The Senior Marine Welder is a certified expert in executing critical structural and high-pressure welds for marine vessels, naval platforms, and offshore modules. With deep experience in SMAW, GTAW, FCAW, and NAVSEA/ABS procedures, the role demands precision welding in challenging positions and environments. The senior welder leads complex weld-out tasks, supports inspection and repair operations, and mentors junior welders to uphold production and quality standards aligned with maritime and defense codes.
Perform advanced welding operations on structural hulls, pressure piping, tanks, and foundations using qualified processes such as SMAW, GTAW, FCAW, and GMAW, across various positions (1G–6G, overhead, vertical, confined space).
Interpret and work from detailed welding drawings, WPSs, weld maps, isometrics, and technical specifications.
Conduct full-penetration welds on pressure-retaining components and critical structural joints in accordance with NAVSEA, ABS, ASME Section IX, AWS D1.1, and project-specific standards.
Lead or support execution of NAVSEA Standard Items, MIL-STD-1689, and ABS Class-approved welds, ensuring inspection readiness for VT, RT, UT, MT.
Serve as lead welder on complex modules or assemblies, coordinating welding sequences to control distortion and meet dimensional tolerance.
Guide fit-up teams, tack welders, and junior welders during structural and piping pre-weld activities.
Assist with on-site inspections, weld audits, and support NDT interpretation and repair decisions.
Maintain documentation for heat input, traceability, and weld logs in line with QA requirements.
Adhere strictly to hot work procedures, confined space entry protocols, fire watch, and other HSE policies.
Mentor less experienced welders on technique, procedure compliance, and safety practices.
Trade certification or technical diploma in Welding or Marine Fabrication.
7–10+ years of hands-on marine welding experience in shipbuilding, offshore modules, or naval vessel construction.
Active and valid ABS, NAVSEA, or equivalent certifications in multiple processes (e.g., SMAW 6G, GTAW 6GR, FCAW all-position).
Mastery in working with carbon steel, stainless steel, Cu-Ni, and aluminum in structural and pressure applications.
Deep familiarity with military and classification society standards, including NAVSEA Technical Publications, MIL-STD-22D, MIL-STD-1689, ABS Steel Vessel Rules.
Strong understanding of weld inspection requirements, welding symbols, and defect mitigation strategies.
Physical ability to work in difficult conditions (confined spaces, at height, on scaffolding, or offshore).
Experience in submarine, combatant vessel, or high-spec defense retrofit projects.
Certification in multiple positions and materials, including exotic alloys or cryogenic service materials.
Familiarity with robotic/automated welding systems or orbital TIG.
Prior role as a weld team lead, foreman, or welding trainer.
Work takes place in fabrication bays, dry docks, ship modules, or onboard vessels, often in confined or elevated spaces.
Required to wear full PPE: welding hood, gloves, flame-resistant clothing, hearing and respiratory protection.
May involve extended hours, night shifts, or offshore assignments depending on project schedule.
Must comply with rigorous HSE, fire watch, and permit-to-work systems.