Per Diem Sheet Metal Mechanic

Job Description

Job Description

Job Title: Sheet Metal Mechanic
Job Description

This role focuses on first-class sheet metal work in a shipyard environment, including the installation of foundations, ventilation systems, bulkheads, shipboard furniture, and a variety of fabrication tasks. You will interpret complex drawings and blueprints, lay out and fabricate piece parts, and assemble components to precise specifications on Navy vessels and in shop settings.

Responsibilities

• Install foundations, ventilation systems, bulkheads, and shipboard furniture in accordance with engineering drawings and specifications.
• Perform sheet metal fabrication shop work, including cutting, forming, and assembling metal components for shipboard applications.
• Read and interpret complex ventilation assembly drawings, blueprints, and sketches, including weld symbols, material types, datum points, and reference lines.
• Use fractional and decimal measurements accurately with rulers and other measuring tools to ensure precise layout and fit-up of parts.
• Lay out piece parts for fabrication and assembly, ensuring correct dimensions, orientation, and material selection.
• Assemble fabricated piece parts into complete units, meeting quality standards and specification requirements.
• Operate and maintain small hand tools such as electric drills, grinders, and rivet guns in a safe and efficient manner.
• Use shop equipment including drill presses and press brakes to form and prepare metal components.
• Work safely and efficiently in a physically demanding shipyard environment, including on Navy vessels and in shop areas.
• Follow OSHA regulations and shipyard safety procedures at all times, including proper use of tools, equipment, and personal protective gear.

Essential Skills

• Minimum of three years of experience as a first-class Sheet Metal Worker in the installation of foundations, ventilation, bulkheads, shipboard furniture, and sheet metal fabrication shop work.
• Ability to comprehend complex ventilation assembly drawings, blueprints, and sketches, including weld symbols, material types, datum and reference lines.
• Strong understanding of fractional and decimal dimensions and the ability to measure accurately using a ruler and related tools.
• Proficiency in laying out piece parts for fabrication and assembly with high attention to detail.
• Demonstrated ability to assemble piece parts in accordance with specifications while maintaining high quality standards.
• Experience working in a physically demanding environment, such as a shipyard or industrial setting.
• Familiarity with OSHA regulations related to the shipbuilding industry and commitment to safe work practices.
• Hands-on experience using small hand tools including electric drills, grinders, and rivet guns.
• Experience operating shop equipment such as drill presses and press brakes.
• Marine sheet metal experience preferred, with aircraft, industrial, or commercial sheet metal experience considered acceptable.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Background in marine, aircraft, industrial, or commercial sheet metal work.
• Comfort working on Navy vessels and in large industrial shop environments.
• Ability to adapt to different shifts and changing work priorities in a high-production setting.

Why Work Here?

You will join a major, long-established shipyard with extensive facilities and a steady flow of challenging, high-profile projects. The environment offers exposure to complex naval work and advanced fabrication practices, providing strong opportunities to grow your technical skills and build a long-term career in shipbuilding and industrial sheet metal. Non-local candidates living more than 75 miles from Newport News, VA may be eligible for a daily per diem, adding financial support for those commuting or relocating.

Work Environment

The role is based in a large shipyard that extends approximately five miles, located in Southeast Virginia. The climate is hot and humid in the summer and cooler in the winter, and work is performed both on Navy vessels and in shop environments. The setting is industrial and physically demanding, with regular use of small hand tools such as drills, grinders, and rivet guns, as well as shop equipment like drill presses and press brakes. Candidates must be able to work any shift; typical schedules include first shift (6:00 a.m.–2:30 p.m.), second shift (3:00 p.m.–11:30 p.m.), and third shift (11:00 p.m.–7:00 a.m.). Overtime may be available but is not guaranteed. Appropriate industrial work attire and personal protective equipment are required to maintain safety in the shipyard and onboard vessels.

Job Type & Location

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

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $24.00 - $27.31/hr.

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 Jul 16, 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.

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.

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.