Production Trades Assistant - SDCA - San Diego, CA

Military Spouse Corporate Career Network • San Diego, CA

9d • Onsite

About The Position

This role supports skilled trades such as welders, fabricators, electricians, pipefitters, mechanics, and painters by preparing tools, materials, and work areas. The Production Trades Assistant performs basic fabrication and prep tasks, supports mechanical and piping work, assists with electrical tasks, and helps with hull and structural work. The position requires a willingness to cross-craft and support multiple trade departments as needed. Responsibilities include setting up and breaking down workstations, inspecting tools and equipment, performing basic maintenance on hand tools, and ensuring proper storage of tools and equipment. The role also involves maintaining housekeeping standards, conserving consumables, supporting containment setup, and assisting with scaffolding. Safely boarding vessels, assisting with shipboard access setup, supporting confined-space entry procedures, and helping with the removal, installation, and alignment of ship components are also key duties. The Production Trades Assistant must complete daily work assignments, communicate issues to supervisors, and work effectively as part of a team. The role involves on-the-job training and active participation in craft cross-training, with an emphasis on learning and seeking clarification.

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
• 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.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED