Pipe Welder

Venture Dynamics is seeking skilled and experienced Shipyard Pipe Welders to perform high-quality welding on copper-nickel, stainless steel, and carbon steel piping systems aboard Navy and commercial vessels. Pipe Welders will execute GTAW (TIG) and SMAW welding in restricted positions, prepare and fit pipe joints, install CuNi systems, and adhere to NAVSEA welding procedures and customer welding standards. This position requires advanced pipe welding capability, strong fit-up proficiency, and the ability to work safely in confined, elevated, and shipboard environments. This position supports shipyard projects throughout the Virginia Hampton Roads region, including Norfolk, Portsmouth, Newport News, Hampton, and Yorktown.

Per diem may be available on select projects depending on contract requirements and travel distance.

Responsibilities

• Perform pipe welding using GTAW and SMAW in all positions, including restricted-access configurations
• Weld copper-nickel (CuNi), stainless steel, and carbon steel piping for shipboard systems
• Fit, prep, and weld butt joints, socket welds, flanges, reducers, tees, and specialty fittings
• Execute weld preparation including beveling, cleaning, grinding, and joint alignment for high-quality root and fill passes
• Follow NAVSEA welding procedures and meet customer-required weld quality standards
• Interpret isometric drawings, P&IDs, weld symbols, and detailed pipe routing diagrams
• Maintain weld quality through correct heat control, cleanliness, and proper fit-up practices
• Support pipe installations, system modifications, and piping system renewals
• Operate grinders, torches, bevelers, and weld-prep tools safely and efficiently
• Work in confined spaces, tanks, machinery spaces, overheads, and tight shipboard compartments
• Maintain tool control, comply with hot-work requirements, and follow all shipyard safety procedures

Requirements

• Minimum 5 years of pipe welding experience in ship repair or marine/industrial environments
• Ability to pass NAVSEA or customer-required weld tests, including:
  • 6G/6GR or restricted-position welding
  • 2-inch CuNi GTAW pipe test
  • Additional material/process tests as required
• Proficiency in GTAW root and fill on CuNi and stainless steel
• Strong understanding of pipe joint fit-up, weld prep, and distortion control
• Ability to interpret pipe drawings, weld symbols, and isometric layouts
• Must supply and maintain a personal tool set appropriate for pipe welding
• Ability to work aboard vessels, in confined spaces, at heights, and in physically demanding positions
• Ability to lift 40–60 lbs and sustain awkward welding positions
• Must pass background check and drug screening
• Ability to obtain DBIDS/base access when required
• Reliable transportation and consistent attendance
• Ability to work overtime, nights, weekends, and variable shifts as needed

Preferred Qualifications

• NAVSEA CuNi pipe welding certifications
• Experience welding potable water, seawater, chill-water, fuel, and hydraulic piping systems
• Experience performing complex pipe renewals or tight-access shipboard welds
• Proficiency with pipe beveling tools and weld-prep machines
• OSHA-10 Maritime
• Ability to wear a respirator when required for hot-work, confined-space support, blasting, paint, or insulation areas
• Experience supporting multi-trade mechanical or piping projects

Additional Information

• Work occurs aboard ships, in dry docks, and in pipe fabrication or repair shops
• PPE provided according to project and customer requirements

Venture Dynamics is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or veteran status.