1st Class Shipfitter – Steel America

COLONNA'S SHIPYARD; Norfolk (VA); On-site; USD 39,000 - 49,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401k with match

Paid holidays

Paid time off (PTO)

Job summary

COLONNA’S SHIPYARD in Norfolk, VA is seeking a 1st Class Shipfitter – Steel America to fabricate, assemble, and install structural components aboard ships. Proficiency in metalworking, welding, and blueprint interpretation is required to ensure structural integrity.

The role is onsite in Norfolk with extended hours and possible limited travel. The company emphasizes safety and offers a comprehensive benefits package including 401k match, holidays, and PTO.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years in shipfitting in marine/shipyard environments.
• Proficient in metalworking, welding, and blueprint interpretation.
• Ability to lift heavy materials, climb ladders, and work in confined spaces.

Responsibilities

• Cut and fabricate metal components using various tools and machinery.
• Read and interpret blueprints, drawings, and specifications for layout and assembly.
• Assemble and install bulkheads, frames, and decks with proper alignment as per specs.
• Perform welding using FCAW and tack welds in multiple positions.
• Inspect completed work to meet industry standards and adjust as needed.
• Identify and resolve issues related to fitting and assembly.
• Collaborate with other trades to meet project timelines.
• Prioritize tasks and manage multiple projects concurrently.
• Mentor crew members and provide training as needed.

Skills

Shipfitting experience

Metalworking

Welding

Blueprint interpretation

Heavy lifting ability

Education

Registered apprenticeship in shipfitting

Tools

Flux Core Welding FCAW

Job description

1st Class Shipfitter – Steel America

Position Summary:

As a Shipfitter at Steel America, a division of Colonna’s Shipyard, Inc., you will be responsible for fabricating, assembling, and installing structural components and systems aboard ships, within shipyard facilities, and in heavy industrial environments. This role requires a high level of skill in metalworking, welding, and blueprint interpretation to ensure the structural integrity and alignment of ship components.

The position is located onsite in Norfolk, VA and will often require hours beyond a standard work week with flexible schedule availability to support production/operations. Position may require limited travel

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Cut and fabricate metal components using various tools and machinery, including saws and shears.
• Accurately read and interpret blueprints, technical drawings, and specifications to determine the layout and assembly of structural components.
• Assemble and install structural components such as bulkheads, frames, and decks, ensuring proper alignment and fit according to project specifications.
• Perform welding tasks using various techniques, including tack welding with stick and flux core methods, to join metal components securely and accurately.
• Inspect completed work to ensure it meets industry standards and project specifications, making necessary adjustments as needed.
• Identify and resolve issues related to fitting and assembly, providing innovative solutions to ensure project success.
• Collaborate with other tradespeople and departments to complete projects within specified timelines.
• Effectively perform work on multiple projects concurrently, demonstrating the ability to prioritize tasks and responsibilities successfully.
• Mentor department employees and other assigned crew members, providing support and training as needed.

Qualifications:

• Must have at least 5 years of experience shipfitting, in a marine or shipyard environment; or have graduated from a registered apprenticeship program relevant to the trade.
• Must be proficient in metalworking, welding, and blueprint interpretation.
• Must have a strong understanding of ship construction and structural integrity.
• Must be able to lift heavy materials, work at heights, and operate in confined spaces.
• Must be proficient in Flux Core Welding (FCAW) with the ability to Tack Weld as needed in both the vertical and overhead positions.

Desired Qualifications:

• Previous technical training highly preferred.
• Relevant certifications in shipfitting, welding, or related fields are preferred.

Travel Requirements:

• Minimal Travel; 10% or less.

Physical Requirements:

• Must be able to lift, carry and transport heavy equipment and boxes. The exact weight requirements will be determined by the specific job, but no less than 20 lbs.
• Must be physically agile to perform tasks in naval ships. Able to work on and climb ladders, work in extreme temperature environments, aboard ships, in shipyards, under industrial conditions and in confined spaces, including enter and moving through manholes.
• May ride ships at sea for extended periods.
• Able to perform other duties as required which may involve high heat, humidity, noise and dirty conditions, working aloft or over the sides of vessels.
• Frequent exposure to noise due to machinery and equipment.
• Employee is required to operate trucks, forklifts & man-lifts.
• While performing the duties of this job, you may frequently be required to stand, walk & sit; use hands or fingers; handle or feel; talk and hear. Occasionally required to reach with hands and arms, climb and balance, stoop, squat, kneel, twist and crawl.
• Work in extreme temperatures and conditions. At times you will work in areas that have less adequate ventilation.
• Frequent use of respirator.
• Protective clothing or equipment and face shields or goggles shall be worn when welding, cutting, or working with molten metal.

Respect, Pride, Truth, Family – These are our VALUES and the guidelines that make us a leader in our industry. We are pleased and confident in stating that our skilled employees are among the most respected experts in the ship repair industry.

Colonna’s Shipyard, Inc. is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. We do not discriminate based upon race, religion, color, national origin, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, or other applicable legally protected characteristics.

Additionally, Colonna’s Shipyard provides a variety of benefits to support your best health, wellness, and future, to include medical/dental/vision options, company paid disability insurances, 401k with match, legal services, as well as company paid holidays and paid time off (PTO).

Pay Range: $28.11 – $35.55

Determination of base salary considers various factors, including but not limited to scope of responsibility, candidate’s relative and specific experience, education level, key skills, as well as other business considerations. The company also provides a variety of benefits to support employees’ best health and wellness. Additionally, the company offers a 401k retirement program with match, paid holidays, and competitive paid time off (PTO)

About the Company:

COLONNA’S SHIPYARD

Colonna’s Shipyard, Inc. is located in the historic Berkley section of Norfolk, Virginia and is the oldest continuous family owned and operated private shipyard in the United States. Founded in 1875 by Charles J. Colonna, a 26 year old ship carpenter with limited resources, the early business was limited to pier-side repairs. Within 2 years, Charles had added his first marine railway powered by two horses that had a lift capacity of about 40 tons, and he was off and running. Although over 140 years old, Colonna’s Shipyard continues to maintain its commitment to modernization, making the capital investments necessary for improvements in efficiency and productivity. Today, Colonna’s is a diverse industrial company with extensive capabilities in commercial and government ship repair, machining and large steel fabrication. Colonna’s strength is our employees. We employ the best and the brightest in the shipyard industry and we are proud of all that they do. From welders and ship fitters to government contract specialists, we have the right people in place to make sure the job is completed to the highest standards.

Company Size:

100 to 499 employees

Industry:

Marine Mfg & Services

Founded:

1875

Website:

https://www.colonnaship.com/