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

📍 Location: Norfolk Plant

🕒 Schedule Options | Available Shifts:

Monday–Thursday | 7:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Friday | 7:00 AM – 11:00 AM

🏭 About TST Fab & Machine

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.

🎯 Position Summary

As Weld Trainer, you’ll design and deliver structured, hands-on instruction across MIG, TIG, and structural welding processes while ensuring all techniques align with NAVSEA, NNS, and MIL-SPEC standards. You’ll evaluate skill levels, conduct training sessions, provide feedback, and maintain documentation to build a workforce grounded in quality, compliance, and safety.

🔧Key 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

✅  Skills & Experience

• 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 from technical drawings, blueprints, weld symbols, and inspection specs
• Proficient in layout and fabrication tools including grinders, saws, calipers, and layout equipment
• Skilled in evaluating weld quality, performing visual inspection, and ensuring compliance
• Excellent communication, presentation, coaching, and feedback skills
• Ability to adapt instruction to multiple learning styles and skill levels
• Strong knowledge of welding safety practices and regulations
• Strong documentation habits, organization, and attention to detail
• Completion of trade school, apprenticeship, or relevant military training required
• AWS certification or NAVSEA/NNS weld qualification preferred  
• Proficient in using welding equipment and tools.
• High school diploma or equivalent required; additional technical education preferred

Why Join Our Team

✔️ Competitive pay based on experience
✔️ Flexible Schedule Options
✔️ $500–$1000 Employee Referral Bonus
✔️ Company-paid medical insurance (employee only)
✔️ Dental & vision benefits
✔️ 401(k) with company match
✔️ PTO & Paid Holidays
✔️ Flexible Schedule Options: 4-day and weekend shifts
✔️ Opportunities for career advancement
✔️ Supportive, safety-focused, veteran-owned & Mission-Driven Workplace

TST Fab & Machine is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

We are committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace, welcoming all qualified individuals regardless of race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or other legally protected characteristics.

🔧 Ready shape the next generation of welders?

Join a company where experience becomes a legacy—your expertise is respected, your work is valued, and your leadership helps build the next generation of skilled professionals.
Apply today.