• Experience with tack welding and ship fitting techniques sufficient to support structural assembly and fit-up.

• Experience with optical instruments such as levels and transits for precise alignment and layout is beneficial.
• Shipwright experience, including erecting and setting structural components, is a strong plus.
• Tank testing experience in a shipyard or marine environment is advantageous.
• Background in fabrication and welding within shipbuilding or heavy industrial settings.
• Familiarity with x-ray stick weld testing processes is a plus.
• Comfort working with burning, grinding, arc gouging, and other heavy industrial tools and equipment.

You will work in a major shipyard environment that offers exposure to large-scale, complex projects and advanced shipbuilding practices. The organization provides opportunities to develop and refine specialized trade skills, work with experienced professionals, and contribute to high-profile naval and marine programs. Multiple shifts support flexibility, and the variety of tasks and locations within the yard offers ongoing learning and growth in a dynamic industrial setting.

This position is based in a large shipyard that extends over several miles in Southeast Virginia. The climate is hot and humid in the summer and cooler in the winter, and work takes place both on Navy vessels and in shop environments. The role involves working in a physically demanding industrial setting, including standing for long periods, climbing, bending, and working in confined spaces or at heights. Candidates must be able to work any shift, including 1st shift (7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.), 2nd shift (3:30 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.), and 3rd shift (11:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m.), with shift availability subject to operational needs rather than guaranteed. The environment includes heavy equipment, steel structures, and active construction and fabrication areas, requiring consistent adherence to safety protocols and the use of appropriate personal protective equipment.

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

The pay range for this position is $38.00 - $38.00/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)

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

This position is anticipated to close on Nov 24, 2026.

This is a fully onsite position in Newport News,VA.

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.