Back to Jobs

Job Description

Overview

We are seeking experienced Welders with a minimum of 3 years’ hands-on expertise in Flux-Core Arc Welding (FCAW) and Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW) to work on marine vessels under construction or repair. This position requires candidates to be safety-conscious and adaptable in a dynamic shipyard environment that operates 24/7.

Responsibilities

  • Perform high-quality welding using FCAW and SMAW methods on a variety of metal surfaces and components.
  • Work in a variety of environments, including at heights, in confined spaces, and in all weather conditions.
  • Operate welding equipment safely and efficiently, following all industry and company safety standards.
  • Interpret welding symbols, blueprints, and specifications as required.
  • Maintain proper welding techniques to avoid defects and ensure structural integrity.
  • Collaborate with other trades and team members to meet project deadlines and quality expectations.
  • Perform cleanup of work area and equipment maintenance as needed.
  • Adhere strictly to safety procedures and wear all required PPE (Personal Protective Equipment).

Requirements

  • Minimum of 3 years verifiable experience in FCAW and SMAW welding.
  • Must pass a military-spec welding assessment in vertical (3G), horizontal (2G), and overhead (4G) positions.
  • Strong understanding of welding processes, materials, tools, and safety protocols.
  • Must be physically fit and able to work in demanding environments, including climbing, lifting, and working in tight spaces.
  • Willingness to work day or night shifts based on production needs.
  • U.S. Citizenship or authorization to work in the U.S. (due to defense-related contract requirements).
Apply for This Position

How this job compares in Houston, TX

Pay in context

This employer didn't publish a rate. For reference, welding jobs in Houston, TX currently run a median of $25/hr in our index, with the middle half of them falling between $22–$32/hr across 60 postings with published pay. That median is a reasonable floor to anchor on when a recruiter asks what you're looking for.

The local market in Houston, TX

We're tracking 209 other active welding openings in Houston, TX right now, from 123 different employers. 9 of them were added in the last week. Across Texas as a whole we're tracking 914 other active welding openings from 519 employers. A metro this active generally means you have real leverage — employers here are competing for the same welders. Browse every welding job in Houston, or widen the search to Texas.

Core Group Resources currently has 4 other openings live in Texas, which is usually a sign of either steady growth or steady turnover — worth asking which in the interview.

The most active employers in Texas at the moment, by number of open welding reqs, are Welding Shop in Houston, TX (21), Zachry Group (20), and Austin Industries (20). Volume like that usually means either a genuine expansion or a staffing agency working several client sites — worth knowing which before you apply.

Within Texas, the best-paying metros we track by median hourly rate are Pasadena at $82/hr, Dallas at $35/hr, and La Porte at $32/hr. If you can relocate or commute, that spread is worth factoring in.

What you'll be running

This posting calls for Stick and Flux-Core work. Stick (SMAW) burns a flux-coated consumable rod and needs no shielding gas, so it works in wind, rain, and on dirty or rusted steel. That tolerance for bad conditions keeps it the default for field, structural, and repair work. Flux-cored (FCAW) runs a hollow wire filled with flux, combining MIG-like deposition rates with the outdoor tolerance of stick. It is the workhorse on heavy structural steel and shipbuilding, where thick sections and long welds reward speed.

See all structural welder openings if you want to compare this against similar roles.

Certifications this posting mentions

  • 3G / 4G — plate position tests — 3G is welded vertically, 4G overhead. Together they demonstrate you can hold a puddle against gravity, and they are the common entry qualifications for structural and production shops.

Read straight from this posting's text. Confirm the exact qualification the employer wants before you test — requirements vary by shop even under the same code.

Similar openings near Houston, TX

Pay figures are medians computed from live postings in the Welding Pros index, not from survey data, and they move as employers post. Structural Welder figures were last recalculated when this page was built.