Production Trades Assistant - SDCA

Austal•San Diego, CA

5d•Onsite

About The Position

The Production Trades Assistant plays a crucial role in supporting skilled trades within the shipyard. This position involves preparing tools, materials, and work areas, performing basic fabrication and prep tasks, and assisting with various trade-specific duties under supervision. The role requires a strong commitment to safety, compliance, and teamwork, with opportunities for on-the-job training and cross-craft development.

Requirements

Diploma/GED
Ability to add, subtract, multiply, divide
Ability to measure using the Metric and English system
Demonstrated mechanical aptitude
The ability to understand directions and follow instructions; both oral and written
Maintain knowledge of tools and proper handling and usage.
18 years of age or older at time of application
Able to provide proof of US Person Status
No felony convictions of Theft/Deception or Violent crimes within seven years from disposition date
No felony convictions of Drug crimes within three years from disposition date
Willing to submit to a drug screen
Willing to submit to a background check

Nice To Haves

Ability to work at heights above 12’ while working from ladders, scaffolding and/or man lifts.
Ability to enter 18” x 36” openings and work in confined spaces for prolonged periods of time.

Responsibilities

Maintains safe work habits and strictly adheres to all safety policies, procedures, and PPE requirements.
Monitors the work environment for hazards and reports safety, environmental, or health deficiencies to supervision.
Follows correct construction and repair procedures in compliance with Austal USA standards, project specifications, and regulatory requirements.
Complies with Austal USA’s Equal Opportunity and Anti‑Harassment Policy and maintains professional conduct at all times.
Complies with all guidelines outlined in the Austal USA Employee Handbook.
Able to obtain and maintain required credentials for access to local Naval Bases, secure shipyard areas, and restricted waterfront facilities.
Demonstrates professionalism and compliance with military and federal regulations while working aboard government vessels or within secure environments.
Assists skilled trades (welders, fabricators, electricians, pipefitters, mechanics, painters, etc.) by preparing tools, materials, and work areas.
Performs basic fabrication and prep tasks such as grinding, cutting, beveling, cleaning, and staging components under supervision.
Supports mechanical and piping work including bolt‑up, gasket installation, pipe handling, and component positioning.
Assists with electrical tasks such as cable pulling, securing conduits, staging equipment, and labeling components.
Helps with hull and structural work by staging steel/aluminum parts, assisting with fitting, and performing minor prep work.
Displays willingness to cross‑craft and support multiple trade departments as needed.
Sets up and breaks down workstations including power sources, hoses, leads, lighting, and ventilation.
Inspects tools and equipment before use, reporting defects or unsafe conditions.
Performs basic maintenance on hand tools such as changing discs, cleaning, and lubrication.
Ensures proper storage and accountability of tools and equipment at the end of each shift.
Assists in preparing shipboard work areas, including lighting, ventilation, and safe access pathways.
Maintains housekeeping standards by keeping work areas clean, organized, and free of debris or hazards.
Conserves consumables and materials, minimizing waste.
Supports containment setup for painting, blasting, or hot‑work zones.
Assists with scaffolding or temporary platform staging within training limits.
Safely boards vessels using gangways, ladders, scaffolding, or temporary access structures while carrying tools and equipment.
Assists with shipboard access setup including ladders, gangways, lighting, and ventilation.
Supports confined‑space entry procedures, including ventilation setup and gas‑testing assistance when trained.
Helps with removal, installation, and alignment of ship components during construction or repair.
Assists with system flushing, testing, and inspections under direction.
Completes daily work assignments, including required signatures for work completion and quality verification.
Communicates material shortages, delays, or issues to supervisors or lead trades.
Able to receive and carry out verbal and written instructions clearly and accurately.
Works effectively as part of a team and within assigned roles.
Maintains communication with welders, supervisors, and safety personnel, reporting any unsafe conditions immediately.
Demonstrates ability to ensure the quality of one’s own work and seeks guidance when needed.
Learns on the job as an OJT trainee and actively participates in craft cross‑training.
Shows initiative by asking questions, seeking clarification, and volunteering for tasks that build skill and knowledge.