Structural Welder (Pulse Arc)

Job Description

Job Description

Job Title: Structural Welder (Pulse Arc) Job Description

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, work in shipboard and shop settings, and demonstrate consistent adherence to industry standards and safety regulations.

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 on shipboard structures and sub-assemblies in a naval shipyard environment.
• Use pulse arc welding (GMAW-P) and pulse MIG techniques to produce structurally sound and visually acceptable welds.
• Carry out MIG welding (GMAW), flux-core welding (FCAW), stick welding (SMAW), and carbon arc gouging as required by project specifications.
• Operate air carbon arc gouging equipment safely and effectively to prepare or repair weld joints.
• Use fillet and butt weld gauges correctly to verify weld size, alignment, and quality in accordance with specifications.
• Work in physically demanding conditions, including confined spaces, ladders, staging, and shipboard environments.
• Follow OSHA regulations and shipbuilding industry safety standards in all tasks.
• Prepare for and successfully complete all required welder qualification tests prior to starting productive work.
• Maintain clean, organized work areas and ensure tools and equipment are used and stored safely.

Essential Skills

• 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), GMAW (Gas Metal Arc Welding), FCAW (Flux Cored Arc Welding), and GMAW-P (Pulse Arc Welding).
• Hands-on experience with pulse arc welding (GMAW-P), pulse MIG, MIG welding (GMAW), flux-core welding (FCAW), and stick welding (SMAW).
• Experience performing carbon arc gouging and air carbon arc gouging.
• Ability to properly use fillet and butt weld gauges to verify weld dimensions and quality.
• Experience working in physically demanding environments such as shipboard spaces, sub-assemblies, ladders, and staging.
• Familiarity with OSHA regulations related to the shipbuilding industry and commitment to safe work practices.
• Capability to work in confined spaces and at heights while maintaining safety and quality standards.
• Ability to pass all-position, multi-pass butt weld qualification tests in accordance with MIL-STD-248D Paragraph 5.3.3.
• Readiness to complete and pass qualification tests for SMAW, FCAW, GMAW, GMAW-P, and gouging proficiency before beginning productive work.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Demonstrated success in naval shipyard or similar heavy industrial environments.
• Experience welding in horizontal (2G), vertical (3G), and overhead (4G) positions using SMAW and FCAW.
• Experience welding in at least the 2G position using GMAW and in all positions using GMAW-P.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to producing high-quality structural welds.
• Ability to adapt to changing priorities and work conditions in a shipbuilding setting.

Why Work Here?

You will join a team that values craftsmanship, safety, and professional growth in a dynamic shipbuilding environment. The role offers the opportunity to work with advanced welding technologies and recognized industry standards, providing a strong platform to develop and refine your welding expertise. You will work alongside skilled tradespeople in a setting that rewards reliability, technical excellence, and a strong work ethic.

Work Environment

The work takes place in a naval shipyard and shop environment that is physically demanding and fast-paced. You will work both on board ships and in fabrication areas, including confined spaces, sub-assemblies, and elevated locations such as ladders and staging. The role requires frequent climbing of ladders and stairs, working in tight or restricted areas, and handling welding and gouging equipment for extended periods. Safety standards, including OSHA regulations for the shipbuilding industry, guide all activities. Work attire typically includes appropriate personal protective equipment such as welding helmets, gloves, protective clothing, and safety footwear suitable for industrial and shipboard conditions.

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 - $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)

Workplace Type

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

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Sep 11, 2026.

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.

\nCompany 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.

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.