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Pipefitter Trainee (Mid-Level) - Military Veterans

at General Dynamics

Responsibilities for this Position

Pipefitter Trainee (Mid-Level)

Date: Feb 22, 2025

Location: San Diego, CA, US, 92113

National Steel and Shipbuilding Com

Job Posting End Date: Until Filled
Shift: ALL
Security Clearance: No Clearance

Who We Are

General Dynamics NASSCO is one of three shipyards in the Marine Systems group of General Dynamics Corporation (NYSE: GD). General Dynamics NASSCO traces its beginnings to the industrial heart of San Diego, along the working waterfront of beautiful and historic San Diego Bay. The company has been designing and building ships in San Diegos industrial corridor since 1960 and is the largest full service shipyard on the West Coast of the United States.

Who Are We Looking For

  • Hard-working and motivated individual
  • Interested in ship-building manufacturing industry
  • Works well in teams
  • Enjoys working with their hands
  • Interested in a training program and enjoys learning new skills
  • Interested in learning a new trade
  • Interested in training and/or advancing their career
  • 1-2 years of welding experience
  • Recent or soon to be graduate of a Vocational or Trade school


  • Summary

  • Trainee position encompasses paid hands on training in specified trade.
  • Welds assembly plating as specified by NASSCO and Navy Standards.
  • Able to follow written/oral instructions.
  • Welds fabricated cast or forged components according to specifications knowledge of welding characteristics of metal.
  • After training, students will go through step progressions based on skill and ability in order to progress to Journeyman.


  • Essential Job Tasks

  • Training is focused on the ability to weld various sizes and shapes of metal objects such as pipe, channel iron, tanks, structural forms, plate metal, sheet metal, etc. not involving high pressure.
  • Welds parts in position for fabrication of vessels, tanks or other structural assemblies.
  • Uses carbon electrodes to cut, shape, and groove metal.
  • May prepare workplace for welding by cleaning and/or preheating.
  • Examines weld sizes of weld beads.
  • Working knowledge of different metals and alloys commonly welded, various electrode types and sizes and accepted procedures and practices used in all types of welding.
  • Actively participates in continuous improvement initiatives to improve safety, improve quality, reduce cycle time, and reduce costs.

  • Students will learn to weld in horizontal, vertical and overhead positions.
  • Successful completion of NASSCO training program.
  • Performs other related tasks as assigned, some of which may become essential to the position.


  • Qualification Standards

  • High school education/equivalent preferred.
  • Must have the mechanical and technical knowledge and skill to perform operator maintenance on all equipment pertinent to the position.
  • Must be able to work from procedure and other specifications.
  • Knowledge of Navy and Commercial standards is helpful.
  • Ability to understand verbal and written instructions and to communicate effectively (in English) required.
  • Must show at least two years of continuous, stable and verifiable employment, and/or training.
  • Must have 1-2 years of welding experience.


  • Physical/Mental Involvement

  • Excellent eye hand coordination.
  • Ability to climb ladders.
  • Able to work in confined spaces.
  • Ability to work independently with little supervision.
  • Must have problem solving skills.
  • Must have a good understanding of math and measurements.
  • Must have 20/20 OR correctable vision and color vision.
  • Must be able to demonstrate flexibility and versatility with respect to work tasks
  • Must possess observation skills, ability to respond quickly, good judgment and on-going safety awareness
  • Frequent carrying, pushing, pulling, standing, manual dexterity, reaching, seeing, hearing, occasional kneeling, reclining and finger dexterity.
  • Must be able to work all shifts and at heights.
  • Construction or manufacturing background preferred and have strong mechanical skills.
  • Maintain safety awareness and ability to follow directions.


  • Environmental Factors

  • Exposure to fumes, odors, dust, gases various climates and temperatures, and low ventilation conditions, all of which can cause discomfort and/or respiratory difficulties.
  • Exposure constantly moving machines and mechanical parts and high levels of constant noise.


  • PAY SCALE
    $21.18 - $30.68

    Hourly Roles
    This pay range is a reasonable estimate of the hourly range for this role. It takes into account the wide range of factors considered in making compensation decisions; including but not limited to skill sets, experience, training, and education. General Dynamics NASSCO also provides a variety of benefits including medical & dental insurance coverage, 401(k) retirement savings plan, flexible spending accounts/HSAs, life and disability insurance, company paid holidays and paid time off (PTO), wellness coaching, and an onsite health services.

    General Dynamics NASSCO is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status, or any other basis protected by local, state, or federal law.

    To learn more about applicant rights under federal law, click here:
    EEO is the Law Poster: https://www.eeoc.gov/sites/default/files/migratedfiles/employers/posterscreenreaderoptimized.pdf
    EEO is the Law - Supplement: https://www.dol.gov/sites/dolgov/files/ofccp/regs/compliance/posters/pdf/OFCCPEEOSupplementFinalJRFQA508c.pdf
    Pay Transparency: https://www.dol.gov/sites/dolgov/files/OFCCP/pdf/pay-transp%20EnglishformattedESQA508c.pdf

    If you have a disability that impacts your ability to complete the job application process and would like to request an accommodation, please contact our Human Resources Department.
    Call (619) 544-8511 or email nasscohr@nassco.com. This contact information is for accommodation requests only, not to inquire about the status of applications.

    Nearest Major Market: San Diego

    Job Segment: Pipe Welding, Security Clearance, Welding, Defense, Military, Manufacturing, Government

    PI263841094

    San Diego, CA

    General Dynamics

    General Dynamics is a global aerospace and defense company.

    Our portfolio spans the realm of the world's most technologically advanced business jets, wheeled combat vehicles, command and control systems and nuclear submarines. We offer these through our five business groups: Aerospace, Combat Systems, Information Technology, Mission Systems and Marine Systems.

    General Dynamics employs thousands of people across the globe, with locations in more than 45 countries. We rely on the skills of our employees and their knowledge of customer requirements to deliver best-in-class products and services.

    Who We Are Looking For 

    General Dynamics is seeking military veterans and military spouses across the country who bring a deeply rooted skillset that includes team-oriented approaches to problem-solving, demonstrations of leadership and an overall commitment to the mission of the organization.  We recognize the knowledge and skills gained during your military experience are invaluable to the success of a team. We’re proud of the thousands of veterans and military professionals who have chosen to apply their leadership, teamwork and problem-solving skills to a career at General Dynamics and to continue supporting the mission of those serving today.

    Should I Apply?

    At General Dynamics, our employees are the heart of our company. We rely on their dedication to excellence and their intimate knowledge of customer requirements to meet the needs of customers around the globe, day in and day out. Our employees' unique blend of skill, innovation and agility drives our continued success, and we take our responsibility to them seriously. If you are a military veteran or military spouse ready to advance your career, view our available career opportunities to the right for more information and to apply today!

    What Happens After I Apply?

    Once you click ‘Apply Now’ on a General Dynamics posting, you will be re-directed to fill out an application on General Dynamics career page.  In order to be considered for next steps, please complete the application on General Dynamics career page and make sure you have an updated resume uploaded to your RecruitMilitary profile.  Once General Dynamics reviews your resume and profile, a recruiter will reach out to provide you with more information and to schedule you for an interview.

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    2.     Review the company website. Know their mission and values. What do they do? What are their products?

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