Structural Welder

About the job Structural Welder


Venture Dynamics is seeking skilled and experienced Shipyard Structural Welders to perform high-quality welding, fabrication, and structural repair on Navy and commercial vessels. Welders will execute SMAW, FCAW, and related processes to support steel renewals, insert installation, structural fabrication, and shipboard hot-work operations. This role requires strong welding proficiency, blueprint interpretation, adherence to NAVSEA welding procedures, and the ability to work safely aboard ships, in dry docks, and in industrial fabrication environments. This position supports shipyard projects throughout the Hampton Roads region of Virginia , including Norfolk, Portsmouth, Newport News, Hampton, and Yorktown.

Per diem may be available on select projects depending on contract requirements and travel distance.

Responsibilities

• Perform structural welding using SMAW, FCAW, and other required processes per NAVSEA or project specifications
• Weld foundations, bulkheads, stiffeners, collars, brackets, supports, and structural assemblies
• Execute hot-work preparation including beveling, grinding, cleaning, and joint fit-up
• Work from drawings, weld maps, sketches, and work instructions to meet customer and NAVSEA standards
• Install structural inserts, perform steel renewals, and support major structural modification projects
• Conduct visual weld inspections to ensure quality, penetration, and compliance
• Assist shipfitters with layout, fabrication, and structural fit-up tasks as needed
• Safely operate grinders, oxy-fuel torches, needle guns, and other welding tools
• Work aboard vessels in confined spaces, tanks, voids, overheads, and restricted compartments
• Follow NAVSEA hot-work requirements, OSHA Maritime regulations, and all shipyard safety rules
• Maintain proper tool control, housekeeping, and safe welding practices

Requirements

• Minimum 5 years of structural welding experience in ship repair or industrial fabrication
• Proficiency in SMAW and FCAW structural welding processes
• Ability to pass NAVSEA or customer-required weld tests (positions and materials vary by project)
• Strong understanding of weld symbols, joint design, and hot-work preparation
• Ability to interpret structural drawings, weld maps, and technical instructions
• Must supply and maintain a personal tool set appropriate for structural welding (specialty tools provided when required)
• Ability to work aboard vessels, in confined spaces, at heights, and in physically demanding environments
• Ability to lift 40-60 lbs and work in repetitive welding positions
• Must pass background check and drug screening
• Ability to obtain DBIDS/base access when required
• Reliable transportation and consistent attendance
• Ability to work overtime, nights, weekends, and variable shifts as needed

Preferred Qualifications

• NAVSEA or ABS structural welding certifications
• Experience welding on Navy vessels or commercial marine structures
• Experience with insert installation, structural renewals, and heavy steel replacement
• Proficiency with oxy-fuel cutting, heating, and hot-work preparation
• OSHA-10 Maritime
• Ability to wear a respirator when required for hot-work, confined-space support, blasting, paint, or insulation areas
• Experience supporting multi-trade structural projects

Additional Information

• Work occurs aboard ships, in dry docks, and in fabrication shop environments
• PPE provided according to project and customer requirements

Venture Dynamics is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or veteran status.