Position Title: Welder Fitter

Location: Port Weller (St. Catharines, ON) – reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work

Job Type: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: Target pay rate of $28-$38 per hour, based on experience

About Ontario Shipyards

Ontario Shipyards operates two premier marine facilities on Lake Ontario: our main fabrication hub in Hamilton and the historic Port Weller Dry Docks on the Welland Canal in St. Catharines. Together, we form the largest Canadian-owned ship repair and refit operation on the Great Lakes. As a trusted partner to the Canadian Coast Guard and major commercial fleets, our combined yards deliver everything from advanced manufacturing to massive vessel life extensions.

The company is embarking on an unprecedented period of growth driven by the opportunities created by Canada’s National Shipbuilding Strategy. At the same time, the company is executing the Ontario Shipyard Modernization Project (OSMP) which is a multi-million-dollar initiative that is revolutionizing shipyard operations in Ontario and ultimately Canada. Our team takes immense pride in keeping the Great Lakes fleet moving, building and maintaining the giant vessels that drive Canada's economy – where water meets mettle.

Position Summary

Reporting to the Welding Supervisor, the Welder Fitter is responsible for fabricating, assembling, and welding structural metal components for vessel construction and repair. The position is responsible for interpreting blueprints, measuring, cutting, shaping, and fitting metal parts while ensuring compliance with industry standards. The Welder Fitter operates specialized tools, selects appropriate welding methods, and inspects work for accuracy and quality to support efficient project execution.

Key Responsibilities

Strict adherence to safety protocols and guidelines for operational safety.

Conduct pre-use inspections of tools, equipment, and materials to ensure they are in safe working condition.

Read and interpret engineering drawings and blueprints to determine materials, plan work sequences, and optimize metal cutting and welding efficiency.

Construct patterns and templates, lay out reference points, and mark heavy metal components according to specifications.

Cut, shape, fit, and assemble structural metal components using various welding and fabrication techniques.

Rig, hoist, and transport materials within the worksite, ensuring proper handling and storage.

Operate heavy-duty metalworking machines, including brake presses, shears, cutting torches, grinders, drills, and CNC equipment, to cut, bend, punch, and shape metal components.

Maintain accurate records of work performed to support quality control and project documentation.

Demonstrate flexibility to meet deadlines, proactively identifying and addressing potential delays while proposing solutions to management.

Collaborate and assist colleagues with daily operational needs.

Perform other duties as assigned or requested to support operations.

Qualifications & Experience

High School Diploma or equivalent is preferred.

Possess 5+ years of hands-on fitting/welding experience in construction or maintenance settings.

A valid CWB certification is required.

Previous experience in ship repair is considered an asset.

SMAW all-position certification is preferred.

Experience in FCAW and GMAW processes is preferred.

A valid Red Seal Trade Certification 456A is considered an asset.

Familiarity with layout tools, understanding crane signals, and rigging/hoisting terminology is considered an asset.

Demonstrate the ability to work independently, follow instructions precisely, and work collaboratively within a team environment with strong attention to detail.

Comfort and physical capability to work in a rugged shipyard environment, including climbing scaffolding, navigating dry docks, and entering tight, confined vessel spaces daily.

What We Offer

Competitive pay based on skills and experience

Comprehensive health benefits including health, dental, vision, life and disability coverage for you and your dependents

RRSP matching program and Health Spending Account (HSA)

Paid vacation time and statutory holidays

Discounts on Safety Boots & Safety Glasses

Opportunities for professional development and specialized shipyard training

On-site parking

This job posting is for an active, immediate vacancy. Every application is reviewed individually by a member of our human recruitment team; we do not use AI or automated computer systems to screen, assess, or select applicants for this position.

Ontario Shipyards is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to fostering an inclusive and accessible workplace. We prohibit discrimination and are committed to providing equal employment opportunities in accordance with the Ontario Human Rights Code. We will provide reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities throughout the recruitment and selection process, in accordance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). If you require accommodation during the recruitment process, please notify Human Resources, and we will work with you to meet your accessibility needs.