Shipfitter J4 – Norfolk, VA

Nationwide Skilled Trades is seeking experienced Shipfitters J4 for shipyard work in Norfolk, VA.

This is an excellent opportunity for experienced shipfitters with strong blueprint, layout, fabrication, and structural assembly skills to work in a professional shipbuilding environment.

Position Details

• Position: Shipfitter J4
• Location: Norfolk, VA
• Shift: 1st or 2nd Shift
• 1st Shift: 6:00 AM – 2:45 PM with 45-minute lunch
• 2nd Shift: 3:00 PM – 11:00 PM with 30-minute paid lunch
• Local Candidates Only

Job Responsibilities

The Shipfitter J4 will be responsible for planning and completing shipfitting work with minimal supervision while maintaining quality and safety standards.

Responsibilities include:

• Reading and interpreting shipbuilding blueprints and drawings
• Planning and laying out plates, pipes, structural shapes, and foundations
• Performing flat layouts and complex layouts involving projection and compound angles
• Understanding shipboard nomenclature and locating structures in relation to frames, longitudinal stringers, centerlines, and other reference points
• Reading and applying welding symbols to prepare materials for welding
• Performing tack welding and burning
• Cutting and fitting structural steel, plate, pipe, and angle
• Using power tools and fabrication equipment including:
  • Grinders
  • Shears
  • Saws
  • Presses
  • Drill presses
• Fabricating templates for ship structure installation and fabrication
• Assembling foundations, deck houses, and specialized ship structures
• Performing structural fitting and alignment
• Maintaining a clean, organized, and safe work area
• Following applicable shipyard safety procedures, standard items, and 5S practices
• Completing assigned work with little to no supervision

J4-Level Qualifications

Candidates should be able to independently:

• Plan and complete shipfitting assignments using blueprints
• Perform complex structural layouts
• Interpret weld symbols
• Lay out and fabricate plates, pipes, angles, and structural shapes
• Make templates for fabrication and installation
• Assemble foundations, deck houses, and specialized ship structures
• Tack weld and burn
• Safely operate applicable hand and power tools
• Navigate shipboard environments and understand ship-related nomenclature
• Work efficiently with minimal supervision

Experience at Other Journeyman Levels

Candidates with J1–J3 experience may also be considered for appropriate openings based on their skill level.

J3: Able to work with little supervision, read blueprints and weld symbols, perform layout and assembly of bulkheads, foundations, handrails and subassemblies, tack weld and burn, and operate grinders, saws, and shears.

J2: Able to lay out and cut basic angle, pipe, and plate foundations; tack weld and burn; operate shears, drill presses, and saws; and understand blueprints.

J1: Able to assist with basic layout and assembly of angle, pipe, and plate foundations under supervision and operate basic fabrication equipment with guidance.

Required Qualifications

• Shipfitting experience appropriate to the journeyman level
• Strong blueprint-reading ability
• Knowledge of shipboard structural layout
• Ability to interpret welding symbols
• Experience with structural steel, plate, pipe, and angle
• Experience using hand and power tools
• Ability to tack weld and burn
• Ability to work aboard vessels
• Ability to work in confined and tight shipboard spaces
• Ability to obtain and maintain DBIDS and NAVSEA access/badges
• Must be able to work safely in an active shipyard environment
• Local candidates only

Physical Requirements

Candidates must be able to:

• Work aboard vessels
• Climb ladders and work at heights
• Walk extensively throughout shipyard and vessel areas
• Work on scaffolding
• Crawl, crouch, kneel, stoop, bend, and reach
• Stand and walk for extended periods
• Lift and carry tools and materials weighing up to 50 lbs. frequently
• Push and pull equipment/materials
• Work in confined spaces
• Work in varying temperatures and industrial conditions
• Wear required PPE
• Maintain the visual acuity, hearing, dexterity, and coordination necessary to perform skilled shipfitting work

Safety & Work Environment

Shipfitters will work in an industrial shipyard environment where duties may involve:

• Welding and burning operations
• Grinding and cutting
• Heavy structural components
• Elevated work
• Confined spaces
• Tight shipboard compartments
• Noise, dust, fumes, and vibration
• Hot and cold weather conditions

All work must be performed in accordance with established safety procedures and applicable shipyard requirements.

Apply Today

If you are an experienced Shipfitter J1–J4 with shipyard experience and strong structural fitting, blueprint, layout, and fabrication skills, Nationwide Skilled Trades wants to hear from you.

Apply today for consideration for Shipfitter opportunities in Norfolk, VA or call 757-963-2211 for more information.