Job Information
Aerotek Structural Welder in Suffolk, Virginia
Job Title: Structural Welder
Job Description
This role focuses on structural welding in a dry dock environment, fabricating and assembling metal structures and components according to engineering drawings and specifications. The position requires strong welding skills across multiple processes, the ability to operate material-handling equipment, and a commitment to quality and safety on an active construction site.
Responsibilities
Perform structural welding on the dry dock in accordance with project requirements and engineering specifications.
Fabricate and assemble metal structures and components based on engineering drawings and detailed specifications.
Use MIG, TIG, Stick, and Flux Core welding processes to complete high-quality welds on structural and pipe applications.
Operate a forklift safely to move materials, components, and equipment as needed to support fabrication and welding activities.
Apply mechanical knowledge to tasks such as rigging, general layout, and plasma cutting to prepare and assemble workpieces.
Interpret and follow construction and structural drawings to ensure accurate layout and assembly.
Ensure all work complies with relevant codes, standards, and safety regulations in a dry dock and construction environment.
Inspect finished welds and assembled products for quality, accuracy, and adherence to specifications.
Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work area, including proper handling and storage of tools, equipment, and materials.
Collaborate with team members and supervisors to meet production schedules and complete assigned tasks within required timeframes.
Essential Skills
Proven fabrication or welding experience in a structural or construction environment.
Ability to perform MIG welding proficiently as a core requirement for the welder position.
Hands-on experience with MIG, TIG, and Stick welding processes.
Proficiency in Flux Core welding for structural applications.
Experience with structural welding in construction or structural steel settings.
Ability to read and work from engineering drawings and specifications.
Basic mechanical aptitude to support rigging, general layout, and plasma cutting tasks.
Strong focus on safety and adherence to applicable codes, standards, and regulations.
Attention to detail to inspect and verify the quality and accuracy of finished products.
Capability to operate a forklift safely to move materials and equipment.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
Knowledge in fabrication work, including cutting, fitting, and assembling metal components.
Experience working in a dry dock, shipyard, or similar industrial construction environment.
Familiarity with structural and pipe welding in heavy construction settings.
Ability to work extended hours and mandatory Saturdays as required by the production schedule.
Strong teamwork and communication skills to coordinate tasks with other trades and team members.
Why Work Here?
You will work in a hands-on, industrial setting where your welding expertise directly contributes to large, impactful structural projects. The schedule offers consistent full-time hours with opportunities for additional overtime, providing stable and predictable work. You will gain experience in a specialized dry dock environment, broadening your skills in structural, pipe, and fabrication welding while working alongside experienced trades professionals committed to safety and quality.
Work Environment
This position is based in a dry dock and construction-style industrial environment focused on structural fabrication and welding. The standard schedule runs Monday through Friday from 6:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., with mandatory Saturday shifts from 6:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. The role involves working around heavy equipment, structural steel, and fabrication tools, including forklifts, welding machines, and plasma cutters. The environment requires consistent adherence to safety procedures, use of appropriate personal protective equipment, and readiness for physically demanding tasks in an active, production-driven setting.
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Suffolk, VA.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $26.00 - $32.00/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 Suffolk,VA.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Apr 30, 2026.
About Aerotek:
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 meets 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 solving for 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.
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.