Tack Welder / Fitter-Direct hire

Job Description

Job Description

Tack Welder / Fitter

Location: Hampton, VA
Shift: 1st Shift
Pay: $25–$30/hour
Employment Type: Direct hire

Position Summary

The Tack Welder / Fitter is responsible for fitting, aligning, positioning, and tack welding fabricated metal components in preparation for final welding and assembly.

This role requires strong blueprint-reading skills, accurate measuring and layout ability, and hands-on experience working with structural or fabricated metal components. The Tack Welder / Fitter will work closely with welders, fabricators, and production personnel to ensure assemblies are properly aligned, dimensionally accurate, and ready for final welding.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Read and interpret blueprints, fabrication drawings, weld symbols, and technical specifications

• Measure, mark, position, and fit metal components according to drawings and job requirements

• Perform tack welding to hold parts securely in proper alignment before final welding

• Use clamps, fixtures, squares, levels, and other layout tools to maintain proper fit-up

• Verify dimensions, angles, gaps, and tolerances prior to welding

• Prepare metal surfaces by grinding, cleaning, beveling, or removing imperfections as needed

• Identify and correct fit-up or alignment issues before assemblies move to final welding

• Use MIG/GMAW and other applicable welding processes for tack welding

• Work with plate, structural components, brackets, frames, and fabricated assemblies

• Operate grinders, saws, drills, torches, and other fabrication equipment

• Move and position materials using appropriate material-handling equipment

• Perform visual inspections of completed fit-up and tack welds

• Communicate fabrication issues or drawing discrepancies to supervisors or production leads

• Maintain accurate production and quality documentation as required

• Maintain a clean and organized work area

• Follow all safety procedures and required PPE requirements

Qualifications

• Previous experience as a fitter, tack welder, fabricator, or structural welder

• Strong blueprint and fabrication drawing interpretation skills

• Ability to understand weld symbols and dimensional requirements

• Experience performing fit-up and tack welding

• Ability to accurately use tape measures, squares, levels, and other measuring tools

• Strong understanding of alignment, spacing, angles, and tolerances

• Familiarity with MIG/GMAW welding processes

• Experience using grinders, torches, saws, and fabrication tools

• Strong mechanical aptitude

• Ability to identify and correct fit-up issues

• Strong attention to detail and quality

• Ability to work independently and as part of a production team

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in defense, aerospace, shipbuilding, structural fabrication, or heavy manufacturing

• Welding certification or vocational welding training

• Experience fitting large or complex fabricated assemblies

• Experience with carbon steel, stainless steel, or specialty metals

• Familiarity with quality-controlled or regulated manufacturing environments

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods

• Ability to bend, stoop, kneel, crouch, and work in varying positions

• Ability to lift and move materials up to 50 lbs. as needed

• Ability to work around welding equipment, sparks, heat, fumes, and manufacturing machinery

• Ability to safely wear required PPE

As part of our promise to talent, Kelly supports those who work with us through a variety of benefits, perks, and work-related resources. Please note: The following benefits reflect Kelly's general offerings. Eligibility may vary by assignment, location, and job type. Kelly offers eligible employees voluntary benefit plans including medical, dental, vision, telemedicine, term life, whole life, accident insurance, critical illness, a legal plan, and short-term disability. As a Kelly employee, you will have access to a retirement savings plan, service bonus and holiday pay plans (earn up to eight paid holidays per benefit year), and a transit spending account. In addition, employees are entitled to earn paid sick leave under the applicable state or local plan. Click here for more information on benefits and perks that may be available to you as a member of the Kelly Talent Community.

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About Kelly

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