Shipbuilding Project/Task Supervisor
About The Position
This is not an office position, it is a waterfront shipboard construction and re-modernization position, working directly in shipyards and drydocks onboard U.S. Naval ships. The incumbent will be exposed to varying temperatures of heat in the summer and cold in the winter. The Supervisor / Pipefitter Subject Matter Expert (SME) will serve as the primary technical authority for shipboard piping systems supporting Electronic Cooling Water (ECW), chilled water, and nitrogen (N₂) services on U.S. Naval vessels. This role is responsible for leading installation, modification, and repair activities in shipboard and shipyard environments, while ensuring strict adherence to Navy technical requirements, shipyard procedures, quality standards, and safety protocols. The ideal candidate is an experienced shipboard pipefitter and working supervisor who can expertly route piping in confined spaces, interpret complex technical documentation, and mentor junior personnel. You will work at the intersection of engineering, production, and quality assurance, providing hands-on leadership and practical guidance to ensure systems are installed and maintained correctly, safely, and efficiently.
Requirements
- 5 + years of related experience
- 5-8 years of related experience, including supervisory experience.
- US Citizenship Required
- Pipe Fabrication
- Piping Specifications
- Project Supervision
- Supervisory Management
- Technical Training
- Expertly route piping in confined spaces
- Interpret complex technical documentation
- Expert understanding of joining methods—including welding, brazing, and mechanical joining of copper-nickel, stainless steel, and steel piping
- Familiarity with hot work protocols, confined space entry requirements, fall protection, and shipyard safety rules
- Ability to navigate ladders, vertical passages between decks, and tight compartments
- Ability to lift and carry materials and equipment
- Ability to work in kneeling, crouching, or awkward positions for extended periods
Nice To Haves
- Bachelor’s Degree in a related business or technical discipline, or the equivalent combination of education, technical training, or work/military experience.
Responsibilities
- Serve as the primary technical authority for shipboard piping systems supporting Electronic Cooling Water (ECW), chilled water, and nitrogen (N₂) services on U.S. Naval vessels.
- Lead installation, modification, and repair activities in shipboard and shipyard environments, ensuring strict adherence to Navy technical requirements, shipyard procedures, quality standards, and safety protocols.
- Lead crews performing installation, modification, and repair work in both operational (in-service ships) and new construction or modernization environments.
- Plan and layout of piping runs, directing work in machinery spaces and electronics compartments, and making real-time decisions to resolve interferences and optimize accessibility and maintainability.
- Provide technical direction in the design and installation of shipboard pipe supports, ensuring they meet applicable standards and withstand shipboard shock, vibration, and environmental conditions.
- Oversee the execution of installation and modification projects for nitrogen (N₂) piping systems, including high- and low-pressure supply and distribution networks, manifolds, regulators, pressure-reducing stations, control valves, and service points.
- Ensure that all N₂ piping installations follow strict requirements for material compatibility, cleanliness and contamination control, and adherence to specified weld and braze procedures.
- Oversee work on main supply and return headers, branch lines to air handling units (AHUs), fan coil units, and electronic equipment coolers for ECW and chilled water systems.
- Implement modifications to isolation valves, strainers, expansion joints, and supports, and ensuring that piping is arranged to facilitate ongoing maintenance, inspection access, and operational flexibility.
- Plan and supervise system testing, flushing, and flow balancing activities to confirm that chilled water and ECW systems meet performance requirements and are ready for turnover to the customer.
- Interpret and apply Navy and shipyard piping standards and documentation, including NAVSEA drawings and system diagrams, Navy/shipbuilder standards and specifications, work packages, technical manuals, and shipcheck data.
- Ensure that all work is documented properly, from initial work authorization through test records, flushing plans, QA inspection reports, and final as-built redlines.
- Work closely with QA and Production teams to ensure that piping systems meet both customer specifications and internal standards.
- Collaborate with Engineering and Planning departments to review designs for constructability and alignment with shipboard realities.
- Identify potential installation challenges, interferences, and safety concerns early in the planning process.
- Act as a key participant in design reviews, troubleshooting discussions, and schedule coordination meetings.
- Interface with Navy representatives, including Ship’s Force personnel and Supervisors of Shipbuilding (SUPSHIP), to clarify requirements, provide progress updates, and support inspections or test events.
- Mentor junior pipefitters, mechanics, and apprentices, providing on-the-job training, coaching on standards and best practices, and guidance on working safely in shipboard environments.
- Promote and enforce safe work practices in confined spaces, hot work areas, and elevated work locations, ensuring that proper PPE, permits, and procedures are followed.
Benefits
- Comprehensive benefits and wellness packages
- 401K with company match
- Competitive pay
- Paid time off
- Variety of medical plan options, some with Health Savings Accounts
- Dental plan options
- Vision plan
- 401(k) plan offering the ability to contribute both pre and post-tax dollars up to the IRS annual limits and receive a company match.
- Full flex work weeks where possible
- Variety of paid time off plans, including vacation, sick and personal time, holidays, paid parental, military, bereavement and jury duty leave.
- Short and long-term disability benefits
- Life, accidental death and dismemberment, personal accident, critical illness and business travel and accident insurance are provided or available.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Mid Level
Education Level
Associate degree
