DOD Shipfitter Foreman

Job description

Position summary
The Shipfitter Foreman leads a crew of shipfitters who lay out, fit, align and tack structural steel and aluminum components on U.S. Navy and other Department of Defense (DoD) vessels. The role owns crew safety, schedule, dimensional accuracy and compliance with NAVSEA structural requirements, from unit and module construction through erection, overhaul and repair.

Key responsibilities
The foreman's core job is to get structure fitted safely, on schedule and to dimension, so welders and follow-on trades can work without rework.

Crew leadership and planning

• Assign daily work to shipfitters, tackers, apprentices and helpers based on work packages, skill level and priority.
• Hold daily toolbox talks on the day's work, rigging plans, hot work and confined space hazards.
• Track crew labor hours, attendance and progress against the build or repair schedule; report status to the general foreman.
• Coordinate with welders, burners, riggers, crane operators, electricians and pipefitters to sequence work and avoid interference.
• 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 structural drawings, ship construction drawings, nesting sheets, work instructions and weld symbols.
• Direct layout of frames, bulkheads, decks, shell plating, foundations and penetrations using frame lines, waterlines and buttock lines.
• Direct fit-up, alignment and tacking of plates, stiffeners, subassemblies, units and modules.
• Oversee erection and joining of blocks and modules on the ways or in dry dock, including rigging and crane lifts.
• Control distortion and dimensional accuracy using levels, transits, lasers, plumb lines, strongbacks and jacks.
• Oversee cutting, burning, gouging and grinding to prepare joints and remove temporary attachments.
• Direct installation of foundations, ladders, hatches, doors, closures and outfitting supports.
• On repair work, direct removal and replacement of deteriorated structure, access cuts and restoration.

Quality and compliance

• Ensure work meets NAVSEA standards, contract specifications, and approved drawings and procedures.
• Verify fit-up gaps, alignment and joint prep before welding; correct out-of-tolerance work.
• Coordinate with Quality Assurance, NDT inspectors and the Navy's Supervisor of Shipbuilding (SUPSHIP) or Regional Maintenance Center for inspections and check points.
• Ensure correct use and traceability of controlled material (e.g., HY-80/100, HSLA steels) where applicable, including Level I / SUBSAFE work.
• Complete and close out work documentation, inspection records and Condition Found Reports accurately and on time.
• Safety and security
• Enforce OSHA 29 CFR 1915 (shipyard employment) requirements for the crew.
• Ensure safe hot work, fire watch, confined space entry and gas-free certification before work begins.
• Enforce safe rigging, lifting, fall protection and scaffold use.
• Ensure proper PPE, ventilation and fume controls.
• 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 structural shipfitter, including new construction or repair on military or commercial vessels.
• 1-2+ years leading a crew as a lead person, leadman or foreman.
• Ability to read and interpret structural ship drawings, blueprints, weld symbols and work instructions.
• Strong layout skills, including shipbuilding reference lines, shop math and geometry.
• Hands-on skill with fitting tools: levels, transits or lasers, come-alongs, jacks, wedges and dogs.
• Qualified to tack weld and to use oxy-fuel and plasma cutting equipment and air-arc gouging.
• Working knowledge of OSHA 1915 hot work, confined space, rigging and fall protection requirements.
• 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 shipfitter apprenticeship (shipyard, union, or Department of Labor registered program).
• U.S. Navy Hull Maintenance Technician (HT) or similar structural repair background.
• Experience on specific hull types (e.g., DDG, LHD/LHA, LPD, CVN, submarines) or Navy repair availabilities.
• Experience with HY-80/100, HSLA and aluminum structure, and related distortion and preheat controls.
• Knowledge of NAVSEA Technical Publication T9074-AS-GIB-010/271 (NDT requirements) and MIL-STD-1689 (fabrication, welding and inspection).
• Experience with SUBSAFE, Level I, or other controlled-work programs.
• Familiarity with the Navy Joint Fleet Maintenance Manual (JFMM) and NAVSEA Standard Items.
• Welding qualifications to MIL-STD-248 or AWS D1.1 / D1.2.
• OSHA 30-Hour (Maritime) certification and qualified rigger or signal person credentials.
• Competent Person training for confined space and gas-free requirements.