1st Class Structural Welder - Steel America
Purpose Steel America, a division of Colonnas Shipyard, is seeking a 1st Class Structural Welder to support operations in the Inside Machine Shop at our site in Norfolk, VA.
Job Description Weld together metal components of products as specified by blueprints, weld symbols, material markings, work order welding procedures, or verbal instructions using welding equipment. Prepare all material surfaces to be welded, ensuring that there is no loose or thick mil scale, slag, rust, moisture, grease, or other foreign matter. Complete weld processes in flat, horizontal, vertical, or overhead positions. Operate manual or semi-automatic welding equipment to fuse metal segments using processes such as gas metal arc, flux-cored arc, shielded metal arc, and submerged arc welding. Clean or degrease weld joints or work pieces using wire brushes, portable grinders, or chemical baths. May repair broken or cracked parts and fill holes. Set up and operate welding equipment and select proper electrodes according to material types to be joined and procedurally required. Perform grinding and joint preparation for NDT processes. Flux cored inner shield and dual shield welding along with oxy-acetylene torching, air-arc weld-wire gas stick, and pipe flange. Read and understand the Chemist and Competent Persons reports and determine if job sites, particularly those involving combustible material, are safe for personnel and hot work. Will be required to wear personal protective equipment, hard hats, safety glasses, steel-toed boots, shoes, and when necessary, respirators. Instruct apprentices and fellow welders with job assignments and overall mentoring. Be able to perform duties with little to no supervision. Maintain a high level of first-pass-through rate on production welding inspections. Other duties as assigned.
Qualifications Must have at least seven (7) years of experience as a Welder. Must be able to demonstrate ability to perform multi-pass, all-position fillet, and butt welds using SMAW, Shielded Metal Arc Welding, GMAW, Gas Metal Arc Welding, and FCAW, Flux Cored Arc Welding. Must be able to demonstrate ability to perform GTAW, 6G pipe welding, and GMAW-P, all positions. Must have knowledge of welding techniques, mirror welding, preheat, and inter-pass temperature tools and equipment. Must have knowledge of and ability to use hand tools and instruments associated with the trade, including but not limited to fillet weld gauges, V-WAC gauge, CAM gauge, temp sticks, and preheat application tooling. Must be able to work effectively and efficiently with others. Must be able to comprehend weld sequence sketches and templates. Must have ability to enter and move through manholes to reach and work in internally confined spaces. Must be a steady and reliable worker that maintains regular and consistent attendance. Must be able to follow instructions.
Desired Qualifications Experience working with or around manual or CNC machinery is highly preferred. Experience with sub-arc SAW welding is highly preferred. Travel Requirements: Minimal Travel, 10 or less.
Physical Requirements Must be able to lift, carry, and transport heavy equipment and boxes. The exact weight requirements will be determined by the specific job, but no less than 20 lbs. Must be physically agile to perform tasks in naval ships. Able to work on and climb ladders, work in extreme temperature environments aboard ships in shipyards under industrial conditions, and in confined spaces, including enter and moving through manholes. May ride ships at sea for extended periods. Able to perform other duties as required, which may involve high heat, humidity, noise, and dirty conditions working aloft or over the sides of vessels. Frequent exposure to noise due to machinery and equipment. Employee is required to operate trucks, forklifts, and man-lifts.
Work Environment While performing the duties of this job, you may frequently be required to stand, walk, and sit, use hands or fingers, handle or feel, talk, and hear. Occasionally required to reach with hands and arms, climb, and balance, stoop, squat, kneel, twist, and crawl. Work in extreme temperatures and conditions. At times, you will work in areas that have less adequate ventilation. Frequent use of respirators. Protective clothing or equipment and face shields or goggles shall be worn when welding, cutting, or working with molten metal.
Company Information Respect, Pride, Truth, Family - These are our VALUES and the guidelines that make us a leader in our industry. We are pleased and confident in stating that our skilled employees are among the most respected experts in the ship repair industry. Colonnas Shipyard Inc. is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. We do not discriminate based upon race, religion, color, national origin, gender, including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, or other applicable legally protected characteristics. Additionally, Colonnas Shipyard provides a variety of benefits to support your best health, wellness, and future, including medical, dental, vision options, company-paid disability insurance, 401k with match, legal services, as well as company-paid holidays and paid time off (PTO).
Colonna’s Shipyard, Inc. is located in the historic Berkley section of Norfolk, Virginia and is the oldest continuous family owned and operated private shipyard in the United States. Founded in 1875 by Charles J. Colonna, a 26 year old ship carpenter with limited resources, the early business was limited to pier-side repairs. Within 2 years, Charles had added his first marine railway powered by two horses that had a lift capacity of about 40 tons, and he was off and running. Although over 140 years old, Colonna’s Shipyard continues to maintain its commitment to modernization, making the capital investments necessary for improvements in efficiency and productivity. Today, Colonna’s is a diverse industrial company with extensive capabilities in commercial and government ship repair, machining and large steel fabrication. Colonna’s strength is our employees. We employ the best and the brightest in the shipyard industry and we are proud of all that they do. From welders and ship fitters to government contract specialists, we have the right people in place to make sure the job is completed to the highest standards.