Becoming a welder in Chesapeake, VA, typically begins with an apprenticeship, combining hands-on experience with technical training, allowing individuals to earn while they learn. Apprenticeships last about three to four years, requiring many hours of training under licensed professionals. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports over 402,333 welders nationwide, with a median annual salary of $45,190, translating to approximately $869 per week. In Chesapeake, VA, welders can expect to earn around $112.85 per hour, with an average wage of $67.88 per week for entry-level positions. Trade schools, unions, and platforms like AWS help aspiring welders find apprenticeship opportunities, leading to a career with strong earning potential—often exceeding $108,000 annually for experienced professionals.
Welder Date: Apr 14, 2025 Location: Chesapeake, VA, US, 23324 Company: simsmetalm Req ID: 5334 Sims Metal (Sims) is a global leader in metal recycling. With facilities across the globe, Sims plays an intrinsic role in the circular economy by making resources available for future use. As a responsible corporate citizen, we continuously seek new ways to broaden our participation in the environmental sector, ensuring that our future is as bright, safe, and secure as at any time in our long history. Requirements: Due to the inherently dangerous nature of the industry and working with and around hazardous equipment, the employee must be able to maintain attention and concentration for extended periods of time. Follow all safety procedures, rules and regulations. Welding and Fabrication Job Requirements: • Ability to read and interpret blue prints, manuals and following directions. • Maintaining and repairing conveyor belt systems. • Working on Hammermill Shredder. • Stick welding. Welding on systems components in flat, vertical or overhead positions. • Welding – Oxi-Propane Torching. • Knowledge and implementation of metal fabrication equipment practices. Welding and Fabrication Essential Duties and Responsibilities: • Repairing Conveyor systems using the needed tools. • Assist with installing equipment, machines, wiring or programs to meet specifications. • Assist in determining causes of operating errors and making recommendations to correct errors. • Use innovation and problem-solving skills. • Maintain a safe and clean working environment including complying with safety procedures, rules, and regulations. • Read, understand, and follow job order specifications, work instructions and procedures. Welding and Fabrication Qualifications and Skills: • Man-lift (up-to 80 feet), Forklift and Signaling experience is a plus! • Must demonstrate professional and respectful conduct at all times. • Must have the ability to make independent and good judgment decisions within proper policy and safety procedures. • Must possess the skill and ability to read, write and converse clearly in English. • Four to Eight years of progressive Welding and Fabrication experience. Work Environment: While performing this job the employee will be exposed to a variety of extreme conditions. The noise level in the work environment and sites can be loud. Employee is frequently exposed to all weather conditions, including airborne particles, moving mechanical parts and vibration. A career with Sims provides you with the opportunity to work with an organization whose goal is to be the world’s safest and most responsible recycling company. Our people achieve this by creating a zero-harm workplace, being exemplary members of the communities in which we operate, and being responsible stewards of the environment. We also offer competitive pay and a range of attractive benefits. Sims is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We value the diversity of all of our employees and are committed to creating an inclusive working environment where everyone can contribute, advance on merit, and realize their full potential. Sims does not discriminate with regard to race, sex, religion, color, national origin, citizenship status, disability, age, marital or familial status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, veteran status, housing status, source of income, or any other status protected by federal, state, or local laws. This applies to any employment decision, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training. qualified applicants with a disability in need of a reasonable accommodation may request such without fear of reprisal or discrimination. To achieve our purpose to create a world without waste to preserve our planet, we are guided by our Principles of Purpose: Be Safe + Well, Band Together, Be Accountable + Transparent, Consistently Innovate, Inspire with Purpose, Celebrate + Have Fun. ALREADY AN EMPLOYEE? Please apply through our Internal Career Site: Click here Why Choose A Career with Sims? Sims is a hub of innovation, offering employees the chance to explore new ideas and technologies while providing ample opportunities for personal and professional growth. With a diverse workforce, Sims fosters a sense of belonging and inclusion where employees can thrive and establish lasting connections. Working at Sims offers the chance to engage with a global network, providing opportunities for travel, cross-cultural experiences, and the ability to contribute to a sustainable future. Sims is renowned as one of the world’s leading sustainable companies, empowering employees to make a difference in creating a world without waste to preserve the planet. Sims prioritizes employee wellbeing, offering superior benefits packages, meaningful training opportunities, and a supportive atmosphere where employees feel valued and heard at all levels of the organization. Sims maintains a strong focus on safety, where individuals are encouraged to challenge themselves, contribute, and support one another, in a collaborative team environment. Nearest Major Market: Hampton Roads
See More Details >>SUMMARY/OBJECTIVE The Welder JM3 Welds fabricated steel components to assemble structural forms in the assembly and production of Navy ship repair and other marine and commercial equipment. Welder JM3 must possess trade specific tools. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS / DUTIES • Operates fabrication shop and machine shop machinery and equipment. • Reads job specifications to determine machine adjustments and material requirements • Setup welding equipment • Fit and Tack parts together in preparation for welding • Remove excess slag • Perform precise fitting work on components • Welding • Running lines and leads • Blue print & Weld symbols proficiency • Train Welder JM2 on advanced welding processes • Must adhere to a promote ALL company safety policies. Wear all required PPE when in Production areas and promote a clean and safe work environment. • Ensure that employees assigned with Firewatch duties are in place and ready prior to begin hot work • Fill out Job JSA forms PHYSICAL DEMANDS The Welder JM3 must be able to meet and successfully perform the essential functions of this job. The following physical demands are representative to the position. The position is active and requires extensive standing, walking, sitting, bending, kneeling, stooping, crawling, climbing, and crouching. Along with such movements, employee is required to lift parts/machinery of up to 75 pounds. Additional demands are listed below: • Able to climb ladders and work off scaffolding • Able to lift, carry, and or push up to 50 – 75 lbs. throughout the shift (including overtime) • Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions KNOWLEDGE / SKILLS • Must be certified in Welding • Ability to weld in all positions • Blueprint proficiency • Ability to troubleshoot major welding equipment problems • Must be able to evaluate the use of various resources and make knowledgeable decisions regarding safety and company procedures and policies • Able to read a tape measure • Pass Welder Workmanship Training (WWT) • Able to operate sawzall, 4” & 7” grinders, and various other tools • Able to use Weld Gauges COMPETENCIES • Communication Proficiency • Flexibility (Job duties & schedule) • Work well with others in all areas where SCW&M is performing work • Follow verbal/written instructions • Able to work independently with no supervision • Teamwork orientation SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILTY Welder JM3 position has no supervisory responsibilities. POSITION TYPE / HOURS OF WORK This is a full-time position, 40 hours per week. Schedule is Monday- Friday, 6:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. / 2:30 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. (swing shifts dependent on work load). Occasional overtime and weekend work may be required based on production needs. REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE • Must be certified Welder • Must have a minimum of 5+ years of ship repair experience and/or skill set. • Must be able to speak and understand Basic English Work Authorization Clearance For E-verify and contract security purposes (including ship access lists), all employees MUST present a valid export document. Acceptable documents are U.S. Birth Certificate, Certificate of Naturalization, Passport, Passport Card and Permanent Resident Card. Other Please consider that duties, responsibilities, and all other points specified in this description can change at any time with or without notice.
See More Details >>Coastal Precast Systems in Chesapeake VA is looking to add Welder/Fabricator to add to our team! Candidate must have a minimum 1 year of experience, be reliable. Very busy, high pace, full time position available. Benefits offered after 60 days of employment. Certified or Student Welder required. Competitive pay, depending on experience. must be able to efficiently read a tape measure. must be familiar with FCAW.
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