Shipfitter

BAE Systems • Norfolk, VA

4d • $29 - $35

About The Position

A shipfitter contributes to structural phases of ship hull construction, including fitting, fabricating, assembling, and aligning ship structures. In the Plate shop, the role requires developing knowledge of shipfitting skills, functional processes, equipment, protective gear, and machinery, and the ability to complete tasks with minimal assistance. Some tasks may be performed with assistance rather than independently.

The work includes basic plate cutting and burning, plate alignment and fitting, preparing edges and surfaces, interpreting basic blueprints and sketches, performing layouts, and learning grinding and tack welding. Shipfitters also lay out and create temporary access cuts and inserts, inspect tanks and document their condition, assist with tank and related tests, install and level prefabricated foundations, and use portable plasma arc equipment for cutting ferrous and nonferrous metals. The position also involves basic fabrication and other shipfitting tasks as assigned.

The mechanic must develop an understanding of naval vessel compartments, numbering systems, and terminology for CG, DDG, and LHD ships. A government access badge is required. Compensation is listed at $29.00–$35.00 per hour ($60,320–$72,800 annually); actual compensation may vary, and wages and union benefits are governed by the applicable Collective Bargaining Agreement. The position offers benefits generally including health, dental, and vision insurance, health savings accounts, a 401(k) savings plan, disability coverage, life and accident insurance, an employee assistance program, a legal plan, discounts, paid time off, paid holidays, and other leave. Recognition awards and other incentives may also be available.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED.
• 3–5 years of relevant experience.
• Developing understanding of naval vessel compartments, number systems, and terminology for CG, DDG, and LHD ships.
• Ability to read, write, and comprehend simple instructions and follow written, oral, or diagram-based directions using common sense.
• Ability to calculate and understand units of measure, including fractions and decimals.
• Ability to measure using a scale and tape measure.
• Ability to wear standard personal protective equipment and use a basic shipfitting tool list.
• Basic knowledge of burning and torch hookup/lighting.
• Knowledge of steel, copper nickel, aluminum, and stainless steel plating materials.
• Basic ability to read and interpret blueprints and sketches and perform layouts.
• Basic knowledge of tank testing, relevant ISO testing procedures and policies, tank blanking, test locations, and test-rig setup.
• Knowledge of framing squares and leveling tools.
• Must be able to obtain a government access badge.

Nice To Haves

• 5–8 years of relevant experience.
• Preferred tack welding certification.
• Weld certification.
• Ultrasonic Impact Testing (UIT Treatment) certification.
• Carbon steel certification.
• Passing grade on a breaking test.
• Certification in shielded metal arc welding (SMAW), also known as manual metal arc welding (MMA/MMAW) or stick welding.
• Certification in flux-cored arc welding (FCAW/FCA).

Responsibilities

• Complete basic plate-cutting jobs and perform basic burning tasks.
• Align and fit plates, ensure adequate backing, prepare edges and surfaces, and secure alignment using wedges and dogs.
• Read, understand, and interpret basic blueprints, sketches, and drawings to perform tasks and layouts.
• Learn grinding through training and learn tack welding through the welding school.
• Lay out inserts, TAOs, ripouts, and temporary access cuts; assess completed access cutting and beveling.
• Inspect tanks and document their current status.
• Assist with tank, rudder, bilge keel, air test keg, and air test high-hat testing; prepare tanks and test rigs in accordance with applicable ISO procedures.
• Install prefabricated foundations, identify installation locations from drawings, level foundations to requirements, and set them perpendicular or parallel to the baseline.
• Use portable plasma arc equipment for basic cutting, ripout, and installation work.
• Set up and perform shipfitting tasks as assigned.

Benefits

• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• Health savings accounts
• 401(k) savings plan
• Disability coverage
• Life and accident insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Legal plan
• Discounts on home, auto, and pet insurance
• Paid time off
• Paid holidays
• Other leave, which may include military, bereavement, and applicable federal and state sick leave
• Company recognition program with monetary or non-monetary awards
• Other incentives may be available based on position level or job specifics

What This Job Offers

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