1st Class Shipfitter

MILLS MARINE & SHIP REPAIR LLC; Newport News (VA); On-site; USD 34,000 - 41,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

401(k) with company match

Paid vacation accrual

Life insurance

Job summary

Mills Marine & Ship Repair LLC is hiring a Ship Fitter in the Norfolk, Virginia area to support structural repair, modernization, and fabrication of vessels. You will work on ships, drydocks, and fabrication shops, utilizing blueprints and tools to remove, fabricate, and install structural components onboard.

The ideal candidate will read complex structural drawings, layout robust components, and perform tack welding for final assembly.

Qualifications

• Reads and interprets shipbuilding blueprints, drawings, and NAVSEA symbols.
• Possesses a high school diploma or equivalent and can obtain shipyard access credentials.
• Hands-onexperience as a ship fitter in marine/shipyard repair environment.
• Reads a tape measure for precise layouts and fittings.
• Proficient with oxy-fuel/propane torches for burning, heating and cutting metals.
• Able to perform multi-pass tack welding to secure components prior to final welding.

Responsibilities

• Fabricate, assemble, install, and repair structural marine components.
• Read and interpret blueprints, sketches, work packages, welding symbols, and specs.
• Layout reference points, centerlines, and assembly locations using measuring tools.
• Measure, cut, bevel, grind, and shape steel or aluminum materials.
• Fit hull sections, bulkheads, decks, frames, and foundations.
• Position and align components using hoists and clamps.
• Tack-weld or temporarily secure components for final welding.
• Operate torches, plasma cutters, grinders, drills, and saws.

Skills

Blueprint reading

Tape measurement

Welding prep

Team collaboration

Quality control

Safety protocols

Education

High School Diploma or Equivalent

Tools

Oxy-fuel torches

Plasma cutters

Grinders

Cutting torches

Job description

If you are unable to complete this application due to a disability, contact this employer to ask for an accommodation or an alternative application process.

FullTime Ship-VA6872F Newport News, VA, US

Salary Range: $25.00 To $30.00 Hourly

Position: Ship Fitter
Job Type: Full-time
Reports to: Contract Supervisor
Location: Norfolk, Va and Surrounding Hampton Roads Shipyards

Mills Marine

A growing ship repair company focused on repairing and building ships to support the Military’s Mission. We are committed to providing Safe, Quality and Process Driven services for our customers in ship new construction and repair.

Position Summary

We are seeking skilled and motivated Ship Fitter to join our team in the Norfolk, Virginia area. In this role, you will play a critical part in the structural repair, modernization, and fabrication of vessels. You will work directly onboard ships, in drydocks, and in fabrication shops, utilizing blueprints and trade tools to remove, fabricate, and install structural marine components.

What will you Do?

• Fabricate, assemble, install, and repair the 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 so that final welding can be completed accurately.
• 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 all 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 ensure project schedules are met.
• Complete required documentation and quality control inspections.
• Qualifications
• Ability to read and write effectively.
• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Ability to obtain all required shipyard access credentials
• Proven, hands‑on experience working as a ship fitter within a marine/shipyard repair environment.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Proficient at reading a tape measure to accomplish precise plate layout, template fabrication, squaring plates, and installing perpendiculars/foundations onboard vessels.
• Demonstrated proficiency using oxy‑fuel/propane torches for burning, heating, and cutting both ferrous and non‑ferrous metals safely.
• Ability to perform multi‑pass tack welding to securely hold structural components in place prior to final welding.
• Blueprint Proficiency: Ability to read, interpret, and work accurately from complex structural drawings, blueprints, sketches, and NAVSEA weld symbols.
• Test, repair and stage cables in the shop for use on submarines and military vessels.
• OSHA Maritime, CPR/First Aid, or other applicable certifications are preferred but not required.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand, walk, bend, kneel, climb, and work for extended periods.
• Lift and carry up to 60 pounds.
• Willingness to work in a demanding waterfront environment subject to extreme temperature variations (high heat in summer, freezing cold in winter) and high‑noise construction areas.
• Ability to work in confined spaces and elevated locations.
• Ability to work 8–12-hour shifts.
• Availability to work 5–7 days per week, including overtime as needed.

Employment Requirements

• Must be able to successfully pass a background check to secure a DBIDS badge (Defense Biometric Identification System) or NAVSTA access for naval base and local shipyard entry.
• Successful completion of a pre‑employment drug screening.
• Required physical examination and respirator fit testing.
• Subject to random drug and alcohol testing.
• Background check, including verification of the past seven years of employment history.

At Mills Marine, we recognize that our employees are our greatest asset. We offer a competitive compensation package based on experience, along with industry‑leading benefits that support you and your family.

Benefits Include

• Competitive pay based on experience
• Paid vacation accrual
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Company‑paid life and accidental death insurance
• Optional life and disability insurance
• 401(k) Retirement Plan with Company Match
• Full-time, long‑term employment opportunities

Equal Opportunity Employer

Mills Marine is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to fostering a workplace free from discrimination and harassment. Employment decisions are based on qualifications, merit, and business needs.

Proud V3 (Virginia Values Veterans) Certified Employer

is proud to be a Virginia Values Veterans (V3) Certified Employer committed to hiring talented individuals who value safety, teamwork, and excellence. If you're a skilled Marine Deck Electrician who is dependable, safety-focused, and ready to work in a fast-paced shipyard environment supporting our nation’s fleet, we encourage you to apply.