Structural Welder (Pulse Arc)

Aerotek; Pascagoula (MS); On-site; USD 51,000 - 73,000; Full time

Job summary

Aerotek is seeking a Structural Welder (Pulse Arc) for a travel assignment based out of Pascagoula, MS, performing multi-pass, all-position welds in a naval shipyard environment. You will work with SMAW, GMAW, FCAW, and GMAW-P and must pass MIL-STD-248D qualification tests, on ships and in shop settings, following OSHA shipyard safety standards.

The position offers $45.00 per hour with a $140 per diem travel allowance, and involves ladders, confined spaces, and a strong emphasis on quality and

Qualifications

• 4 years of naval shipyard experience as a first-class structural welder.
• Proficiency in SMAW, GMAW, FCAW, and GMAW-P for multi-pass welds.
• Ability to pass all-position butt weld qualification tests per MIL-STD-248D.
• Knowledge of OSHA shipyard safety practices.

Responsibilities

• Perform multi-pass, all-position fillet and butt welds using SMAW, GMAW, FCAW, and GMAW-P.
• Weld on ships and in shop settings, including ladders, staging, and confined spaces.
• Apply Pulse Arc Welding (GMAW-P), Stick Welding (SMAW), MIG Welding (GMAW), Flux-Core Welding (FCAW), and Carbon Arc Gouging.
• Use air carbon arc gouging to prepare joints and modify welds as required.
• Use fillet and butt weld gauges to verify weld dimensions and ensure compliance with specifications.
• Follow welding procedures per MIL-STD-248D Paragraph 5.3.3.
• Pass and maintain required all-position, multi-pass butt weld qualification tests.
• Work safely per OSHA shipyard regulations.
• Climb ladders and work on staging on ships and shop environments.
• Maintain high quality and productivity in demanding shipboard environments.

Skills

Naval shipyard experience

Multi-pass welding

SMAW (Stick)

GMAW (MIG)

FCAW (Flux Core)

GMAW-P (Pulse Arc)

MIL-STD-248D qualification tests

All-position welding (2G/3G/4G) SMAW

All-position FCAW welding (2G/3G/4G)

Air carbon arc gouging

Job description

Job Title: Structural Welder (Pulse Arc) Travel Job to Newport News Virginia paying 45 an hour and 140 per diem

Job Description

This role focuses on performing high-quality structural welding in a demanding naval shipyard environment using multiple welding processes, including pulse arc. You will complete multi-pass, all-position fillet and butt welds on various structures, working both onboard ships and in shop settings, while adhering to strict industry and safety standards.

Responsibilities

• Perform multi-pass, all-position fillet and butt welds using SMAW (Shielded Metal Arc Welding), GMAW (Gas Metal Arc Welding), FCAW (Flux Cored Arc Welding), and GMAW-P (Pulse Arc Welding).

• Execute structural welding tasks in shipboard and sub-assembly environments, including work on ladders, staging, and in confined spaces.

• Apply Pulse Arc Welding (GMAW-P), Stick Welding (SMAW), MIG Welding (GMAW), Flux-Core Welding (FCAW), and Carbon Arc Gouging techniques to meet project specifications and quality requirements.

• Use air carbon arc gouging to prepare, repair, or modify weld joints and structural components as required.

• Properly use fillet and butt weld gauges to verify weld dimensions and ensure compliance with specifications and standards.

• Follow welding procedures and qualification standards in accordance with MIL-STD-248D Paragraph 5.3.3.

• Pass and maintain required all-position, multi-pass butt weld qualification tests prior to productive work.

• Work safely in accordance with OSHA regulations related to the shipbuilding industry, including proper use of tools, equipment, and personal protective gear.

• Climb ladders and stairs and work on staging to access work areas on board ships and in shop environments.

• Operate effectively in a physically demanding setting, maintaining consistent quality and productivity throughout assigned tasks.

Essential Skills

• Approximately four years of experience in a naval shipyard or similar environment as a first-class structural welder.

• Proficiency in multi-pass, all-position fillet and butt welds using SMAW (Shielded Metal Arc Welding).

• Proficiency in multi-pass, all-position fillet and butt welds using GMAW (Gas Metal Arc Welding).

• Proficiency in multi-pass, all-position fillet and butt welds using FCAW (Flux Cored Arc Welding).

• Proficiency in multi-pass, all-position fillet and butt welds using GMAW-P (Pulse Arc Welding).

• Demonstrated experience with Pulse Arc Welding (GMAW-P), Stick Welding (SMAW), MIG Welding (GMAW), Flux-Core Welding (FCAW), and Carbon Arc Gouging.

• Ability to pass all-position, multi-pass butt weld qualification tests in accordance with MIL-STD-248D Paragraph 5.3.3.

• Capability to perform all-position SMAW welds in horizontal (2G), vertical (3G), and overhead (4G) positions.

• Capability to perform all-position FCAW welds in horizontal (2G), vertical (3G), and overhead (4G) positions.

• Capability to perform GMAW welds in at least the 2G position, as required by qualification testing.

• Capability to perform all-position GMAW-P welds in horizontal (2G), vertical (3G), and overhead (4G) positions.

• Proficiency in air carbon arc gouging and successful completion of a gouging proficiency test.

• Ability to properly use fillet and butt weld gauges to inspect and verify weld quality.

• Experience working in a physically demanding environment such as shipboard areas, sub-assemblies, ladders, and staging.

• Familiarity with OSHA regulations related to the shipbuilding industry.

• Ability to work safely and effectively in confined spaces on board naval ships and in shop environments.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Previous experience in a naval shipyard environment performing structural welding on ships and related structures.

• Comfort working at heights on ladders, staging, and elevated platforms.

• Strong attention to detail and commitment to meeting strict weld quality standards.

• Ability to follow detailed welding procedures and technical specifications.

• Solid understanding of shipyard safety practices and procedures.

Why Work Here?

You will join a highly skilled team in a specialized shipbuilding environment where your technical welding expertise is valued and developed. The role offers exposure to advanced welding processes, including pulse arc and multi-process structural welding, providing strong opportunities to enhance your craft. You will work within a safety-conscious culture that emphasizes adherence to industry standards and supports continuous improvement in quality and performance.

Work Environment

The position is based in a naval shipyard and shop environment that is physically demanding and hands-on. You will work both on board naval ships and in fabrication or assembly areas, frequently operating in confined spaces and on sub-assemblies. The role requires regular climbing up and down ladders and stairs, as well as working on staging and elevated surfaces. You will use a range of welding technologies and equipment, including SMAW, GMAW, FCAW, GMAW-P (pulse arc), and air carbon arc gouging tools, while following OSHA and shipyard safety standards. The environment is industrial, with active construction and repair activities, where appropriate protective clothing and safety gear are required.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract position based out of Pascagoula, MS.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $45.00 - $45.00/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 jobclassification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may besubject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefitsavailable 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)

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract position based out of Pascagoula, MS.

Application Deadline

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

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Pascagoula,MS.

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.