First Class Shipfitters

Company: LEAD Marine

Location: Newport News, VA

Job Type: Full-Time

Shift: 1st Shift or 2nd Shift Available

Compensation: Competitive Hourly Rate (Per Diem available for those who qualify)
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Job Description

LEAD Marine is currently seeking experienced, First Class Journeymen Shipfitters for upcoming opportunities supporting major naval shipbuilding and repair operations. This role involves executing structural fabrications, assembly, and installations onboard naval vessels in a demanding, safety-first shipyard environment.

Please note: Candidates must have their experience documented on the "Advanced Shipfitter Summary Sheet" prior to arrival on-site.
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Core Responsibilities

1. Structural Fabrication & Assembly: Erect, set, and make up complex-shaped shell plates, decks, bulkheads, longitudinals, and trunks. Install and replace hull inserts, penetrations, and miscellaneous complex foundations.
2. Blueprint & Drawing Interpretation: Read, layout, and plan work packages utilizing complex structural assembly drawings, blueprints, sketches, molded lines, and ship reference lines, including comprehensive knowledge of NAVSEA standard items, weld symbols, material types, and datum lines.
3. Layout & Scribing: Measure, lay out, mark, and scribe structures to be removed or fabricated using fractional dimensions (ruler), templates, and specifications.
4. Thermal Cutting & Gouging: Safely utilize oxy-acetylene and oxygen/propane torches for cutting, washing, and heating, as well as executing air carbon arc gouging.
5. Shift Handover: Complete daily work assignments and provide detailed status of unfinished work for seamless shift turnover.
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Required Experience & Skills
1. Experience: Minimum of 4 years of commercial or naval experience as a First Class Shipfitter.
2. Tack Welding: Proficient in multi-pass tack welding.
3. Tool Operation: Safe operation of vibratory tools (grinders and needle guns) and hand/power tools including mauls, circular/reciprocating saws, and magnetic drills.
4. Physical Fitness: Ability to work in a physically demanding environment subject to ambient temperature and humidity extremes.
5. Optional Skills (Plus): Rigging/material handling, optical instrument experience (levels, transits), shipwright setup, tank testing, or mobile equipment operation (JLG, scissor lifts).
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Practical Testing Requirements

Prior to performing work, all candidates must successfully pass practical examinations at the welding school without prior training:
1. Multi-Pass Tack Welder Qualification Test: Includes a 1-hour practice, 1-hour Vertical Up (3F) test, and 1-hour Overhead (4F) test using the SMAW process with MIL-10718-M (A-5A) filler metal.
2. Visual Inspection of Weld Level I Test: A 6-hour evaluation.
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Required Safety Training & Qualifications
Selected personnel must provide verified documentation and medical clearances on company letterhead before project assignment. All standard required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) will be provided by LEAD Marine and must meet OSHA and ANSI standards.
1. Confined Space:Trained in accordance with OSHA Standards 29 CFR 1915 Subpart B.
2. Hazard Communication: Trained per OSHA Standard 29 CFR 1915.1200.
3. Respirator Qualified: Physician-cleared medical examination, trained, and fit-tested for a negative-pressure MSA COMFO CLASSIC respirator (29 CFR 1910.134). Daily use may occur.
4. Fall Protection: Trained and qualified in 4-D body harnesses (vest-donning type preferred), vertical/horizontal lifelines, and beam clamps (29 CFR 1915.159). Must be compatible with leading-edge compliant SRLs and rope grabs.
5. Hearing & Audiometric Testing: Documented proof of a valid audiometric hearing function test explained by the testing firm (29 CFR 1910.95).
6. Hexavalent Chromium: Medical examination and clearance.
7. Specific PPE Requirements:
A. Non-prescription/prescription safety glasses meeting ANSI Z87 with permanently attached side shields.
B. White hard hat with the provider and individual's last name clearly displayed on the front. Welders must utilize Fiber Metal Type 1 Class C or MSA Skullgard Class A hard hats only.
C. Muff-type hearing protection (banded or mounted).
D. 8" safety boots or leather safety shoes with spats.
E. Flame-resistant, long-sleeve coveralls, a full welding jacket, and a leather welding shield bib.

Benefits:
Health insurance
Paid holidays
Paid sick leave

Please contact Aaron at 951 906 5210 or email at ataylor@leadstaff.com

*The benefits listed above are subject to eligibility requirements*

To see a list of more available jobs, please visit www.leadstaff.com/jobs/

About LEAD Staffing

Lead Staffing, established in 2010, specializes in Construction, Industrial and Marine Staffing of Skilled Tradespeople throughout the United States of America. Our goal is to work with regional and national contractors that share our commitment towards safety and to provide long term rewarding work assignments for our valued employees.

LEAD is proud to be an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer.

LEAD is committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where employment opportunities are available to all applicants and teammates without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy (including childbirth, lactation and related medical conditions), national origin, age, physical and mental disability, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information (including characteristics and testing), military and veteran status, and any other characteristic protected by applicable law. We believe that diversity and inclusion among our teammates is critical to our success as a growing national company, and we seek to recruit, develop and retain the most talented people from a diverse candidate pool.