Description:
Location: Middlesbrough, UK
Client / Sector: Shipbuilding Company (Marine & Industrial Projects)
Contract Duration: Minimum 12 months (long-term contract with strong likelihood of extension)
Employment Type: Contract
Start Date: Immediate / ASAP (subject to availability and site clearance) Working Hours: Typically 40–50 hours per week (overtime frequently available)
About the Role
We are recruiting experienced Pipe Fitters for a leading shipbuilding company based in Middlesbrough (Teesside). This is a key contract role supporting the fabrication, installation, and outfitting of piping systems on commercial vessels, offshore structures, and associated marine/industrial projects. The work primarily involves welded pipe joints and supporting fabrication tasks in a busy shipyard environment.
Key Responsibilities
- Fabricate, install, assemble, test, and maintain marine and industrial pipework systems, focusing on welded joints.
- Carry out welding on pipe joints up to DN300 (nominal diameter 300mm / approx. 12 inches) – only basic welding required (e.g., tacking, setting up, simple fillet welds; no advanced / coded welding expected unless additionally qualified).
- Read and interpret marine/isometric drawings, P&IDs, spool drawings, and shipyard specifications.
- Measure, cut, prepare, thread (where required), bend, align, and fit pipes and fittings ready for welding or mechanical connection.
- Perform general fabrication of pipe supports, brackets, hangers, ladders, and other steelwork to secure pipe runs on board vessels.
- Install valves, strainers, flanges, expansion joints, and marine-specific fittings.
- Work safely at height, in confined spaces, and on-board vessels under construction or repair.
- Ensure compliance with shipyard health & safety standards, Class Society rules, and project quality requirements.
- Carry out visual inspections, alignment checks, and basic pressure/ leak testing as directed.
- Maintain good housekeeping and contribute to a safe working environment in the shipyard.
Requirements / Essential Qualifications & Experience
- Proven experience as a Pipe Fitter in heavy industrial, process, or fabrication environments.
- Hands-on experience installing and working with welded pipe joints up to DN300.
- Competence in basic welding tasks on carbon steel (and ideally stainless) pipework.
- Ability to read and work accurately from detailed engineering and piping drawings.
- Experience in general fabrication of brackets, supports, and structural items.
- Valid CSCS card (Blue Skilled or Gold highly preferred) or equivalent.
- CCNSG / ECITB Safety Passport or similar shipyard induction (often provided on-site).
- Right to work in the UK.
- Physically fit, reliable, safety-focused, and able to work productively in a team.
Highly Desirable (Preferred but not Essential)
- Previous experience in shipbuilding, ship repair, marine outfitting, or offshore fabrication.
- Familiarity with marine piping standards (e.g., Class requirements, IMO regulations).
- NVQ Level 2/3 in Pipefitting, Fabrication, or Mechanical Engineering.
- Additional tickets: IPAF (3a/3b), PASMA, Confined Space, Working at Height, or similar.
What We Offer
- Competitive contract rates
- Minimum 12-month contract with excellent prospects for long-term work in the shipyard.
- Opportunity to work on high-profile marine projects in the Teesside region.
- Full PPE, site inductions, and necessary training provided.