Structural Welder (Pulse Arc)

Structural Welder (Pulse Arc) Travel Job to Newport News Virginia

This role focuses on performing high-quality structural welding in a demanding naval shipyard environment using multiple welding processes, including pulse arc. You will complete multi-pass, all-position fillet and butt welds on various structures, working both onboard ships and in shop settings, while adhering to strict industry and safety standards.

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).
• Execute structural welding tasks in shipboard and sub-assembly environments, including work on ladders, staging, and in confined spaces.
• Apply Pulse Arc Welding (GMAW-P), Stick Welding (SMAW), MIG Welding (GMAW), Flux-Core Welding (FCAW), and Carbon Arc Gouging techniques to meet project specifications and quality requirements.
• Use air carbon arc gouging to prepare, repair, or modify weld joints and structural components as required.
• Properly use fillet and butt weld gauges to verify weld dimensions and ensure compliance with specifications and standards.
• Follow welding procedures and qualification standards in accordance with MIL-STD-248D Paragraph 5.3.3.
• Pass and maintain required all-position, multi-pass butt weld qualification tests prior to productive work.
• Work safely in accordance with OSHA regulations related to the shipbuilding industry, including proper use of tools, equipment, and personal protective gear.
• Climb ladders and stairs and work on staging to access work areas on board ships and in shop environments.
• Operate effectively in a physically demanding setting, maintaining consistent quality and productivity throughout assigned tasks.

Essential Skills

• Approximately four years of experience in a naval shipyard or similar environment as a first-class structural welder.
• Proficiency in multi-pass, all-position fillet and butt welds using SMAW (Shielded Metal Arc Welding).
• Proficiency in multi-pass, all-position fillet and butt welds using GMAW (Gas Metal Arc Welding).
• Proficiency in multi-pass, all-position fillet and butt welds using FCAW (Flux Cored Arc Welding).
• Proficiency in multi-pass, all-position fillet and butt welds using GMAW-P (Pulse Arc Welding).
• Demonstrated experience with Pulse Arc Welding (GMAW-P), Stick Welding (SMAW), MIG Welding (GMAW), Flux-Core Welding (FCAW), and Carbon Arc Gouging.
• Ability to pass all-position, multi-pass butt weld qualification tests in accordance with MIL-STD-248D Paragraph 5.3.3.
• Capability to perform all-position SMAW welds in horizontal (2G), vertical (3G), and overhead (4G) positions.
• Capability to perform all-position FCAW welds in horizontal (2G), vertical (3G), and overhead (4G) positions.
• Capability to perform GMAW welds in at least the 2G position, as required by qualification testing.
• Capability to perform all-position GMAW-P welds in horizontal (2G), vertical (3G), and overhead (4G) positions.
• Proficiency in air carbon arc gouging and successful completion of a gouging proficiency test.
• Ability to properly use fillet and butt weld gauges to inspect and verify weld quality.
• Experience working in a physically demanding environment such as shipboard areas, sub-assemblies, ladders, and staging.
• Familiarity with OSHA regulations related to the shipbuilding industry.
• Ability to work safely and effectively in confined spaces on board naval ships and in shop environments.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Previous experience in a naval shipyard environment performing structural welding on ships and related structures.
• Comfort working at heights on ladders, staging, and elevated platforms.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to meeting strict weld quality standards.
• Ability to follow detailed welding procedures and technical specifications.
• Solid understanding of shipyard safety practices and procedures.

Why Work Here?

You will join a highly skilled team in a specialized shipbuilding environment where your technical welding expertise is valued and developed. The role offers exposure to advanced welding processes, including pulse arc and multi-process structural welding, providing strong opportunities to enhance your craft. You will work within a safety-conscious culture that emphasizes adherence to industry standards and supports continuous improvement in quality and performance.

Work Environment

The position is based in a naval shipyard and shop environment that is physically demanding and hands-on. You will work both on board naval ships and in fabrication or assembly areas, frequently operating in confined spaces and on sub-assemblies. The role requires regular climbing up and down ladders and stairs, as well as working on staging and elevated surfaces. You will use a range of welding technologies and equipment, including SMAW, GMAW, FCAW, GMAW-P (pulse arc), and air carbon arc gouging tools, while following OSHA and shipyard safety standards. The environment is industrial, with active construction and repair activities, where appropriate protective clothing and safety gear are required.

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/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)

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Oct 28, 2026.

Workplace Type

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