**Advanced Shipfitter** **Pay:** $45/hr **Per Diem:** $140/day **Locations:** Charleston, SC (Shop Environment) & Newport News, VA (Shipyard) If you take pride in building steel structures the right way — with precision, toughness, and craftsmanship — we want you on our team. We're hiring skilled Shipfitters for major projects in Charleston and Newport News, working where high‑level fabrication meets real‑world engineering. **What You’ll Do** This role goes beyond basic fitting. You'll be working on complex structural assemblies that demand accuracy and a solid command of your tools. You will: + Perform multi-pass SMAW tack welding with consistency and quality. + Use oxygen/propane torches for cutting and heating materials. + Interpret advanced structural drawings, weld symbols, and blueprints — not just read them. + Work confidently with fractional measurements and lay out steel components with precision. + Fit, align, and assemble structural parts to exact specifications. + Operate vibratory tools such as grinders and needle guns. + Work in demanding environments typical of shipbuilding and heavy fabrication. + Uphold strict OSHA and industry safety standards. **What Makes These Openings Different** **Two Distinct Work Environments** + **Charleston, SC** – a controlled shop environment with steady, predictable workflow. + **Newport News, VA** – an active shipyard for those who prefer large‑scale, high‑impact projects. **Top-Tier Compensation** $45/hr plus a strong $140/day per diem — among the most competitive packages available for this craft. **Meaningful, High‑Skill Work** You’re not building simple components. You’re contributing to large, heavy‑duty structures where every measurement and weld matters. **What You Bring** + Experience with single and multi-pass SMAW tack welding + Ability to operate oxygen/propane cutting and heating equipment + Strong skills reading and interpreting complex blueprints and drawings + Ability to measure, lay out, and prepare parts for fabrication + Experience in shipbuilding, steel fabrication, or heavy structural work **Job Type & Location** This is a Contract position based out of Richmond, VA. **Pay and Benefits** The pay range for this position is $45.00 - $45.00/hr. Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: • Medical, dental & vision • Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital • 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available • Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) • Short and long-term disability • Health Spending Account (HSA) • Transportation benefits • Employee Assistance Program • Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave) **Workplace Type** This is a fully onsite position in Richmond,VA. **Application Deadline** This position is anticipated to close on Mar 2, 2026. **About Aerotek:** We know that finding work is hard, and finding meaningful work is harder. Aerotek connects 180,000+ light industrial and skilled trades workers with 14,000+ employers each year, helping our workers navigate an evolving labor market and find jobs that meets their goals, skills and interests. Since 1983, we have provided a variety of career opportunities across North American industry – from short-term assignments at Fortune 500 companies where you can build your skills, to long-term opportunities where you can play a vital role solving for companies’ construction, manufacturing and maintenance challenges. Our 1,500+ experienced recruiters across 250+ offices work relentlessly to put our workforce in a position to thrive. Let us rise to meet your challenges and put our people-are everything spirit to the test as your career continues to grow. Aerotek offers weekly pay, employee benefits including medical, dental & vision, life insurance, health advocacy and employee assistance programs, a 401(k) plan, and employee discounts. The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regards to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.