DOD Electrical Foreman

Job description

Position summary
The Electrical Foreman leads a crew of shipboard electricians installing, testing and repairing electrical systems on U.S. Navy and other Department of Defense (DoD) vessels. The role owns crew safety, schedule, quality and compliance with NAVSEA technical requirements for its assigned work packages, from new construction through overhaul and repair availabilities.

Key responsibilities
The foreman's core job is to get electrical work done safely, on schedule and right the first time, under Navy technical and quality requirements.

Crew leadership and planning

• Assign daily work to electricians, apprentices and helpers based on work packages, skill level and priority.
• Hold daily toolbox talks covering the day's work, hazards, and lockout/tagout boundaries.
• Track crew labor hours, attendance and progress against the schedule; report status to the general foreman.
• Coordinate with pipefitters, shipfitters, welders, insulators and paint crews to sequence work and avoid rework.
• Train, mentor and evaluate crew members; support apprenticeship and qualification programs.
• Enforce company policies, collective bargaining agreement terms (where applicable) and progressive discipline.

Technical execution

• Read and interpret shipboard electrical drawings, wiring diagrams, cable block diagrams, and work instructions.
• Direct installation of cable ways, hangers, penetrations, stuffing tubes and multi-cable transits.
• Direct cable pulling, termination, splicing and connection of power, lighting, interior communications and control circuits.
• Oversee installation and connection of switchboards, load centers, panels, motor controllers, transformers and lighting fixtures.
• Oversee testing: insulation resistance (megger), continuity, polarity, grounding and operational tests.
• Support system light-off, dock trials and sea trials as required.
• Troubleshoot electrical faults on AC and DC shipboard power systems (typically 450 VAC / 60 Hz, 120 VAC and 400 Hz).

Quality and compliance

• Ensure work meets NAVSEA standards, contract specifications, and approved drawings and procedures.
• Coordinate with Quality Assurance and the Navy's Supervisor of Shipbuilding (SUPSHIP) or Regional Maintenance Center for inspections and check points.
• Ensure correct use of controlled and Level I / SUBSAFE material where applicable, including traceability documentation.
• Complete and close out work documentation, test records and Condition Found Reports accurately and on time.

Safety and security

• Enforce OSHA 29 CFR 1915 (shipyard employment) and NFPA 70E electrical safety requirements.
• Manage tag-out under the ship's and shipyard's tag-out program; verify zero energy before work starts.
• Ensure proper PPE, confined space, fire watch, and hot work practices for the crew.
• Investigate and report incidents and near-misses; carry out corrective actions.
• Protect controlled and classified information per DoD and facility security rules.

Required qualifications

• High school diploma or GED.
• 5+ years as a marine or shipboard electrician, including new construction or repair on military vessels.
• 1-2+ years leading a crew as a lead person, leadman or foreman.
• Strong knowledge of shipboard power distribution, lighting, and interior communication systems.
• Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics, ship drawings, and NAVSEA technical documents.
• Working knowledge of OSHA 1915 and NFPA 70E, and lockout/tagout practices.
• Skilled with electrical test equipment: multimeters, megohmmeters, clamp meters and continuity testers.
• Basic computer skills for timekeeping, work orders and email (e.g., Microsoft Office, shipyard ERP systems).
• Clear written and verbal communication; able to brief crews and write accurate reports.
• Must be a U.S. citizen and able to obtain and keep the required security clearance and shipyard/base access (see below).

Preferred qualifications

• Completed electrical apprenticeship (shipyard, union, or Department of Labor registered program).
• State journeyman or master electrician license.
• U.S. Navy Electrician's Mate (EM), Interior Communications Electrician (IC) or Electronics Technician (ET) background.
• Experience on specific hull types (e.g., DDG, LHD/LHA, LPD, CVN, submarines) or Navy repair availabilities.
• Knowledge of MIL-STD-2003 (shipboard electrical installation) and related NAVSEA technical publications.
• Experience with SUBSAFE, Level I, or other controlled-work programs.
• Familiarity with the Navy Joint Fleet Maintenance Manual (JFMM) and NAVSEA Standard Items.
• OSHA 30-Hour (Maritime or General Industry) certification.
• Competent Person or Gas-Free Engineer awareness training for confined spaces.
• Associate degree or technical certificate in electrical technology.