Weld Trainer - Defense & Industrial Fabrication Featured Norfolk, VA
Weld Trainer - Defense & Industrial Fabrication
Shape the Future & Train the Next Generation of Skilled Welders | Norfolk, VA
We’re hiring a seasoned welding professional to lead hands‑on instruction and workforce development for our defense and industrial fabrication team. This is your opportunity to pass on your expertise—training MIG/TIG welders in NAVSEA‑compliant techniques and helping grow a mission‑ready team that delivers with precision, safety, and pride.
The Weld Trainer will design, implement, and deliver comprehensive training programs for new and existing welders, ensuring alignment with NAVSEA, shipyard, and MIL‑SPEC standards. You’ll provide technical instruction in MIG, TIG, and structural welding, coach welders in real‑time production settings, and contribute to a culture of discipline, accountability, and continuous improvement. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in welding techniques, quality controls, safety protocols, and a passion for teaching and mentoring others.
This is a high‑accountability, hands‑on role for an experienced welder or instructor with deep technical knowledge and a passion for teaching the next generation. If you're ready to lead by example and help build a team that performs at the highest level—this is where your skills matter.
Job Type: Full‑Time
Schedule: Monday–Thursday 7:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Friday 7:00 AM – 11:00 AM
TST Fab & Machine is a growing, Service‑Disabled Veteran‑Owned Small Business based in Norfolk, Virginia, specializing in high‑spec metal fabrication and machining for the defense, maritime, and industrial sectors. Our welders shape critical parts used in shipbuilding, infrastructure, and defense systems—and we take pride in delivering compliant, mission‑ready work that supports national security and industrial progress.
We believe skilled welders are built through mentorship, hands‑on experience, and high standards. If you’re ready to invest your knowledge into the next generation, we’re ready to support your leadership.
Responsibilities- Develop and deliver comprehensive training programs for new and existing welders for MIG, TIG, and structural welding in accordance with contract, customer, and industry standards
- Deliver instruction aligned with NAVSEA, NNS, MIL‑SPEC, and internal fabrication standards
- Conduct hands‑on demonstrations, practice sessions, and coaching in both classroom and production floor settings
- Evaluate welder proficiency, including technical skills, visual inspection readiness, and production capability; identify skill gaps and implement targeted improvement plans
- Provide clear feedback, training plans and progress tracking for each welder
- Maintain training records, qualification statuses, and certification documentation
- Collaborate with production and quality teams to align training with job‑specific weld requirements
- Coach welders on visual inspection, joint prep, fit‑up, distortion control, and multi‑position welds
- Stay current on welding techniques, NAVSEA/NNS updates, and fabrication standards
- Uphold all safety standards and foster a culture of hazard awareness and accountability
- Provide in‑process troubleshooting, coaching and mentorship on the shop floor during live production
- Contribute to the development and implementation of continuous improvement initiatives within the welding department that enhance weld quality and efficiency and promote a safety culture
- Foster a team culture centered on craftsmanship, accountability, and professional growth
- Follow all safety protocols and maintain a clean, organized, and hazard‑free work environment
- Maintain welding tools, equipment, and PPE in safe, working condition
- Minimum 5 years of MIG/TIG welding experience in a fabrication, shipyard, or industrial setting
- Demonstrated experience working to NAVSEA, Newport News Shipbuilding (NNS), or MIL‑SPEC standards (required)
- Prior experience as a weld trainer, instructor, or team lead highly preferred
- Strong understanding of high‑production volume fabrication and shipboard structural welding
- Demonstrated ability to train, mentor, and assess welders at varying skill levels
- Ability to read and teach…
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