Welder - Submarine Building

Mission-Driven. Honor-Bound. Fairbanks Morse Defense. What's your calling? For the men and women of Fairbanks Morse Defense it's the rapid and effective support of the fleets that entrust us to design, develop, and deliver the best naval power technology on the planet. We're one of the nation's leading marine defense contractors because of the highly trained and dedicated teams that provide reliable power systems, parts, and aftermarket services to the U.S. Navy, Coast Guard, Military Sealift Command, and Canadian Coast Guard. When you join Fairbanks Morse Defense, you join a legacy of commitment that spans 150 years. Fairbanks Morse Defense offers competitive benefits with a wide range of training and development opportunities. Our world-class teams are dedicated to helping every individual achieve their full potential. Discover what it's like to be a part of the Fairbanks Morse Defense team here: https://www.fairbanksmorsedefense.com/careers

Welder - Build Equipment Used by the U.S. Navy

Company: Federal Equipment Company
Reports To: Weld Shop Supervisor

?What You'll Be Building

At Federal Equipment Company, welders don't just weld parts - they build heavy-duty marine equipment used on U.S. Navy ships and other defense vessels around the world.

Our team manufactures marine deck machinery, winches, capstans, weapons handling systems, and specialized material handling equipment designed to operate in some of the toughest environments at sea.

If you take pride in clean welds, strong fabrication skills, and seeing your work become part of mission-critical equipment, this is a place where your craftsmanship truly matters.

Essential Job Functions

As a Welder, you will help fabricate and assemble precision components used in marine deck machinery, shipboard lifting equipment, and defense-related mechanical systems.

• Read and interpret blueprints, fabrication drawings, and machine diagrams to determine welding requirements.


• Cut materials and work pieces using powered saws and manual shop tools.


• Prepare, lay out, position, and secure parts and assemblies according to engineering specifications.


• Execute high-quality welds with precision and attention to detail.


• Perform welding using GMAW (MIG), GTAW (TIG), and FCAW (Flux Core) processes.


• Weld components and assemblies made from carbon steel, stainless steel, Monel, aluminum, and copper-nickel (Cu/Ni).
  


• Perform welds in flat, horizontal, vertical, and overhead positions.
  


• Use fabrication equipment, machines, and hand tools to complete assigned tasks.


• Maintain welding equipment and perform basic maintenance when needed.


• Monitor and maintain inventory of tools, parts, and supplies and coordinate with material handlers when needed.


• Conduct periodic quality checks to ensure weld integrity and product consistency.


• Support quality requirements including:




• Hydrostatic testing


• Penetrant testing


• Visual inspection


• Dimensional checks




• Follow all welding procedures, welder qualifications, and quality assurance standards.


• Cross-train within the department to support production needs.


• Assist with training other employees when needed.


• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work environment.


• Follow all safety procedures and company policies.


• Maintain a positive attitude and contribute to a strong team environment.


• Support production schedules and communicate effectively with supervisors and team members.


• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications, Skills, and Educational Requirements

Required Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED preferred


• 
  5-7 years of professional welding experience in a fabrication or manufacturing environment


• Proven experience welding aluminum and other industrial metals

Technical Skills

• Ability to read and interpret blueprints and fabrication drawings


• Strong understanding of welding symbols, weld sizes, and tolerances


• Experience using weld fillet gauges to verify weld size and accuracy


• Ability to perform basic shop math including converting decimals to fractions
  


• Ability to measure materials accurately using tape measures, calipers, and precision tools
  

Additional Skills

• Ability to read and interpret safety rules, operating instructions, quality manuals, and procedural documentation


• Ability to work independently and troubleshoot minor shop issues


• Strong mechanical aptitude and familiarity with fabrication tools and equipment


• Good motor coordination and manual dexterity


• Strong attention to detail and commitment to producing high-quality work


• Mechanical background considered a plus

Why Welders Love Working Here

• 
  100% Tuition Reimbursement - grow your skills and career


• Robust 401(k) with Company Contribution


• Competitive Pay & Comprehensive Benefits (Medical, Dental, Vision)


• Paid Time Off & Holidays


• Career growth opportunities - many welders move into lead or supervisory roles


• Hands-on work with precision marine and defense systems

Security Requirement

This position requires access or potential access to Unclassified Naval Nuclear Propulsion Information (NOFORN), which is not releasable to foreign nationals.

To meet this requirement, candidates must be U.S. citizens and attest that they do not hold dual citizenship. Acceptable proof of citizenship includes a U.S. Passport, Birth Certificate, or Naturalization Certificate.

This job specification is intended to describe the general nature, level of difficulty, and essential tasks associated with this position. It is not an exhaustive list of all duties, and supervisors may assign other responsibilities as needed.

Candidates must be able to perform the essential functions of the role, with or without reasonable accommodation, and demonstrate a commitment to teamwork, quality, and effective service delivery at Federal Equipment Company.

Fairbanks Morse Defense offers a competitive benefits package including but not limited to, medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurances, and 401k retirement plan with employer match. In addition, we offer paid time off, paid holidays, paid parental leave, and tuition reimbursement.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disabled