Welder

Aerotek; Ashland (VA); On-site; USD 32,000 - 37,000; Full time

Job summary

Aerotek is seeking a Welder for an outdoor, contract-to-hire role in Ashland, VA. You will perform MiG and stick welding on machines and forms, read simple drawings, and fabricate/maintain metal components in a concrete yard.

You must handle measuring tools, light grinding, and routine maintenance, with safety as a priority. Expect a physically demanding, full-time schedule with potential extended days, and a pay range of $23.00-$27.00 per hour.

Qualifications

• Proficiency in MiG and stick welding for fabrication and repair work.
• Ability to read and interpret simple drawings and prints.
• Ability to use a tape measure to 1/16 inch.
• Basic math to support measurements and layouts.
• Experience with common welding/fabrication hand tools.
• Physically capable of lifting up to 75 pounds and performing manual labor.
• High School Diploma or GED.
• Willingness to work extended hours, including up to 10-hour days when needed.
• Comfort in an open-air environment with variable weather.

Responsibilities

• Perform MiG and stick welding on metal components, including adding new parts to machines.
• Grind and remove worn parts from machines safely and efficiently.
• Read drawings and prints to lay out rebar and form builds.
• Set up metal forms for concrete pours up to tall heights.
• Clean forms by scraping concrete, cutting, and lifting steel bars.
• Use tape measures to take precise measurements to 1/16 inch.
• Apply basic math to calculate dimensions for fabrication.
• Perform tack welding and basic fabrication to assemble components.
• Assist with maintenance tasks and use basic hand tools.
• Support daily production and yard operations as needed.

Skills

MiG welding

Stick welding

Read drawings

Tape measure

Math calculations

Hand tools

Physical strength

High School Diploma or GED

Overtime willingness

Open-air environment adaptability

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Tools

Overhead crane

Forklift

Tack welding

Job description

Job Title: Welder

Job Description

This role focuses on MiG and stick welding to fabricate and maintain metal forms and machine components used in concrete production. You will weld new parts onto machines, remove and grind off old parts, and perform general maintenance and manual labor to support daily operations. The position requires strong measurement skills, the ability to read simple drawings, and a commitment to working safely and efficiently in an outdoor, open-air concrete yard.

Responsibilities

• Perform MiG and stick welding on metal components, including welding new parts onto machines and structures.

• Grind and remove old or worn parts from machines and equipment in a safe and efficient manner.

• Read and interpret simple drawings and prints to lay out rebar and build forms accurately.

• Set up metal forms that concrete is poured into, including forms up to approximately 10 feet tall and 6 feet wide.

• Clean metal forms by scraping dried concrete, using a sledgehammer to knock off concrete, shoveling concrete, and lifting steel bars.

• Use basic measurement tools, including tape measures, to take precise measurements down to 1/16 of an inch.

• Apply basic math skills to calculate measurements, dimensions, and layouts for fabrication and form building.

• Perform tack welding and fabrication tasks to assemble and secure components prior to final welding.

• Assist with general maintenance activities, including turning wrenches and performing basic mechanical tasks on equipment and forms.

• Carry out additional manual labor tasks as needed to support production and yard operations.

• Follow all safety procedures, including proper use of personal protective equipment, and maintain a clean and organized work area.

• Work until assigned tasks are completed for the day, including occasional extended shifts as required.

Essential Skills

• Proficiency in MiG and stick welding for fabrication and repair work.

• Ability to read and interpret simple drawings and prints for layout and form building.

• Capability to use a tape measure accurately to 1/16 of an inch, including passing a ruler test.

• Basic math knowledge to support accurate measurements and layout calculations.

• Experience using measurement tools and basic hand tools commonly used in welding and fabrication.

• Physical ability to lift up to 75 pounds and perform frequent manual labor tasks.

• High School Diploma or GED.

• Willingness and ability to work beyond standard hours until jobs are completed, including up to 10-hour days when needed.

• Comfort working in an open-air environment exposed to hot, cold, rainy, windy, and dusty conditions.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Previous experience operating an overhead crane is a plus.

• Previous forklift experience is a plus.

• Experience with tack welding and basic fabrication work.

• Familiarity with reading blueprints or more detailed drawings is beneficial.

• Comfort performing basic maintenance tasks such as turning wrenches and assisting with equipment upkeep.

Why Work Here?

The organization offers strong opportunities for career growth and internal promotion, with many leaders having advanced from hands-on roles. Team members have access to openings across multiple plants in the United States, creating a broad path for advancement. Tuition reimbursement supports continued learning and skill development. When employees transition to direct employment, they are eligible for a bonus paid out over six months, reflecting a commitment to rewarding long-term contribution.

Work Environment

The standard schedule is 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., with the expectation that employees remain until the job is finished and occasional 10-hour days may be required. The workday includes a 45-minute lunch period, with 15 minutes paid. Work takes place in an open-air concrete yard where conditions can be hot, cold, rainy, windy, and dusty, and employees must be comfortable working in all weather elements. The role is physically demanding, involving lifting, shoveling, hammering, and handling steel forms and bars. Required attire and protective equipment include steel-toe footwear, a hard hat, safety glasses, ear plugs, and long pants; long-sleeve shirts are recommended to protect skin from contact with concrete. The environment emphasizes safety, proper use of tools and equipment, and teamwork to complete daily production and maintenance tasks.

Job Type & Location

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

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $23.00 - $27.00/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 to Hire position based out of Ashland, VA.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Oct 28, 2026.

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Ashland,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.