Shipyard Welder Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the era of industrial expansion, the role of shipyard welders is more crucial than ever.

As construction and shipping industries surge forward, the demand for skilled craftsmen capable of building, maintaining, and repairing our maritime infrastructure is on the rise.

But let’s delve deeper: What exactly is expected from a shipyard welder?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker aiming to understand the intricacies of this role,
• A hiring manager outlining the perfect candidate,
• Or simply interested in the nuts and bolts of shipyard welding,

You’re in the right place.

Today, we present a customizable shipyard welder job description template, crafted for easy posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive right into it.

Shipyard Welder Duties and Responsibilities

Shipyard Welders perform various tasks related to the assembly, maintenance, and repair of ships.

They specialize in welding and cutting steel, interpreting blueprints, and working with other shipyard materials.

Shipyard Welders are primarily responsible for working on the structure of a ship, with daily duties and responsibilities including:

• Read, interpret and follow blueprints and sketches to understand the specifications of a project
• Perform welding tasks using various welding processes and equipment
• Inspect structures and materials to identify needed repairs or potential weaknesses
• Assess the quality of work to ensure safety standards and regulations
• Operate machinery like grinders, drills, and mechanical cutting equipment
• Maintain and repair all types of shipboard structures and industrial maintenance
• Perform routine maintenance on welding equipment and tools
• Adhere to all safety procedures and standards within the shipyard
• Assist in the training and development of junior welders

 

Shipyard Welder Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a skilled Shipyard Welder to join our team.

In this position, you will be responsible for welding and assembling metal structures and equipment through the use of welders, cutters, shapers and measuring tools.

Shipyard Welder duties include interpreting blueprints, meeting quality standards, and complying with safety regulations.

Our ideal candidate has experience in welding, a keen eye for detail and a strong commitment to safety procedures.

Ultimately, the role of the Shipyard Welder is to ensure all welding projects are completed efficiently, safely and meet our quality standards.

 

Responsibilities

• Read blueprints and drawings and take or read measurements to plan layout and procedures
• Determine the appropriate welding equipment or method based on requirements
• Set up components for welding according to specifications
• Operate angle grinders to prepare the parts that must be welded
• Align components using calipers, rulers etc. and clamp pieces
• Weld components using manual or semi-automatic welding equipment in various positions (vertical, horizontal or overhead)
• Repair machinery and other components by welding pieces and filling gaps
• Test and inspect welded surfaces and structure to discover flaws
• Ensure compliance with established safety procedures

 

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a welder
• Experience using a variety of welding equipment and procedures
• Experience in using electrical or manual tools (saws, squares, calipers etc.)
• Knowledge of relative safety standards and willingness to use protective clothing (face-shield, gloves etc.)
• Ability to read and interpret technical documents and drawings
• Deftness and attention to detail
• Proficient in English
• Professional Certification (e.g. an AWS welding certificate) will be a plus

 

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Professional development opportunities

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Shipyard Welder
• Work Environment: Outdoor shipyard setting. Must be able to work in various weather conditions.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Welding Supervisor or Shipyard Manager.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $50,000 minimum to $80,000 maximum
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Shipyard Welder Do?

A Shipyard Welder is a specialized welder who works primarily in shipbuilding and ship repair facilities.

They play a crucial role in the construction, maintenance, and repair of all types of ships, from cargo ships and tankers to cruise liners and military vessels.

Their duties include reading and interpreting blueprints and schematics of ships to understand the specific welding requirements.

They perform welding tasks using various techniques such as MIG, TIG, and stick welding, depending on the materials and the job’s requirements.

Shipyard Welders are responsible for joining metal parts together, constructing ship hulls, and repairing damaged sections of the ship.

They are often required to work on large structures, meaning they might need to operate in challenging positions and conditions.

The role also includes inspecting the quality of welds and ensuring they meet safety standards and specifications.

They may also be tasked with maintaining and troubleshooting welding equipment to ensure its optimal performance.

In addition to technical skills, Shipyard Welders need to have a strong understanding of safety protocols due to the potentially hazardous nature of their work.

They often work in teams and must communicate effectively with other shipyard personnel, such as fitters, engineers, and inspectors.

 

Shipyard Welder Qualifications and Skills

A competent shipyard welder must possess an array of specific skills and qualifications to perform efficiently in their role, such as:

• Technical proficiency in different welding processes like TIG, MIG, and stick welding to perform repair and fabrication tasks on various types of metals.
• Understanding blueprints, sketches, or specifications to plan layout, assembly, and welding operations accordingly.
• Strong hand-eye coordination and manual dexterity to handle welding tools and to weld parts with precision.
• Physical stamina and strength to lift heavy objects, work in confined spaces, and stand for extended periods.
• Knowledge of safety practices in a shipyard environment to ensure the health and safety of oneself and colleagues.
• Problem-solving skills to identify and rectify any defects in welds or structural problems in the materials being used.
• Attention to detail to ensure high quality and precision in every welding task.
• Communication skills to effectively collaborate with other shipyard workers and understand project requirements.
• Basic math skills for measurements and calculations during the welding process.

 

Shipyard Welder Experience Requirements

Entry-level Shipyard Welder candidates often have 1 to 2 years of welding experience.

This experience is usually gained through vocational training or certification programs, apprenticeships, or on-the-job training in related fields.

Internships or part-time roles in shipbuilding companies also provide hands-on experience in shipyard welding.

Candidates with more than 3 years of experience are usually skilled in various welding techniques, have knowledge of shipyard safety protocols, and are proficient in using different welding equipment.

They have often held roles such as Welder, Fabricator, or similar in a shipyard or related industry.

Shipyard Welders with more than 5 years of experience are expected to have advanced welding skills, an in-depth understanding of ship structures, and experience in reading and interpreting blueprints and welding procedure specifications.

At this level, they may have gained some supervisory experience and could be ready for a team leader or managerial role in the shipbuilding industry.

Some shipbuilding companies may require their Shipyard Welder hires to be certified by institutions like the American Welding Society (AWS), and to have a certain level of physical fitness due to the demanding nature of the job.

 

Shipyard Welder Education and Training Requirements

Shipyard Welders typically require a high school diploma or equivalent as a basic educational requirement.

They should complete a technical diploma or associate degree program in welding technology, metallurgy, or a related field, which includes practical training in various welding techniques like MIG, TIG, stick and flux-cored welding.

Some Shipyard Welders may also complete apprenticeship programs, which combine on-the-job training with classroom instruction.

These apprenticeships can last up to 3-4 years and cover areas like safety practices, blueprint reading, welding symbol interpretation, and metallurgy.

Many employers require Shipyard Welders to hold certification from a recognized institution such as the American Welding Society (AWS).

This certification requires passing a practical welding test and may require ongoing education to maintain.

Continued learning and upskilling in new welding technologies and procedures is beneficial for Shipyard Welders to remain competitive and efficient.

Specialized training in areas like underwater welding could also open up more job opportunities.

 

Shipyard Welder Salary Expectations

The average wage for a Shipyard Welder is $21.09 (USD) per hour.

However, the actual earnings can differ depending on the welder’s experience, the region they’re working in, and the company that employs them.

 

Shipyard Welder Job Description FAQs

What skills does a shipyard welder need?

A shipyard welder should possess strong technical skills in a variety of welding techniques, like MIG, TIG, or stick welding.

They need to be able to read and interpret blueprints and welding procedure specifications.

Additionally, shipyard welders should have a good understanding of metals and their properties.

Physical stamina, good hand-eye coordination, and attention to detail are also crucial to this role.

 

Do shipyard welders need a degree?

Shipyard welders do not typically need a degree, but they do require specific training in welding.

This can be obtained through vocational schools, community colleges, or apprenticeship programs.

Most employers also require shipyard welders to be certified in accordance with standards set by the American Welding Society or similar bodies.

 

What should you look for in a shipyard welder resume?

Look for qualifications such as welding certification, and experience in various types of welding techniques.

Prior experience working in shipyards or with shipbuilding materials is also a big plus.

Other beneficial skills could include familiarity with safety protocols, ability to read blueprints, and physical stamina.

 

What qualities make a good shipyard welder?

A good shipyard welder is not only proficient in a variety of welding techniques but also has a keen eye for detail to ensure the quality of their work.

They should be capable of following safety guidelines rigorously to prevent accidents in the workplace.

Additionally, good physical stamina and strength are essential as the job often involves heavy lifting and working in physically demanding conditions.

 

What are the physical demands for a shipyard welder?

Shipyard welding can be a physically demanding job.

It often involves lifting heavy materials, working in confined spaces or at heights, standing for long periods, and performing repetitive tasks.

It’s important for a shipyard welder to maintain a good level of physical fitness and to adhere strictly to safety procedures to prevent injuries.

 

Conclusion

So there you have it.

Today, we’ve unmasked the true nature of being a shipyard welder.

And guess what?

It’s not just about fusing metal together.

It’s about constructing the vessels that sail our oceans, one weld at a time.

With our handy shipyard welder job description template and real-world examples, you’re ready to make your mark.

But why stop there?

Take a deeper plunge with our job description generator. It’s your next port of call for meticulously designed listings or for refining your resume to perfection.

Remember:

Every weld is a part of the larger vessel.

Let’s shape that future. Together.

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