Shipfitter Apprentice

Aerotek; Oceanside (CA); On-site; USD 28,000 - 30,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental & vision

401(k) Retirement Plan

Weekly pay

Job summary

Aerotek is seeking an entry-level Shipfitter Apprentice for Camp Pendleton, CA. This role involves laying out and fabricating aluminum parts from blueprints, using hand tools and shop equipment to meet shipyard standards.

It is a contract-to-hire position with first-shift hours and onsite work in Oceanside, CA. Ideal candidates have basic construction experience, blueprint-reading skills, and proficiency with manual tools.

Qualifications

• 2 years of construction experience preferred.
• Proficiency using measuring tape for layout and measurement.
• Ability to use a level to ensure proper alignment.
• Ability to use a square for right angles and accurate cuts.
• Experience operating a Skilsaw safely and effectively.
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints and templates.
• Hands-on experience with hand tools used in carpentry and metal fabrication.
• Ability to work with aluminum materials in fabrication.

Responsibilities

• Lay out positions of aluminum parts from blueprints and templates.
• Mark holes and install temporary fasteners for welding/riveting.
• Roll, bend, flange, cut and shape plates/beams with shop machinery.
• Use measuring tools to ensure accurate dimensions and alignment.
• Operate hand tools to cut and finish aluminum components.
• Apply finish carpentry techniques to aluminum ship structures.
• Follow blueprints to meet design specs and quality standards.
• Brace, align and secure parts for welding or riveting.
• Maintain a clean, safe shipyard work area.

Skills

2 years of construction experience

Measuring with tape

Level

Square

Skilsaw operation

Blueprint reading

Hand tool use

Aluminum fabrication

Tools

Skilsaw

Plate rolls

Bending brakes

Job description

Shipfitter Apprentice - Entry-Level - Camp Pendleton, CA

Job Description

This role involves laying out and fabricating aluminum parts such as plates, bulkheads, frames, and structural braces, and positioning them within the hull of a ship for subsequent riveting or welding. You will work directly from blueprints and templates, using a variety of hand tools and shop machinery to cut, shape, and prepare components that meet precise specifications and shipyard standards.

Responsibilities

• Lay out the position of aluminum parts, including plates, bulkheads, frames, and braces, on workpieces using blueprints, templates, scribes, and hand tools.

• Mark the location of holes to be drilled and install temporary fasteners to secure parts in place for welding or riveting.

• Roll, bend, flange, cut, and shape plates, beams, and other heavy metal parts using shop machinery such as plate rolls, presses, and bending brakes.

• Use measuring tape, levels, squares, and other layout tools to ensure accurate dimensions and proper alignment of components.

• Operate hand tools, including Skilsaws and other cutting and finishing tools, to perform precise cuts and adjustments on aluminum and related materials.

• Apply finish carpentry techniques to aluminum ship structures, ensuring clean, accurate, and structurally sound fabrication and installation.

• Interpret and follow blueprints and fabrication drawings to ensure all parts meet design specifications and quality requirements.

• Assist in preparing parts for welding or riveting by properly bracing, aligning, and securing components within the hull.

• Maintain a clean and organized work area and use tools and equipment safely in a shipyard environment.

Essential Skills

• 2 years of construction experience preferred.

• Proficiency using a measuring tape for accurate layout and measurement.

• Ability to use a level to ensure proper alignment and plumb surfaces.

• Ability to use a square for checking and marking right angles and accurate cuts.

• Experience operating a Skilsaw or similar power saw safely and effectively.

• Ability to read and interpret blueprints and templates for fabrication work.

• Hands‑on experience with hand tools commonly used in carpentry and metal fabrication.

• Capability to work with aluminum materials in a structural or fabrication environment.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience working in a shipyard or marine fabrication environment.

• Familiarity with rolling, bending, flanging, cutting, and shaping metal plates and beams using shop machinery such as plate rolls, presses, and bending brakes.

• Experience in carpentry or finishing work that involves precise measurement and detailed craftsmanship.

• Comfort working with both carpentry and metal fabrication tools and techniques.

• Strong attention to detail and ability to maintain high quality standards in fabrication and finishing.

Why Work Here?

You will work in a specialized shipyard environment where craftsmanship, precision, and teamwork are highly valued. The schedule offers consistent first-shift hours that support work-life balance, and you will have the opportunity to develop and refine your fabrication skills using a variety of tools and equipment. This setting provides hands‑on experience with complex projects and offers a stable, structured work environment focused on safety and quality.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Oceanside, CA.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $20.00 - $22.00/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 to Hire position based out of Oceanside, CA.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Nov 13, 2026.

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Oceanside, CA.

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.