Drydock Maintenance Welder/Fitter (Job ID: 1309)

Drydock Maintenance Welder/Fitter

Purpose:

As a Drydock Maintenance Welder/Fitter at Colonna’s Shipyard, Inc., you will support the maintenance, proper operation, and safe operation of drydocks through a combination of fitting and welding responsibilities. This role works as part of a team to deliver efficient and timely repairs, conduct preventative maintenance, and ensure operational readiness of drydocks.

In this position, approximately 50% of your work will utilize your primary trade skills—welding and fitting—while the other 50% will focus on general drydock maintenance, including preparation for dock operations, supporting evolutions, and assisting in broader facility maintenance needs. The role also includes supporting and, at times, helping to manage subcontracted work.

The position is located onsite in Norfolk, VA and will often require hours beyond a standard work week with flexible schedule availability to support production/operations.

Job Description:

Key responsibilities include:

• Repair, modify, install, and dismantle packing, gaskets, liners, structural components, and accessories such as doors, hatches, brackets, clips, ladders, foundations, railings, and stairwells.
• Fabricate, install, and perform shop and field work on carbon steel, stainless steel, and aluminum components, including prep work, grinding, and heat-straightening using torches.
• Safely operate hand and power tools while adhering to industry codes, regulations, and specifications.
• Read and interpret blueprints, sketches, templates, and Chemist/Competent Person reports to ensure safe conditions—particularly for hot work—and install simple systems with or without templates.
• Install inserts and deck doublers and support general structural outfitting.
  
  
  

Additionally, position will:

• Maintain cleanliness and organization of docking facilities, shop, and tools.
• Perform preventative maintenance, troubleshooting, and testing on equipment or machinery.
• Perform general upkeep tasks (to include physical labor activities, pressure washing, painting, etc.) of docking facilities.
• Conduct safety deck patrols during evolutions.
• Perform other duties as assigned.
  
  
  

Qualifications:

• Must have at least 3 years of combined experience in fitting and welding in a marine or shipyard environment; or have graduated from a registered apprenticeship program relevant to the trade.
• Must be proficient in Stick Welding (SMAW) and Flux Core Welding (FCAW) techniques in the horizontal, vertical, and overhead positions.
• Must be proficient in various welding techniques and metal fabrication processes.
• Must be proficient in metalworking, welding, and blueprint interpretation.
• Must be able to work and communicate effectively with others.
• Must be able to comprehend and follow complex instructions.
• Must have the ability to attend docking evolutions during all shifts (1st, 2nd, and 3rd).
  
  
  

Desired Qualifications:

• Experience in the mechanical field and in general equipment repair 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 & man-lifts.
• While performing the duties of this job, you may frequently be required to stand, walk & 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 respirator.
• Protective clothing or equipment and face shields or goggles shall be worn when welding, cutting, or working with molten metal.
  
  
  

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.

Colonna’s 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, Colonna’s Shipyard provides a variety of benefits to support your best health, wellness, and future, to include medical/dental/vision options, company paid disability insurances, 401k with match, legal services, as well as company paid holidays and paid time off (PTO).