Cross Functional Inspector

TOTE Services; Philadelphia (Philadelphia County); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

TOTE Services in Philadelphia, PA, seeks a Cross Functional Inspector to support MARAD's NSMV program. This field-based role requires broad shipbuilding knowledge, meticulous inspection, and a commitment to safety and quality.

You will represent TOTE Services on-site at Philly Shipyard, coordinating with USCG, ABS, and shipyard teams. Reporting to the Chief Inspector, you’ll inspect disciplines from steel structures and NDT to piping, electrical, propulsion, and living quarters, spend ~80% in

Qualifications

• Hold a high school diploma or GED.
• Bachelor’s degree in Marine Engineering or Naval Architecture preferred.
• 10+ years of shipbuilding/marine industry experience in lieu of degree.
• Ability to read and interpret ship construction drawings and technical documents.
• Strong written and verbal communication; detail-oriented.

Responsibilities

• Perform inspections across shipbuilding disciplines (steel, welding, NDT, coatings, piping, electrical, propulsion, life-safety systems).
• Review drawings, specs, and procedures to verify construction and design compliance.
• Identify issues, support resolutions, and ensure corrective actions are implemented.
• Support dock trials and sea trials to validate operational readiness.
• Maintain inspection records and document findings for audits.

Skills

Reading drawings

Analytical thinking

Communication skills

Time management

Safety awareness

Team collaboration

MS Office

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Marine Engineering

Bachelor’s degree in Naval Architecture

High School Diploma or GED

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

TOTE Services | Philadelphia, PA (Philly Shipyard, Inc.)

TOTE Services is seeking a highly motivated and versatile Cross Functional Inspector to support the Vessel Construction Management (VCM) program for the National Security Multi-Mission Vessels (NSMV) on behalf of the Maritime Administration (MARAD).

This role offers a unique opportunity to be part of a high-profile shipbuilding program—ensuring quality, compliance, and performance across multiple disciplines while contributing to the delivery of world-class vessels.

About the Role

Reporting to the Chief Inspector, the Cross Functional Inspector plays a critical role in overseeing ship construction activities from start to finish. This position requires a broad technical understanding of shipbuilding processes, strong attention to detail, and a commitment to safety, quality, and operational excellence.

You’ll serve as a key representative of TOTE Services on-site at Philly Shipyard, collaborating with shipyard personnel, regulatory bodies, and internal stakeholders to ensure successful vessel delivery.

What You’ll Do

Inspection & Oversight

• Perform inspections across multiple shipbuilding disciplines, including:
• Steel structures, welding, and Non-Destructive Testing (NDT)
• Surface preparation and coatings
• Piping systems
• Electrical systems and equipment
• Propulsion and auxiliary machinery
• Fire and lifesaving systems
• Deck equipment and accommodation outfitting
• Verify system installation, testing, and performance align with contract requirements and technical standards

Construction Monitoring

• Spend approximately 80% of your time in the field, conducting scheduled inspections and shipyard patrols
• Review drawings, specifications, and procedures to validate construction and design compliance
• Identify issues, support resolution efforts, and ensure corrective actions are implemented
• Support dock trials and sea trials, validating operational readiness of vessel systems
• Monitor testing procedures and document system performance

Documentation & Compliance

• Maintain accurate and detailed inspection records
• Track and document findings, discrepancies, and resolutions
• Ensure readiness for audits and regulatory oversight

Stakeholder Collaboration

• Build strong working relationships with key stakeholders, including:
• U.S. Coast Guard (USCG)
• American Bureau of Shipping (ABS)
• Shipyard leadership and technical teams
• Collaborate with subject matter experts across disciplines

Safety Leadership

• Adhere to all shipyard safety protocols and actively promote safe work practices
• Make safety a core priority in all inspection and oversight activities

Qualifications

Education & Experience

• High School Diploma or GED required
• Bachelor’s degree in Marine Engineering, Naval Architecture, or related field (preferred)
• In lieu of degree, 10+ years of relevant shipbuilding or marine industry experience
• Broad exposure to multiple shipbuilding disciplines (expertise in one area not required)
• Strong analytical and problem-solving ability
• Ability to read and interpret ship construction drawings and technical documents
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Strong organizational and time management skills
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications
• High attention to detail and commitment to quality

Work Environment & Physical Requirements

This is a highly active, field-based role in a shipyard environment:

• Ability to access all areas of vessels and shipyards, including confined spaces, heights, and scaffolding
• Must be physically capable of climbing, crawling, bending, and lifting (up to 25 lbs.)
• Frequent exposure to noise, dust, fumes, and varying weather conditions
• Ability to spend up to 80% of time outdoors in an operational industrial environment
• Requires strong visual acuity, depth perception, and situational awareness

Why TOTE Services?

At TOTE Services, our vision is to be the world’s most valued maritime management, operations, and technical solutions provider. As part of the TOTE Group and Saltchuk family of companies, we are committed to excellence, safety, and innovation across the maritime industry.

Joining our team means contributing to impactful, nation-critical programs while working alongside industry experts dedicated to delivering superior results.

Equal Opportunity Employer

TOTE Services is an Equal Opportunity Employer – Aff…? TOTE Services is a drug‑free workplace and participates in the E‑Verify Employment Verification Program.