Shipfitter - San Diego, CA - Career Opportunity Job Description
- This role focuses on the cutting, fitting, assembly, and welding of metal structural components for new ship construction. You will interpret blueprints, prepare and align structural parts using fitting aids and rigging equipment, and secure foundations and structural members through tacking and welding. The position requires strong hands-on skills in burning, scarfing, and fabrication, as well as the ability to work safely at heights, in confined spaces, and throughout various areas of a ship.
Responsibilities
- Lay out work accurately from blueprints and ensure all measurements and markings are precise.
- Cut, burn, grind, rip out, and fit up metal structural parts for placement on the ship using appropriate tools and techniques.
- Align structural components using fitting aids and rigging equipment to meet blueprint specifications.
- Tack and weld foundations and structural members to hold them securely in place.
- Install temporary fasteners and supports to stabilize structural members during assembly.
- Perform flux core arc welding (FCAW) with carbon dioxide shielding gas in 2F (flat), 3F (vertical), and 4F (overhead) positions.
- Conduct shielding gas drop tests, change welding wire, measure fillet welds, and set weld parameters according to specifications.
- Perform burning and scarfing (gouging) operations as required for fabrication and repair tasks.
- Operate welding machines, hand tools, and high-reach equipment, including condors and scissor lifts, in a safe and controlled manner.
- Set up tools, equipment, and work areas at the job site, ensuring readiness for production activities.
- Clean up work areas and remove scrap materials to designated scrap tubs to maintain a safe and organized environment.
- Apply knowledge of fitting processes and procedures, ship terminology, and blueprint interpretation to complete tasks efficiently and accurately.
- Participate in and successfully complete hands-on assessment tests covering knowledge, burning and scarfing, and fabrication tasks.
- Maintain general safety awareness, follow all written and verbal safety instructions, and respond appropriately to warning signals and alarms.
- Perform other related tasks as assigned to support ship construction and production schedules.
Essential Skills
- Minimum of three years of shipyard experience with demonstrated shipfitting responsibilities.
- Minimum of two years of journeyman-level experience in shipfitting or closely related work.
- Proven ability to read and interpret blueprints, including structural and fabrication drawings.
- Strong knowledge of ship terminology and the ability to identify and work with different types of metals.
- T-1 welding certification for Flux Core Arc Welding (FCAW) is required.
- Ability to consistently perform flux core arc welding (FCAW) with carbon dioxide shielding gas in 2F, 3F, and 4F positions.
- Demonstrated skills in welding and tacking, including setting weld parameters and measuring fillet welds.
- Proficiency in burning and scarfing (gouging), including torch cutting and related processes.
- Ability to pass a hands-on assessment test that includes knowledge assessment, burning and scarfing assessment, and fabrication assessment.
- Capability to conduct shielding gas drop tests and perform wire changes on welding equipment.
- Strong craftsmanship in burning, welding, and fitting processes, with attention to detail and quality.
- Ability to work safely at heights and in confined spaces and to move around the ship safely.
- Ability to operate welding machines, hand tools, and high-reach equipment such as condors and scissor lifts.
- Ability to comprehend written and verbal instructions, including safety regulations and warnings.
- Ability to hear warning signals and maintain awareness of hazards commonly present in the work area.
- Willingness and ability to work on any assigned shift as required by production needs.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
- Mechanical aptitude and interest in working with tools, equipment, and complex assemblies are preferred.
- Experience with shielded metal arc welding (SMAW) is optional but highly recommended.
- Familiarity with math and measurement concepts used in layout, fitting, and welding operations.
- Knowledge of tools and equipment commonly used in shipfitting, including rigging gear and cutting equipment.
- Understanding of fitting processes and procedures specific to ship construction.
- Experience with blueprint interpretation for complex ship structures and systems.
- Ability to maintain consistent weld quality in accordance with established welding and brazing procedure and performance qualification standards.
- Experience with fracture testing and visual inspection criteria is beneficial.
Why Work Here?You will join a shipbuilding program that is recognized for its long-term stability, large-scale investment, and critical contribution to national defense. The work centers on a major fleet replenishment oiler program, offering the chance to support mission-critical vessels that directly serve carrier strike groups at sea. You will contribute to a high-profile, multi-ship production series that showcases engineering excellence and innovation in modern ship design. This environment provides secure, ongoing project work with clear growth potential and the satisfaction of seeing your craftsmanship reflected in complex, technologically advanced ships.Work EnvironmentYou will work in a large shipyard environment supporting a new construction program for fleet oilers designed to refuel carrier strike groups at sea. The vessels feature double hulls, strengthened cargo and ballast tanks, significant dry cargo capacity, aviation capability, and a speed of approximately 20 knots, with overall lengths exceeding 700 feet and substantial displacement. The role involves working both indoors and outdoors in various areas of the ship, including at heights and in confined spaces, often on scaffolding, platforms, and within ship compartments. You will use welding machines, torch cutting equipment, burning and scarfing tools, rigging equipment, and high-reach equipment such as condors and scissor lifts. The work may require assignment to different shifts depending on production needs, and you will operate in an environment with active construction, heavy equipment, and ongoing fabrication activities. Safety awareness, adherence to procedures, and proper use of personal protective equipment are essential to working effectively in this setting. Job Type & LocationThis is a Contract to Hire position based out of San Diego, CA. Pay and BenefitsThe pay range for this position is $30.00 - $43.00/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 & LocationThis is a Contract to Hire position based out of San Diego, CA. Application DeadlineThis position is anticipated to close on Nov 22, 2026. Workplace TypeThis is a fully onsite position in San Diego,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.
