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. 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
• Expertise in shipboard piping systems (ECW, chilled water, nitrogen)
• Ability to route piping in confined spaces
• Ability to interpret complex technical documentation
• Experience with joining methods: welding, brazing, and mechanical joining of copper-nickel, stainless steel, and steel piping
• Familiarity with NAVSEA drawings and system diagrams
• Familiarity with Navy/shipbuilder standards and specifications
• Familiarity with work packages, technical manuals, and shipcheck data
• Understanding of GSO Section 505, 512, 528, 551
• Understanding of NSTM Chapter 510 and 532
• Understanding of MIL-STD-777F(SH) and MIL-STD-1689A
• Understanding of 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 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.
• Lead installation, modification, and repair activities in shipboard and shipyard environments, ensuring adherence to Navy technical requirements, shipyard procedures, quality standards, and safety protocols.
• 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.
• 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.
• Select appropriate materials and techniques for nitrogen and chilled water services based on expert understanding of joining methods (welding, brazing, mechanical joining).
• 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 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 ensure 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.
• Interpret and apply Navy and shipyard piping standards and documentation, including NAVSEA drawings, system diagrams, Navy/shipbuilder standards and specifications, work packages, technical manuals, and shipcheck data.
• Ensure 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 piping systems meet 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 proper PPE, permits, and procedures are followed.
• Occasional overtime, shift work, and weekend work may be required to support ship schedules and milestone dates.

Benefits

• Comprehensive benefits and wellness packages
• 401K with company match
• Competitive pay
• Paid time off
• 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

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: Associate degree