FCAW / Flux Core Welder Belfast

MDE Consultants Ltd; Lisburn; On-site; GBP 101,000 - 134,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Travel allowance

Job summary

Navantia UK in Belfast is seeking skilled FCAW Welders for a major shipbuilding project. You will perform FCAW/Flux Core welding on structural steel, reading welding drawings and symbols, and coordinating with other trades to ensure quality.

The initial assignment is 3-4 months with potential progression to long-term work in Belfast. Candidates should have proven FCAW experience, be able to pass a welding test, and be comfortable working in vertical and overhead positions, with readiness for

Qualifications

• Strong FCAW/Flux Core welding experience.
• Recent structural steel welding experience.
• Ability to read engineering drawings and welding symbols.
• Able to complete onboarding and security clearance.

Responsibilities

• FCAW structural welding.
• Multi-run welds on structural steel.
• Work in vertical and overhead positions.
• Welding structural frames, units and assemblies.
• Follow drawings, welding symbols and WPS.
• Prepare and clean weld areas.
• Complete welds to required quality standards.

Skills

FCAW welding

MMA/MAG/MIG

Job description

FCAW / Flux Core Welder - Belfast

Location: Belfast
Start: Around 21 September 2026
Initial Project: Approximately 3-4 months
Gross Rate: £28.02 per hour PAYE (incl. of holiday)
Gross Overtime Rate: £42.03 per hour PAYE (incl. of holiday)
Travel / Accommodation / Subsistence: £406.40 per week
Potential weekly value: £1,947.50 - £2,577.95 depending on hours worked

We are recruiting experienced FCAW / Flux Core Welders for a major shipbuilding requirement with Navantia UK in Belfast.

This forms part of a potentially significant welding requirement within the Belfast shipyard.

The initial project is expected to run for approximately 3-4 months, potentially taking workers through towards January, although the final programme and durations are still being confirmed.

Beyond this initial requirement, Navantia are moving into a major shipbuilding programme in Belfast which is expected to run for approximately 6-8 years.

For welders who perform well during the initial project, there is therefore the potential to move directly onto the longer-term programme as the workforce continues to increase.

This makes the role particularly attractive for experienced FCAW welders looking for an immediate project with the potential to develop into sustained long-term work.

The Work

The requirement is specifically for welders with genuine FCAW / Flux Cored Arc Welding experience.

Typical duties are expected to include:

• FCAW structural welding
• Multi-run welds on structural steel
• Working in vertical and overhead positions
• Welding structural frames, units and fabricated assemblies
• Working from engineering drawings, welding symbols and WPS
• Preparation and cleaning of weld areas
• Completing welds to the required quality standards
• Working alongside Platers, Fabricators and other shipbuilding trades

Experience using MMA, MAG or MIG alongside FCAW would be beneficial, but candidates must have demonstrable Flux Core welding experience.

Previous shipbuilding, ship repair, marine or heavy fabrication experience would be particularly relevant.

Example Weekly Earnings

50-hour week

• 40 hours × £28.02 = £1,120.80
• 10 hours × £42.03 = £420.30
• Travel / accommodation / subsistence = £406.40
• Total weekly value: £1,947.50

65-hour week

• 40 hours × £28.02 = £1,120.80
• 25 hours × £42.03= £1050.75
• Travel / accommodation / subsistence = £406.40
• Total weekly value: £2,577.95

Requirements

• Strong, demonstrable FCAW / Flux Core welding experience
• Recent structural steel welding experience
• Experience completing multi-run structural welds
• Comfortable welding in multiple positions
• Ability to read engineering drawings and welding symbols
• Ability to work to WPS and required welding procedures
• Shipbuilding, marine or heavy fabrication experience strongly preferred
• Prepared to undertake a practical weld test
• Able to complete the required onboarding and security clearance process