1st Class Shipfitter

MILLS MARINE & SHIP REPAIR•Newport News, VA

4d•Onsite

About The Position

Mills Marine is seeking a skilled and motivated Ship Fitter to support structural repair, modernization, and fabrication of vessels in the Norfolk, Virginia area and surrounding Hampton Roads shipyards. The role involves working onboard ships, in drydocks, and in fabrication shops to remove, fabricate, and install structural marine components using blueprints and trade tools. The position is full-time and reports to the Contract Supervisor.

Requirements

Ability to read and write effectively.
High school diploma or equivalent.
Ability to obtain all required shipyard access credentials.
Proven, hands-on experience as a ship fitter in a marine or shipyard repair environment.
Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
Proficiency reading a tape measure for precise plate layout, template fabrication, squaring plates, and installing perpendiculars and foundations onboard vessels.
Demonstrated proficiency using oxy-fuel or propane torches to burn, heat, and cut ferrous and non-ferrous metals safely.
Ability to perform multi-pass tack welding to hold structural components in place before final welding.
Ability to read, interpret, and work accurately from complex structural drawings, blueprints, sketches, and NAVSEA weld symbols.
Ability to stand, walk, bend, kneel, climb, and work for extended periods.
Ability to lift and carry up to 60 pounds.
Willingness to work in a waterfront environment with extreme temperature variations and high-noise construction areas.
Ability to work in confined spaces and elevated locations.
Ability to work 8–12-hour shifts and 5–7 days per week, including overtime as needed.
Ability to pass a background check to obtain a DBIDS badge or NAVSTA access for naval base and local shipyard entry.
Successful completion of a pre-employment drug screening and required physical examination and respirator fit testing.
Subject to random drug and alcohol testing.
Background check includes verification of the past seven years of employment history.

Nice To Haves

OSHA Maritime, CPR/First Aid, or other applicable certifications.

Responsibilities

Fabricate, assemble, install, and repair structural components of marine vessels.
Read and interpret shipbuilding blueprints, structural drawings, sketches, work packages, welding symbols, and specifications.
Lay out reference points, centerlines, frame lines, cut lines, and assembly locations using measuring instruments, templates, and hand tools.
Measure, cut, bevel, grind, shape, and prepare steel or aluminum plates, beams, stiffeners, and other structural materials.
Fit and assemble hull sections, bulkheads, decks, frames, foundations, brackets, doors, hatches, and related structural components.
Position and align components using jacks, wedges, chain falls, come-alongs, clamps, hoists, and other material-handling equipment.
Tack-weld or temporarily secure components to enable accurate final welding.
Operate cutting torches, plasma cutters, grinders, drills, saws, and common hand and power tools.
Check fit-up, dimensions, tolerances, gaps, alignment, and workmanship against drawings and quality requirements.
Identify improperly fitted or damaged components and complete adjustments or repairs as directed.
Assist riggers and crane operators with moving, positioning, and securing large structural assemblies.
Coordinate with welders, pipefitters, electricians, riggers, inspectors, and other shipyard trades.
Ensure work complies with NAVSEA standards, OSHA regulations, and company safety policies.
Maintain accountability for assigned tools, equipment, and materials.
Work safely in confined spaces, elevated areas, and aboard vessels under construction or repair.
Coordinate work activities with supervisors, production teams, and other trades to meet project schedules.
Complete required documentation and quality control inspections.
Test, repair, and stage cables in the shop for use on submarines and military vessels.