At least 4 years
This role is STARs-friendly: Skilled Through Alternative Routes.
76% STARs in role.
Job Title: Shipfitter
Job Description
This role involves performing first-class shipfitting and fabrication work in a commercial and naval shipyard environment. You will read and interpret blueprints, fit and assemble structural components, and support ship construction and repair using a variety of welding, burning, and grinding tools.
Responsibilities
- Interpret and work from blueprints, drawings, and specifications to lay out, fit, and assemble structural components for ship construction and repair.
- Perform shipfitting and fabrication tasks as a first-class shipfitter, ensuring all work meets quality and safety standards.
- Use single pass tack welding techniques to align and secure structural members in preparation for final welding.
- Operate oxygen/propane burning torches to cut, shape, and remove metal components as required for fabrication and installation.
- Use oxygen/propane heating torches to heat and form metal components for proper fit-up and alignment.
- Perform burning, grinding, and arc gouging operations to prepare and finish metal surfaces and joints.
- Fit and install structural elements and ship components in accordance with shipbuilding standards and project requirements.
- Maintain a clean and safe work area, following all shipyard safety procedures and guidelines.
- Collaborate with other trades and team members to complete assignments efficiently and resolve fit-up or alignment issues.
- Inspect completed work for accuracy, alignment, and adherence to specifications, making adjustments as needed.
Essential Skills
- Minimum of four years of commercial or naval experience as a first-class shipfitter.
- Proficiency in shipfitting and structural fabrication in a shipyard environment.
- Ability to perform single pass tack welding safely and effectively.
- Skilled in using oxygen/propane burning torches for cutting and burning operations.
- Skilled in using oxygen/propane heating torches for heating and forming metal components.
- Ability to read, interpret, and work from blueprints and technical drawings.
- Experience with burning, grinding, and arc gouging operations on structural steel.
- Strong understanding of shipbuilding practices and ship construction processes.
- Ability to comprehend and follow written and verbal instructions in a fast-paced industrial setting.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
- Experience working on commercial and naval shipbuilding projects.
- Ship construction, ship repair, or related heavy industrial fabrication.
- Familiarity with working as part of a multi-trade team in large shipyard projects.
- Strong attention to detail and commitment to producing high-quality work.
Why Work Here?
You will join a large-scale shipbuilding environment where you can apply and grow your trade skills on significant naval projects. The role offers steady, hands-on work in a professional industrial setting with the opportunity to collaborate with experienced tradespeople and gain exposure to complex, high-profile ship construction programs.
Work Environment
Work takes place in shipyards across the 757 region, supporting construction on major naval vessels such as CVN 80. The environment is industrial and shipyard-based, involving work on and around ships, heavy steel structures, and large fabrication areas. You can expect exposure to outdoor conditions, varying weather, and typical shipyard noise levels. The role requires the use of welding, burning, heating, and grinding equipment, along with adherence to strict safety procedures and appropriate industrial work attire and protective equipment.
Job Type & LocationThis is a Contract position based out of Newport News, VA.
Pay and BenefitsThe pay range for this position is $30.00 - $30.00/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)
This is a fully onsite position in Newport News,VA.
Application DeadlineThis position is anticipated to close on May 25, 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.
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.
Posting ID: JP-006016408
