Shipfitter

Aerotek; Norfolk (VA); On-site; USD 25,000 - 48,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Weekly pay

Medical, dental & vision

401(k) Retirement Plan

Job summary

Aerotek is hiring a Shipfitter to lay out, fabricate and brace metal structural parts for ships. You will work from blueprints to position and align components within the hull, ensuring weld preparation and adherence to NAVSEA specifications in a shipyard setting.

Ideal candidates have shipfitting experience with steel/aluminum, know how to read blueprints, and can operate measuring tools. Expect 40+ hours weekly and potential travel to shipyards.

Qualifications

• One year of related shipfitting experience and/or training.
• Experience with steel, aluminum, and/or stainless steel materials.
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints, drawings, NAVSEA-type documentation.
• Proficient with measuring tools (calipers, tape measures, angle gauges).
• Ability to stand for long periods in a physically demanding environment.
• Willingness to work 40+ hours per week as project schedules require.

Responsibilities

• Lay out, fabricate, and brace metal structural parts within the hull.
• Read blueprints/templates to ensure accurate dimensions and alignment.
• Mark reference lines and locate holes for drilling and temporary fasteners.
• Position, secure, and align parts using jacks, turnbuckles, clips, wedges, and mauls.
• Operate hand and power tools safely to complete tasks.
• Travel to different shipyard locations as needed.

Skills

Blueprint reading

NAVSEA docs interpretation

Calipers and measuring tools

Metal fabrication knowledge

Shop math

Blueprint layout

Reading gauges

Safety compliance

Tools

Plate rolls

Bending brakes

Joggle machines

Job description

Job Title: Shipfitter Job Description

This role involves laying out, fabricating, and bracing metal structural components for ships, including plates, bulkheads, foundations, frames, and related structures. You will work from blueprints and templates to position and align parts within the hull, prepare them for welding, and ensure all work meets safety and quality standards in a shipyard environment.

Responsibilities

• Lay out, fabricate, and brace metal structural parts such as plates, bulkheads, foundations, frames, and structural supports within the hull of a ship.
• Lay out the position of parts on metal using blueprints or templates, scribe, and hand tools to ensure accurate dimensions and alignment.
• Locate and mark reference lines, including center, buttock, and frame lines, to guide fabrication and installation work.
• Position and secure parts in the hull of the ship, aligning components in relation to each other using jacks, turnbuckles, clips, wedges, and mauls.
• Mark locations of holes to be drilled and install temporary fasteners to hold parts in place for welding operations.
• Install packing, gaskets, liners, and structural accessories and members such as doors, hatches, brackets, and clips according to specifications.
• Prepare molds and templates for fabrication of nonstandard parts when required.
• Roll, bend, flange, cut, and shape plates, beams, and other heavy metal parts using shop machinery such as plate rolls, presses, bending brakes, and joggle machines.
• Tack weld clips and brackets in place prior to permanent welding, following applicable drawings and requirements.
• Perform ship-fitting operations aboard vessels and in shipboard environments in accordance with NAVSEA drawing requirements with minimal supervision.
• Use hand tools and power tools safely and efficiently to complete assigned tasks.
• Ensure all work is performed safely and meets established quality and workmanship standards.
• Maintain clean and organized work areas and take proper care of all tools, equipment, and facilities.
• Report any unsafe work conditions, hazards, or practices to supervision promptly.
• Follow written and verbal instructions, safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, quality manuals, and procedure manuals.
• Travel to different shipyard locations as required to support project needs.

Essential Skills

• One year of related shipfitting experience and/or training.
• Proven experience working with steel, aluminum, and/or stainless steel materials.
• Ability to identify, measure, and distinguish different types of materials.
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints, drawings, templates, and NAVSEA-type documentation.
• Proficiency using measuring tools such as calipers, tape measures, and angle gauges.
• Ability to lay out parts accurately on metal using scribes, hand tools, and reference lines.
• Knowledge of machines and tools, including their design, operation, and proper uses in metal fabrication.
• Ability to read and interpret written, oral, diagram, and schedule-based instructions, including safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, quality manuals, and procedure manuals.
• Familiarity with the metric system and ability to work with both metric and standard measurements.
• Ability to perform simple shop math, including converting decimals to fractional equivalents and fractions to decimal equivalents.
• Ability to stand continuously for long periods of time in a physically demanding environment.
• Willingness and ability to work 40 or more hours per week as required by project schedules.
• Ability to use hand tools and power tools safely and efficiently.
• Capability to perform ship-fitting operations aboard vessels and in shipboard environments with minimal direction.
• Ability to pass substance abuse testing in accordance with workplace requirements.
• Dependable work ethic with a strong commitment to safety, quality, and completing tasks to the best of your abilities.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience fabricating and installing components based on NAVSEA drawing requirements.
• Experience working in shipyards or marine construction environments.
• Ability to prepare molds and templates for nonstandard parts.
• Experience using shop machinery such as plate rolls, presses, bending brakes, and joggle machines.
• Willingness to learn new techniques and processes and to take direction constructively.
• Ability to travel for work to different shipyard locations as needed.
• Ownership of basic trade-related tools and equipment, when not supplied by the workplace.

Why Work Here?

You will join a growing organization that offers the opportunity to work on diverse shipbuilding and repair projects in a dynamic industrial setting. The role provides the chance to expand your skills in metal fabrication and shipfitting while gaining exposure to multiple shipyard sites. You will benefit from steady work hours, opportunities for overtime, and the ability to travel for assignments, helping you build a strong, long-term career in the marine industry.

Work Environment

This position is based in a shipyard environment, working on vessels and structures in active industrial facilities. You will perform tasks aboard ships and in shipboard spaces, as well as in fabrication areas using shop machinery, hand tools, and power tools. The work involves standing for extended periods, handling heavy materials, and working around machinery, welding operations, and other industrial activities. You should expect to work at least 40 hours per week, with potential for additional hours based on project needs. Travel between different shipyard locations may be required. Appropriate personal protective equipment is provided or required in accordance with shipyard safety standards.

Job Type & Location

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

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $18.00 - $35.00/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 & 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)

Job Type & Location

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

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Nov 23, 2026.

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Norfolk,VA.

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.