Fabricator & Fitter

Chesapeake-Shipbuilding-Corp.-1; Salisbury (MD); On-site; USD 29,000 - 41,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Sign-on bonus

Comprehensive health benefits

Health Savings Account (HSA)

401(k) with company match

Paid holidays

Paid sick and vacation

Career growth opportunities

Overtime opportunities

Job summary

Chesapeake Shipbuilding seeks skilled Fabricators/Fitters to join the Salisbury, MD team. You will lay out, fabricate, fit and assemble structural steel and metal components for passenger vessels in a fast-paced shipyard environment.

The role requires 3+ years of welding/fabrication experience, ability to read blueprints, and proficiency with SMAW, MIG and TIG welding. Strong safety and teamwork are essential for meeting production schedules.

Qualifications

• 3+ years welding/fabrication experience preferred.
• Able to set up welding machines (SMAW, MIG, TIG).
• Experience reading blueprints and shop drawings.
• Familiar with industry codes and safe work practices.

Responsibilities

• Layout, fit, fabricate, assemble structural steel and metal components.
• Perform tack welding and final welding as required.
• Read drawings and verify dimensions and fit-up.
• Maintain clean, safe work area and follow all safety policies.
• Collaborate with welders, inspectors and supervisors to meet production goals.

Skills

Welding

Blueprint reading

Fabrication experience

Team collaboration

Education

3+ years welding/fabrication experience

Tools

SMAW

MIG

TIG

Welding equipment setup

Job description

Description

Chesapeake Shipbuilding is seeking motivated and skilled Fabricators/Fitters to join our growing team in Salisbury, Maryland. As a key member of our shipbuilding workforce, you will play an essential role in the construction of passenger vessels by fabricating, fitting, and assembling structural steel and metal components. This position offers the opportunity to work on unique, high-quality vessels in a fast-paced manufacturing environment where safety, craftsmanship, teamwork, and productivity are highly valued.

Successful candidates will possess a strong work ethic, attention to detail, and a commitment to producing quality work while meeting production schedules. If you enjoy hands‑on work, take pride in building things that last, and want to be part of a team constructing world‑class vessels, we encourage you to apply.

Why Should You Apply?

• Competitive Pay: $21.00/hr - $30.00/hr depending on experience and weld test
• $1,000 Sign-On Bonus: Paid in two installments after 60 and 180 days of continuous employment for eligible full‑time positions.
• Employee Referral Bonus: Earn $500 for each referred candidate who is hired.
• Comprehensive Health Benefits: Medical, dental, and vision coverage available for employees and their families. Full‑time employees are eligible beginning the first day of the month following their start date.
• Company‑Paid Insurance: $20,000 AD&D life insurance and short‑term disability coverage provided at no cost to full‑time employees.
• Health Savings Account (HSA): Available for eligible employees.
• 401(k) with 5% Company Match: Available for full‑time and part‑time employees.
• Paid Holidays: Six company‑paid holidays each year.
• Paid Sick and Vacation:
  • 80 hours during your first year
  • 96 hours after 1 year
  • 144 hours after 5 years
  • 168 hours after 10 years
• Career Growth Opportunities: Advance within your department or explore opportunities across the shipyard while working with a supportive and empowered team.
• Overtime Opportunities: Available for hours worked beyond 40 per week.

ABOUT THE JOB

This opportunity is a full‑time and benefits‑eligible position.

REPORTS TO

Fitting Supervisor/On‑Site Foreman/Shipyard Superintendent

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES

Responsible for the layout, fitting, fabrication, assembly, and tack welding of structural steel and metal components. This position requires a strong commitment to safety, quality, productivity, and continuous improvement while working in a fast‑paced shipbuilding environment. An aggressive work ethic with a focus on production is required.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS & TASKS

• Read, interpret, and follow engineering drawings, blueprints, work instructions, and specifications.
• Measure, mark, cut, bevel, and fit metal components to required tolerances.
• Lay out, fabricate, and assemble structural steel, foundations, brackets, bulkheads, decks, and other vessel components.
• Perform tack welding using SMAW and semi‑automatic welding processes to secure assemblies prior to final welding.
• Verify dimensions, alignment, and fit‑up of components before and during assembly.
• Operate hand tools, power tools, grinders, cutting torches, and fabrication equipment safely and efficiently.
• Grind, clean, and prepare assemblies for welding, inspection, and installation.
• Identify and report drawing discrepancies, material issues, and production concerns to supervision.
• Maintain work areas in a clean and organized condition in accordance with housekeeping and safety standards.
• Follow all company safety policies, procedures, and applicable shipyard regulations.
• Inspect completed work to ensure compliance with quality standards, drawings, and specifications.
• Work effectively with welders, supervisors, inspectors, and other trades to achieve production goals.
• Perform other duties as assigned to support operational requirements.

KNOWLEDGE

• Education or experience with welding/fabrication (3+ years preferred).
• Must be able to set up welding machines and equipment (SMAW, MIG, TIG).
• Experience with shop and field fabrication, assembly sequencing and fitting.
• Experience reading and understanding blueprints, sketches, and templates.
• Familiar with industry codes and regulation.
• Demonstrated ability to safely operate hand tools, power tools, cutting equipment, and material handling devices.
• Ability to safely use chain falls, come‑alongs, and basic rigging equipment.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision and as part of a team.
• Ability to meet production schedules in a fast‑paced manufacturing environment.

Requirements

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• All types of physical movement are required for this position to successfully perform the essential functions
• Ability to use upper and lower extremities
• Ability to work outside in heat, inclement weather, and cold
• Ability to traverse uneven terrain, including loose pack gravel
• Ability to crawl, kneel, crouch, climb, and bend around and under equipment, on ladders up to 24' at heights up to 70', stairs, scaffolds, through small accesses, enter inside of tanks, and confined spaces, through hatches, and manholes throughout much of the work shift
• Ability to work over bodies of water
• Operate in isolation within the skeleton of ships, wearing heavy protective gear and carrying equipment weighing up to 75lbs
• Ability to safely wear and use required personal protective equipment (PPE), including respiratory protection, safety glasses, welding shields, grinding shields, gloves, life jackets, harnesses, hard hats, and other task‑or‑area‑specific PPE, as applicable. Employees required to wear tight‑fitting respiratory protection must maintain facial hair in a manner that does not interfere with the respirator’s sealing surface or proper fit, in accordance with applicable respiratory protection requirements.

MENTAL REQUIREMENTS: Normal level of visual acuity needed. Must be able to understand and follow directions. Normal hearing level needed. Hand‑eye coordination required.

HAZARDS: Weather, fumes, high noise levels, moving mechanical parts, equipment, and vibration.

SHIFT

• Monday – Friday: 40 - 45+ hours per week
• Day Shift: 6:00am – 2:30pm
• Evening Shift: 3:00pm – 11:30pm

Overtime and Weekend required based on business needs