Rigger

Aerotek; Norfolk (VA); On-site; USD 41,000 - 83,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Equity program

Weekly pay

401(k) plan

Medical, dental & vision

Job summary

Aerotek is seeking a skilled Rigger to safely plan, rig, lift, move, and position heavy industrial equipment at our Norfolk, VA sites. You will work closely with crane operators, millwrights, pipefitters, ironworkers, and project supervision to follow lift plans and uphold rigorous safety standards.

You will assemble, inspect, and utilize rigging gear, Direct crane operators, and ensure all lifting configurations stay within safe limits.

Qualifications

• Experience on industrial construction sites with crane operators and trades.
• Ability to read lift plans and engineered drawings.
• Knowledge of OSHA regulations and site safety procedures.

Responsibilities

• Plan and prepare lifting operations with pre-lift planning and rigging methods.
• Assemble and inspect rigging equipment (slings, shackles, spreader bars, chain falls, come-alongs, lifting beams).
• Rig, lift, move, set and align industrial equipment per lift plans and specs.
• Direct crane operators using standard hand signals and radio comms.
• Inspect rigging gear for defects and remove damaged gear from service.
• Calculate load weights and verify rigging capacities for safe operations.
• Read lift plans and drawings to execute lifts accurately.
• Maintain clear communication with project management and crafts.
• Ensure compliance with OSHA regulations and safety procedures.
• Keep work area safe and organized.

Skills

Rigging equipment handling

Pre-lift planning

Direct crane signaling

Load weight calculation

Reading lift plans

OSHA safety knowledge

Team coordination

Housekeeping and safety

Tools

Rigging gear knowledge

Job description

Job Title: Rigger Job Description

The rigger is responsible for the safe planning, inspection, rigging, lifting, moving, and positioning of heavy equipment, structural components, vessels, piping systems, and machinery on industrial construction sites. This role works closely with crane operators, millwrights, pipefitters, ironworkers, and project supervision to ensure all lifting operations are carried out safely, efficiently, and in accordance with applicable regulations and site requirements.

Responsibilities

• Plan and prepare lifting operations by performing detailed pre-lift planning and determining proper rigging methods based on load weight, center of gravity, and lift requirements.

• Assemble, inspect, and use rigging equipment such as slings, shackles, spreader bars, chain falls, come-alongs, and lifting beams to support safe lifting activities.

• Safely rig, lift, move, set, and align industrial equipment, vessels, tanks, pumps, heat exchangers, pipe spools, steel structures, and machinery in accordance with lift plans and specifications.

• Direct crane operators using standard hand signals and radio communication to ensure coordinated and controlled lifting operations.

• Inspect rigging gear before each use, identify any defects, and remove defective equipment from service to maintain a safe working environment.

• Calculate load weights and verify rigging capacities to ensure all lifting configurations remain within safe working limits.

• Assist with equipment setting, alignment, and installation activities to support construction and maintenance projects.

• Work from lift plans, engineered drawings, and construction specifications to execute lifts accurately and safely.

• Maintain clear and continuous communication with project management and craft personnel during lifting operations to coordinate activities and address any issues promptly.

• Ensure all lifting operations comply with OSHA regulations, site requirements, and company safety procedures.

• Perform housekeeping duties and maintain a clean, organized, and safe work area around lifting and rigging operations.

Essential Skills

• Demonstrated ability to assemble, inspect, and utilize rigging equipment including slings, shackles, spreader bars, chain falls, come-alongs, and lifting beams.

• Strong understanding of pre-lift planning, including determining proper rigging methods based on load weight, center of gravity, and lift requirements.

• Proficiency in directing crane operators using standard hand signals and radio communication.

• Experience safely rigging, lifting, moving, setting, and aligning industrial equipment, vessels, tanks, pumps, heat exchangers, pipe spools, steel structures, and machinery.

• Ability to inspect rigging gear before each use and accurately identify and remove defective equipment from service.

• Competence in calculating load weights and verifying rigging capacities to ensure safe lifting operations.

• Ability to read and work from lift plans, engineered drawings, and construction specifications.

• Strong communication skills to maintain clear coordination with project management and craft personnel during lifting operations.

• Solid knowledge of OSHA regulations, site requirements, and company safety procedures related to lifting and rigging.

• Commitment to maintaining a safe work area through consistent housekeeping and adherence to safety practices.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience working on industrial construction sites alongside crane operators, millwrights, pipefitters, ironworkers, and project supervision.

• Familiarity with a wide range of industrial equipment and components, including vessels, tanks, pumps, heat exchangers, pipe spools, and steel structures.

• Ability to adapt to changing lift conditions and site requirements while maintaining safety and efficiency.

• Attention to detail and strong problem-solving skills when planning and executing complex lifts.

Why Work Here?

Employees have the opportunity to share in the long-term success of the organization through an equity program that grants $25,000 in equity upon becoming a permanent employee, vesting over four years. Equity vests 25% after the first year and 6.25% every quarter thereafter, providing a steady and accelerated path to ownership. The company promotes a culture of safety, collaboration, and professional growth, offering the chance to work on challenging industrial projects while building long-term financial value.

Work Environment

This role is based on industrial construction sites and involves working around heavy equipment, structural components, vessels, piping systems, and machinery. The work environment is hands-on and physically active, with frequent lifting operations, close coordination with crane operators and various skilled trades, and adherence to detailed lift plans and engineered drawings. Safety procedures and OSHA regulations guide all activities, and maintaining a clean, organized work area is an essential part of daily operations. Appropriate workwear and personal protective equipment are required to perform duties safely in this industrial setting.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Norfolk, VA.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $30.00 - $60.00/hr.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

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 & visionCritical Illness, Accident, and Hospital401(k) Retirement Plan Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions availableLife Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)Short and long-term disabilityHealth Spending Account (HSA)Transportation benefitsEmployee Assistance ProgramTime Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Norfolk, VA.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Oct 15, 2026.

About Aerotek

Aerotek® Inc. provides staffing and services solutions in manufacturing, logistics, construction, aviation, facilities and maintenance. We provide the expertise, solutions and people required to rise to the challenges of North American industry. Headquartered in Hanover, Md., Aerotek operates a unified network of over 200 offices across North America, supporting more than 18,000 clients each year. Aerotek is an Allegis Group company, the global leader in workforce and business solutions. To learn more, visit: Aerotek.com | 1-888-AEROTEK.

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.