SHIPYARD Structural Welder

SHIPYARD Structural Welder

Philadelphia, United States

Company
HKA Construction Services LLC
Location
Philadelphia, PA
Job Type
Full-time
Salary
28–40 an hour
Via
Indeed

Job Description
Now Hiring: Experienced Shipyard Structural Welders

Location: Philadelphia, PA

Long Term Project

Wages:

$28.00 Per Hour for Non-local employees

$150.00 Per Diem offered, if eligible

$28 - $40/hr for Local employees based on experience.

Must be able to weld test in Philadelphia, PA or Pascagoula, MS

Experience:

· Knowledge and proficiency of heavy shipyard construction welding in all positions using approved WPS (Welding Procedure Specification) determined by PSI and classification society

· Welding process includes:

o FCAW – Flux Core Arc Welding

o SMAW – Shielded Metal Arc Welding

o SAW – Submerged Arc Welding

o EGW – Electro Gas Welding

o Automated Welding Processes

o Stainless Steel Fillet Welding

o Padding and preparing weld joints per WPS

o Carbon Arc Gouging

o Ceramic Backing

o Note: Not inclusive, shall be determined by vessel specification and classification rules

· Knowledge, understanding and demonstration of interpreting approved WPS set forth at PSI.

· Knowledge and ability on how to use all tools related to welding, including basic trouble shooting and maintaining welding equipment to assure a safe and efficient operation.

· Welder must proficiently demonstrate welding ability through performance and testing as determined by vessel project and classification.

· Welder must be able to work in a team environment.

· Welder shall perform internal quality checks of own work performance to assure quality standards are achieved daily.

· Welder shall maintain their individual NDT rejection set forth by PSI and classification society.

· Performs other related duties as required and assigned.

PREFERRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

· High School Diploma or GED

· 3+ years’ shipyard work experience welding (FCAW, SMAW, and Ceramic Backing REQUIRED)

· Welding robotics and programming a plus
• Drug screen and Background check required

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $28.00 - $40.00 per hour

Benefits:
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Referral program
• Vision insurance

Experience:
• Shipyard Welding: 3 years (Required)
• Ceramic Backing: 3 years (Required)

Work Location: In person
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Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers about Welder Jobs in United States

Q What is the median annual salary for welder jobs in the United States in 2026?
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for welders, cutters, solderers, and brazers in the United States is $51,750 as of May 2026. The lowest 10 percent earn less than $39,890 annually, while the highest 10 percent earn more than $68,210. Wages vary by industry, with structural metals manufacturing paying a median of $55,420.
Q What visa options are available for foreign welders to work in the United States in 2026?
USCIS offers H-2B visas for temporary non-agricultural welders, with a cap of 66,000 visas for FY 2026 split between 33,000 for first half and 33,000 for second half. Employers must file Form I-129 at least 75 days before work start and obtain a temporary labor certification from DOL. Permanent residency via EB-3 requires Schedule A designation for skilled welders with 2 years experience.
Q What education and experience are required for entry-level welder jobs in the US?
The Department of Labor states that entry-level welders typically need a high school diploma or equivalent and completion of a 6-18 month apprenticeship program with 2,000 hours of paid on-the-job training. No prior experience is required for registered apprenticeships, but basic math and blueprint reading skills are essential. Most programs require applicants to be at least 18 years old.
Q What documents are needed to apply for welder apprenticeship programs in the United States?
DOL requires submission of a high school diploma or GED, proof of age (18+), a valid driver's license, and a drug test result for welder apprenticeship applications. Additional documents include a resume listing any metalworking experience and results from an aptitude test administered by the sponsor. Applications must be submitted through the Apprenticeship.gov portal by the program's deadline.
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