Shipyard Welder

Chesapeake Shipbuilding

Salisbury (MD)

On-site

USD 28,929 - 41,328

Full time

14 days+

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Benefits offered by this job

Sign-on bonus

Health benefits

401(k) with company match

Paid holidays

Paid vacation

Referral bonus

Life insurance

Job summary

Chesapeake Shipbuilding is seeking a dedicated Shipyard Welder to join our team, performing FCAW and SMAW on carbon steel structures for cruise ships. The role requires reading blueprints, adhering to safety protocols, and working in a fast-paced environment with opportunities for overtime.

We offer competitive hourly pay, a sign-on bonus, and comprehensive benefits for full-time employees. Shift options include day and evening with potential for growth within the shipyard.

Qualifications

Knowledge of safe welding practices and shipyard safety requirements.
Ability to read and interpret blueprints, welding symbols, and technical drawings.
Proven experience with FCAW and SMAW processes.

Responsibilities

Weld on carbon steel plate and structural components from 1/4 in to 1 in thick using FCAW and SMAW.
Operate plasma cutting equipment as required.
Perform tack welding using stick and semi-automatic welding equipment.
Inspect welds to ensure quality and code compliance.
Follow foreman/supervisor instructions and keep the job site clean.
Operate hand and power tools safely and effectively.
Assist with material handling and movement of equipment.

Skills

Welding FCAW

Welding SMAW

Blueprint reading

Safety awareness

Teamwork

Equipment operation

Heavy lifting

Problem solving

Communication

Quality compliance

Tools

Flux-Cored Arc Welding (FCAW)

Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW)

Plasma cutting

Job description

Overview

Chesapeake Shipbuilding Corp is seeking a dedicated and safety-conscious Shipyard Welder to support the construction of high-quality, new-build cruise ships. The ideal candidate will demonstrate a strong work ethic, technical welding skills, and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment focused on high production standards.

Job Type

Full-time.

Benefits

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.
$2.00 shift differential for evening and night shifts

About the Job

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

Reports To

Welding Supervisor/On‑Site Foreman/Shipyard Superintendent.

Major Responsibilities

Safely and efficiently perform welding labor to complete construction associated with building cruise ships.

Essential Functions & Tasks

Perform welding on carbon steel plate and structural components ranging from 1⁄4 inch to 1 inch thick using Flux‑Cored Arc Welding (FCAW) and, when required, Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW).
Operate plasma cutting equipment as required.
Perform tack welding using stick and semi‑automatic welding equipment.
Inspect completed welds to ensure compliance with quality standards and applicable welding procedures.
Follow instructions from foreman/supervisors on‑site and keep the job site clean.
Use hand tools, power tools, grinders, and other fabrication equipment safely and effectively.
Operate industrial welding torches and handle sharp pieces of metal for prolonged periods of time.
Assist with material handling and movement of equipment as needed.
Operate in isolation within the skeleton of ships, wearing heavy protective gear and carrying equipment weighing 40 to 75 lbs.
Perform additional duties as assigned to support production and operational requirements.

Knowledge

Knowledge of safe welding practices, shipyard safety requirements, and hazard recognition.
Working knowledge of FCAW and SMAW welding processes and related equipment.
Ability to read and interpret blueprints, welding symbols, and technical drawings.
Knowledge of the proper use, maintenance, and care of welding tools and equipment.
Ability to work effectively with minimal supervision and as part of a team.
Strong attention to detail and commitment to producing high‑quality workmanship.
Effective communication and problem‑solving skills.

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 crawl, kneel, crouch, climb, and bend around and under equipment, on ladders up to 24 feet at heights up to 70 feet, stairs, scaffolds, through small accesses, enter inside of tanks, and confined spaces, through hatches, and manholes throughout much of the work shift.
Occasionally lift/move up to 75 pounds.
Able to work over bodies of water.

Mental Requirements