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Job Description

Overview

We are seeking skilled trades travelers to support maintenance, repair, and technical operations primarily related to US Navy ships. This role involves traveling to various locations to perform specialized trades work, ensuring the operational readiness and safety of naval vessels.

Responsibilities

  • Perform skilled trades work on US Navy ships, including maintenance, repairs, and installations.
  • Travel to various sites as needed to support naval vessel operations and upkeep.
  • Follow technical specifications, safety protocols, and industry standards during all tasks.
  • Collaborate with naval personnel and other trades professionals to complete projects efficiently.
  • Conduct inspections and troubleshoot issues related to ship systems and components.
  • Maintain detailed records of work performed and materials used.
  • Ensure compliance with all safety regulations and environmental guidelines during operations.

Requirements

  • Proven experience in skilled trades relevant to ship maintenance, such as electrical, mechanical, plumbing, or welding.
  • Prior experience working on or supporting US Navy ships is highly preferred.
  • Ability to travel frequently and adapt to different work environments and schedules.
  • Excellent communication skills and the ability to work effectively within a team.
  • Relevant certifications or licenses in your trade are required.
  • Commitment to safety standards and procedures at all times.

Additional Information

  • Must be able to interview/test in person.
  • Must be able to pass Hair Follicle Drug Screen Test.
  • Must be a US Citizen or Permanent Resident.
  • Pay: $34.00 - $52.00 per hour.
  • Expected hours: 40.0 per week.
  • Shift availability: Day Shift (Required).
  • Ability to Commute: National City, CA 91950 (Required).
  • Willingness to travel: 100% (Required).
  • Work Location: In person.
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How this job compares in National City, CA

Pay in context

At roughly $43/hr, this posting sits about 23% above the $35/hr median for welding jobs across California — toward the top of a $28–$48/hr middle band drawn from 437 postings with published pay. Put another way, it pays more than about 70% of the comparable postings we have wage data for. Pay that far above local median usually comes attached to something: a harder cert requirement, travel, night shift, or overtime that isn't really optional. Worth establishing which before you accept.

The local market in National City, CA

National City, CA is a small market in our index: 2 other active welding openings alongside this one, from 2 employers. Across California as a whole we're tracking 559 other active welding openings from 267 employers. With this few local postings, most welders here end up either commuting or looking at travel work. Browse welding jobs across California.

Shipyard Military Vessels currently has 1 other opening live in California, which is usually a sign of either steady growth or steady turnover — worth asking which in the interview.

The most active employers in California at the moment, by number of open welding reqs, are SpaceX (36), Relativity Space (21), and Welding Shop in Los Angeles, CA (16). Volume like that usually means either a genuine expansion or a staffing agency working several client sites — worth knowing which before you apply.

Within California, the best-paying metros we track by median hourly rate are Redondo Beach at $65/hr, Pasadena at $61/hr, and Santa Ana at $48/hr. If you can relocate or commute, that spread is worth factoring in.

Similar openings near National City, CA

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