Helper in Hampton, Virginia at Advex Corporation

Location - 41 Research Dr. Hampton, VA 23666
Employment Type - Full-Time
Work Schedule - (4) 10-hour work schedule, Monday - Thursday

The Light Fabrication Helper supports daily manufacturing operations by assisting skilled fabricators, fitters, and welders with material handling, part preparation, basic tool use, housekeeping, and other production tasks. This entry-level role is intended for an individual who is dependable, safety-minded, and ready to develop practical fabrication skills in a defense manufacturing environment.

Job Description:

The Light Fabrication Helper serves as a hands-on member of the Light Fabrication team supporting the manufacture and assembly of sheet-metal and light-fabricated components. Under direct supervision, the helper stages materials, prepares parts, assists with fitting, welding, and assembly activities, maintains tools and work areas, and follows applicable drawings, work instructions, material traceability, quality, safety, and security requirements. This role supports production workflow while learning the fundamentals of industrial fabrication.

Key Responsibilities:

• Assist with basic fabrication and part-preparation tasks, including drilling, grinding, deburring, sanding, cleaning, edge preparation, and assembly, as trained and directed
• Load, unload, move, and stage sheet metal, components, tools, and supplies using approved material-handling methods and equipment
• Position, hold, align, and clamp parts or fixtures to support fitting, welding, and assembly operations
• Use basic hand tools, portable power tools, measuring tools, and shop equipment only after receiving the required instruction and authorization
• Read a tape measure, apply basic shop math, and follow basic drawings, travelers, work instructions, and verbal direction applicable to assigned tasks
• Preserve material and part identification and immediately report missing, damaged, or questionable markings to the appropriate supervisor
• Inspect tools and equipment before use, report unsafe or damaged items, and return tools and supplies to their designated locations
• Assist with protecting, packaging, and moving completed or in-process components to prevent damage and maintain workflow
• Maintain good housekeeping, foreign-object-debris control, aisle clearance, and proper separation and disposal of scrap and waste materials
• Follow all safety, quality, security, personal protective equipment, lifting, rigging, hot-work, and equipment-control requirements; report concerns or discrepancies before proceeding

Qualifications & Skills

Required Qualifications:

• High school diploma, GED, or an equivalent combination of education and work experience
• No previous fabrication experience is required; the ability and willingness to learn in a hands-on manufacturing environment are essential
• Basic math skills, including addition, subtraction, fractions, and decimals, with the ability to learn to read a tape measure to 1/16 inch
• Ability to follow written and verbal instructions, established work procedures, and safety requirements and to learn the proper use of basic hand and portable power tools
• Dependable attendance, punctuality, willingness to work the assigned schedule and required overtime, and ability to work cooperatively with production personnel

Preferred Qualifications:

• Previous experience in fabrication, sheet-metal work, welding support, shipbuilding, industrial manufacturing, construction, or a related hands-on environment
• Vocational, technical-school, apprenticeship-readiness, or military training related to manufacturing or the skilled trades

Skills:

• Safety awareness and consistent compliance with established controls
• Attention to detail and commitment to quality
• Clear communication and ability to work effectively as part of a team
• Dependability, urgency, and personal accountability
• Coachability and willingness to steadily develop trade skills

Employment Eligibility Requirements:

• Must be authorized to work in the United States
• Ability to obtain and maintain required customer and facility access, including any security clearance required for assigned work
• Successful completion of pre-employment screening requirements

Physical Demands:

• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods and frequently bend, stoop, crouch, kneel, reach, grasp, push, and pull
• Ability to regularly lift and carry materials, tools, and components weighing up to 50 pounds and use team lifting or mechanical assistance for heavier or awkward items
• Ability to safely handle tools and materials, read measurements, and wear required personal protective equipment, with or without reasonable accommodation

Work Environment:

This position operates within an active fabrication and manufacturing environment that may include exposure to noise, dust, metal particles, welding fumes, sparks, hot-work activity, sharp edges, moving equipment, and varying temperatures. The role requires strict adherence to safety protocols and use of appropriate personal protective equipment at all times.

Benefits:

• Competitive Pay
• Flexible Scheduling
• Three (3) Weeks Paid Vacation to Start, after completion of 60-day probationary period
• Seven (7) Annual Paid Holidays
• 401(k) Retirement Plan with Company Match
• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• Life Insurance (Employee, Spouse, and Child Offerings)
• Short-Term and Long-Term Disability Coverage
• Health Savings Account (HSA)
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Employee Referral Bonus Program

Why Advex Corporation

At Advex, every employee plays an integral role in manufacturing mission critical products in support of the defense industry and its suppliers. Our team is committed to delivering exceptional quality while fostering a safe, supportive, and inclusive work environment.

Every day we strive to not only meet, but exceed, customer expectations through exceptional craftsmanship and service. We take pride in the quality of our work, reliability, and commitment to exceeding customer expectations. As a critical supplier for the Defense Industrial Base, we are seeking talented individuals to become part of our team and live these values. If you are looking for a stable environment that will value your knowledge and challenge your capabilities, Advex has a position for you. We offer competitive salaries, a comprehensive benefits package, and a collaborative company culture that values innovation, teamwork, and professional growth.

At Advex, it's more than just a job, it's an opportunity to contribute to meaningful work that makes an impact.

About Advex Corporation

Advex Corporation, based in Hampton, Virginia, is one of the premier metal fabrication companies on the East Coast. We specialize in machining, fabrication, and welding components for aircraft carriers, submarines, and other marine applications. Founded in 1969, Advex Corporation has built a legacy of excellence in manufacturing for the defense industry. Our commitment to quality, precision, and teamwork has made us a trusted partner in the defense industry for over 50 years.

The Advex customer base includes manufacturing for HII-NNS, General Dynamics Electric Boat, BAE Systems, NASA and direct-to-Government Department of Defense (DoD) facilities.

Advex divisions include Machining, Light Fabrication, Heavy Fabrication, Marine & Industrial, and Non-destructive Testing (NDT). Specialties include Weldment Manufacture with Precision Machining, Precision Welding and Fabrication, Heavy Manufacturing to Thirty Tons, Light Metal (Sheet Metal) Manufacturing, and Non-destructive Testing (NDT) utilizing these methods - Visual Testing (VT), Radiographic Testing (RT), Magnetic Particle Testing (MT), Liquid Penetrant Testing (PT) and Ultrasonic Testing (UT) available on-site and off-site.