Structural Fitter

1st Class Combination Fitter/Welder - Steel America

Position Summary:

As a Combination Fitter/Welder at Steel America, a division of Colonna's Shipyard, Inc., you will be responsible for both fitting and welding tasks in the shipyard and heavy industrial environments. This role involves fabricating, assembling, and welding metal components according to specifications and blueprints, ensuring structural integrity and precision. The combination fitter/welder plays a crucial role in the construction, repair, and maintenance of ships and marine structures.

The position is located onsite in Norfolk, VA and will often require hours beyond a standard work week with flexible schedule availability to support production/operations. Position may require limited travel.


Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Precisely measure, cut, shape, and align metal components using hand tools, power tools, and fabrication equipment. Assemble structural parts and frames according to blueprints and specifications.
• Perform high-quality welding using various techniques, including MIG, TIG, stick, and flux core welding, to join metal components securely. Ensure welds meet industry standards and specifications.
• Accurately read and interpret blueprints, schematics, and technical drawings to determine the correct dimensions, welding sequences, and assembly procedures.
• Apply tack welds to hold components in place before final welding, ensuring proper alignment and fit-up of parts.
• Inspect fitted and welded components to ensure they meet project specifications, tolerances, and quality standards. Make necessary adjustments or repairs to maintain quality.
• Maintain welding and fitting equipment, ensuring it is in good working order. Perform routine checks and minor repairs as needed to prevent equipment failures.
• Collaborate with other tradespeople and departments to complete projects within specified timelines.
• Effectively perform work on multiple projects concurrently, demonstrating the ability to prioritize tasks and responsibilities successfully.
• Mentor department employees and other assigned crew members, providing support and training as needed.

Qualifications:

• Must have at least 5 years of experience in both fitting and welding, preferably in a marine or shipyard environment; or have graduated from a registered apprenticeship program relevant to the trade.
• Proficient in various welding techniques and metal fabrication processes. Strong understanding of shipbuilding and repair practices.
• Must be proficient in metalworking, welding, and blueprint interpretation.
• Must be able to lift heavy materials, work at heights, and operate in confined spaces.
• Must be proficient in Stick Welding (SMAW) and Flux Core Welding (FCAW) techniques in the horizontal, vertical and overhead positions.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Previous technical training highly preferred.
• Relevant certifications in welding, such as AWS (American Welding Society), or equivalent, are preferred.

Travel Requirements:

• Minimal Travel; 10% or less.

Physical Requirements:

• Must be able to lift, carry and transport heavy equipment and boxes. The exact weight requirements will be determined by the specific job, but no less than 20 lbs.
• Must be physically agile to perform tasks in naval ships. Able to work on and climb ladders, work in extreme temperature environments, aboard ships, in shipyards, under industrial conditions and in confined spaces, including enter and moving through manholes.
• May ride ships at sea for extended periods
• Able to perform other duties as required which may involve high heat, humidity, noise and dirty conditions, working aloft or over the sides of vessels.
• Frequent exposure to noise due to machinery and equipment.
• Employee is required to operate trucks, forklifts & man-lifts.
• While performing the duties of this job, you may frequently be required to stand, walk & sit; use hands or fingers; handle or feel; talk and hear. Occasionally required to reach with hands and arms, climb and balance, stoop, squat, kneel, twist and crawl.
• Work in extreme temperatures and conditions. At times you will work in areas that have less adequate ventilation
• Frequent use of respirator.
• Protective clothing or equipment and face shields or goggles shall be worn when welding, cutting, or working with molten metal.

Respect, Pride, Truth, Family - These are our VALUES and the guidelines that make us a leader in our industry. We are pleased and confident in stating that our skilled employees are among the most respected experts in the ship repair industry.

Colonna's Shipyard, Inc. is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. We do not discriminate based upon race, religion, color, national origin, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, or other applicable legally protected characteristics.

Additionally, Colonna's Shipyard provides a variety of benefits to support your best health, wellness, and future, to include medical/dental/vision options, company paid disability insurances, 401k with match, legal services, as well as company paid holidays and paid time off (PTO).

Pay Range: $28.42 - $35.94

Determination of base salary considers various factors, including but not limited to scope of responsibility, candidate's relative and specific experience, education level, key skills, as well as other business considerations. The company also provides a variety of benefits to support employees' best health and wellness. Additionally, the company offers a 401k retirement program with match, paid holidays, and competitive paid time off (PTO)