What are the responsibilities and job description for the Aluminum Welder position at St. Johns Ship Building, Inc.?
Position Summary:
The Aluminum Welder is responsible for performing high-quality welding and fabrication on aluminum structures and components used in vessel construction and repair. This role requires expertise in MIG welding processes, including push/pull pulse welding systems, and the ability to work in a fast-paced shipyard environment while maintaining strict quality and safety standards.
Key Responsibilities
Physical Demands:
O (Occasionally): Occupation requires this activity up to 33% of the time (0 - 2.5 hrs/day).
F (Frequently): Occupation requires this activity from 33% - 66% of the time (2.5 - 5.5 hrs/day).
C (Constantly): Occupation requires this activity more than 66% of the time (5.5 hrs/day).
Other Physical Requirements:
Outdoor Environment, Excessive Heat, Excessive Cold.
The Company has reviewed this job description to ensure that essential functions and basic duties have been included. It is intended to provide guidelines for job expectations and the employee's ability to perform the position described. It is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all functions, responsibilities, skills and abilities. Additional functions and requirements may be assigned by supervisors as deemed appropriate. This document does not represent a contract of employment, and the Company reserves the right to change this job description and/or assign tasks for the employee to perform, as the Company may deem appropriate.
The Aluminum Welder is responsible for performing high-quality welding and fabrication on aluminum structures and components used in vessel construction and repair. This role requires expertise in MIG welding processes, including push/pull pulse welding systems, and the ability to work in a fast-paced shipyard environment while maintaining strict quality and safety standards.
Key Responsibilities
- Perform aluminum MIG welding using push/pull pulse welding equipment on marine vessels and structural components.
- Interpret and work from blueprints, technical drawings, and welding symbols.
- Fit, align, and weld aluminum plates, extrusions, and assemblies.
- Set up and operate welding machines, including adjusting pulse parameters for optimal weld quality.
- Conduct weld preparation, including cleaning, grinding, and beveling materials.
- Inspect completed welds to ensure compliance with quality standards and specifications.
- Repair defective welds and ensure structural integrity of components.
- Collaborate with shipfitters, supervisors, and QA personnel to meet production goals.
- Maintain a clean and organized work area and follow all safety protocols.
- Work in confined spaces, heights, and outdoor environments as required.
- Minimum 3–5 years of aluminum welding experience, preferably in a shipyard or marine environment.
- Proven experience with push/pull pulse MIG welding systems.
- Ability to read and interpret blueprints and welding symbols.
- Familiarity with aluminum alloys commonly used in marine applications.
- Experience with grinders, hand tools, and fabrication equipment.
- Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality workmanship.
- Ability to pass a weld test (aluminum – pulse MIG).
- High school diploma or equivalent; welding certification preferred.
- Ability to lift up to 50 lbs regularly.
- Ability to stand, bend, kneel, and climb for extended periods.
- Comfortable working in confined spaces, elevated areas, and varying weather conditions.
- Must be able to wear required PPE, including respirators when necessary.
- Shipyard setting with exposure to noise, dust, fumes, and outdoor elements.
- Work may be performed onboard vessels, in fabrication shops, or on docks.
Physical Demands:
- Stand: C (Constantly).
- Walk: C (Constantly).
- Sit: O (Occasionally).
- Handling / Fingering: C (Constantly).
- Reach Outward: C (Constantly).
- Reach Above Shoulder: C (Constantly).
- Climb: F (Frequently).
- Crawl: F (Frequently).
- Squat or Kneel: F (Frequently).
- Bend: F (Frequently).
- 10 lbs or less: F (Frequently).
- 11-20 lbs: F (Frequently).
- 21-50 lbs: F (Frequently).
- 51-100 lbs: N (Not Applicable).
- Over 100 lbs: N (Not Applicable).
- 12 lbs or less: F (Frequently).
- 13-25 lbs: F (Frequently).
- 26-40 lbs: F (Frequently).
- 41-100 lbs: F (Frequently).
- N (Not Applicable): Activity is not applicable to this occupation.
- O (Occasionally): Occupation requires this activity up to 33% of the time (0 - 2.5 hrs/day).
- F (Frequently): Occupation requires this activity from 33% - 66% of the time (2.5 - 5.5 hrs/day).
- C (Constantly): Occupation requires this activity more than 66% of the time (5.5 hrs/day).
O (Occasionally): Occupation requires this activity up to 33% of the time (0 - 2.5 hrs/day).
F (Frequently): Occupation requires this activity from 33% - 66% of the time (2.5 - 5.5 hrs/day).
C (Constantly): Occupation requires this activity more than 66% of the time (5.5 hrs/day).
Other Physical Requirements:
- Vision (Near, Distance, Peripheral, Depth Perception).
- Sense of Sound (hear alarms and radios).
- Sense of Touch.
- Ability to wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) (hard hats, safety glasses, steeled toed shoes, shields, hoods, sleeves, jackets).
Outdoor Environment, Excessive Heat, Excessive Cold.
The Company has reviewed this job description to ensure that essential functions and basic duties have been included. It is intended to provide guidelines for job expectations and the employee's ability to perform the position described. It is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all functions, responsibilities, skills and abilities. Additional functions and requirements may be assigned by supervisors as deemed appropriate. This document does not represent a contract of employment, and the Company reserves the right to change this job description and/or assign tasks for the employee to perform, as the Company may deem appropriate.