Shipbuilding Project/Task Supervisor

General Dynamics Information Technology•Norfolk, VA

1d•Onsite

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. Supervisor / Pipefitter Subject Matter Expert (SME) 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
Supervisory experience
Experienced shipboard pipefitter
Ability to expertly route piping in confined spaces
Ability to interpret complex technical documentation
Ability to mentor junior personnel
Expert understanding of joining methods—including welding, brazing, and mechanical joining of copper-nickel, stainless steel, and steel piping
Ability to interpret and apply Navy and shipyard piping standards and documentation
Familiarity with NAVSEA drawings and system diagrams, Navy/shipbuilder standards and specifications, work packages, technical manuals, and shipcheck data
Familiarity with GSO Section 505 (General Requirements for Piping / Piping Systems)
Familiarity with GSO Section 512 (HVAC)
Familiarity with GSO Section 528 (Plumbing Drains, Plumbing Vent and Deck Drains)
Familiarity with GSO Section 551 (Compressed Air System)
Familiarity with NSTM Chapter 510 (applicable piping/engineering guidance)
Familiarity with NSTM Chapter 532 (Liquid Cooling System for Electronic Equipment)
Familiarity with MIL-STD-777F(SH) and MIL-STD-1689A
Familiarity with NAVSEA Standard Item 009-095 and other related standard items
Strong understanding of quality assurance requirements, inspection processes, and system turnover documentation
Ability to collaborate with Engineering and Planning departments
Ability to interface with Navy representatives
Clear, professional communication skills
Ability to explain technical decisions in understandable terms
Familiarity with hot work protocols
Familiarity with confined space entry requirements
Familiarity with fall protection
Familiarity with shipyard safety rules
Ability to work in confined spaces, hot work areas, and elevated work locations
Ability to work aboard ships and in shipyard environments that may be hot, cold, noisy, and physically demanding
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
US Citizenship Required

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.
Expertly route piping in confined spaces, interpret complex technical documentation, and mentor junior personnel.
Provide hands-on leadership and practical guidance to ensure systems are installed and maintained correctly, safely, and efficiently.
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.
Select appropriate materials and techniques for nitrogen and chilled water services based on expert understanding of joining methods (welding, brazing, mechanical joining of copper-nickel, stainless steel, and steel piping).
Lead 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 compliance with color coding, labeling, and marking standards for nitrogen systems.
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 for ECW and chilled water systems.
Ensure 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.
Navigate ladders, vertical passages between decks, and tight compartments; lift and carry materials and equipment; and work in kneeling, crouching, or awkward positions for extended periods.