Lead Carpenter / Site Superintendent

Alair Washington DC I Blue Star; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

PTO 2 weeks

14 paid holidays annually

Health insurance (50% premium)

401(k) plan with company match

EOS-driven, structured culture

Job summary

Blue Star, a Washington, DC-based design-build firm, is seeking a Lead Carpenter / Site Superintendent to own high-end residential projects across the DC area. This hybrid leadership role combines on-site management with hands-on carpentry and coordination of trades.

This position aims to grow into a Project Manager, supporting crafts, leadership, and growth within a structured, professional team. Must excel under pressure with calm, solutions-oriented leadership.

Qualifications

• 5+ years in high-end residential construction.
• 3+ years in a leadership role (Lead Carpenter, Foreman, or similar).
• Proven experience managing job sites, coordinating trades, and driving projects forward.
• Strong understanding of custom home building – not commercial construction.
• Strong working knowledge of framing and finish carpentry, MEP coordination, and sequencing of residential projects.
• Familiarity with DC construction environment (permitting, logistics, etc.) is a strong plus.
• Comfortable using construction software, apps, and digital tools.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage all on-site construction activities from start to finish.
• Coordinate subcontractors, trades, and inspections to keep projects moving forward.
• Maintain project schedules with a focus on weekly and near-term execution.
• Ensure quality standards align with high-end, bespoke residential expectations.
• Step in on carpentry work when needed to support progress and maintain standards.
• Communicate clearly with internal team members and leadership.
• Maintain a clean, safe, and organized job site.
• Use company systems and technology to track progress and updates.

Skills

Leadership

Site coordination

Carpentry expertise

Framing & finish carpentry

MEP coordination

DC permitting knowledge

Construction software

Tools

Construction software

Job description

About Us

Blue Star is a Washington, DC-based design-build firm specializing in high-end residential construction and remodeling. We bring together design, craftsmanship, and project execution under one roof to deliver seamless, detail-driven projects from concept through completion.

Blue Star

Washington, DC | Onsite | Fulltime

About Us

Blue Star is a Washington, DC-based design-build firm specializing in high-end residential construction and remodeling. We bring together design, craftsmanship, and project execution under one roof to deliver seamless, detail-driven projects from concept through completion.

Our team is known for producing thoughtful, well-built homes while operating with a high level of professionalism, structure, and accountability. We value people who take pride in their work, communicate clearly, and approach challenges with a calm, solutions-oriented mindset.

Learn more about us: https://bluestardesignbuild.com/

Position Overview

We are seeking a Lead Carpenter / Site Superintendent to take ownership of our high-end residential projects across Washington, DC. This is not a traditional \"superintendent\" role-and it's not a purely hands-on carpenter position either.

This is a hybrid leadership role for someone who can run a job site, coordinate trades, and still step in on the tools when needed -all while growing into a future Project Manager.

If you take pride in craftsmanship, lead calmly under pressure, and want to be part of a structured, high-performing team, this could be the right next step.

What This Role Really Is

• A field leader responsible for day-to-day site execution


• A hands-on builder who can contribute when needed (approx. 50/50 split)


• A coordinator of trades and subcontractors


• A \"Project Manager in the making\" -someone ready to grow into more responsibility over time

What You'll Be Responsible For

• Lead and manage all on-site construction activities from start to finish


• Coordinate subcontractors, trades, and inspections to keep projects moving forward


• Maintain project schedules with a focus on weekly and near-term execution


• Ensure quality standards align with high-end, bespoke residential expectations


• Step in on carpentry work when needed to support progress and maintain standards


• Communicate clearly with internal team members and leadership


• Maintain a clean, safe, and organized job site


• Use company systems and technology to track progress and updates

What We're Looking For

• 5+ years in high-end residential construction


• 3+ years in a leadership role (Lead Carpenter, Foreman, or similar)


• Proven experience managing job sites, coordinating trades, and driving projects forward


• Strong understanding of custom home building - not commercial construction


• Strong working knowledge of: framing and finish carpentry, MEP coordination (mechanical, electrical, plumbing), and sequencing of residential construction projects


• Familiarity with DC construction environment (permitting, logistics, etc.) is a strong plus


• Comfortable using construction software, apps, and digital tools

Mindset & Leadership Style

• Calm, composed, and solutions-oriented under pressure


• Organized and systematic in how you approach problems


• High level of integrity, reliability, and accountability


• Strong communicator who can lead without ego


• Someone others trust and genuinely enjoy working with

Why Blue Star

We operate with a clear belief: great people + great process = exceptional results.

• Structured, team-oriented environment (EOS-driven)


• High-quality, design-forward residential projects


• Clear path to grow into a Project Manager role


• A culture built on trust, accountability, and professionalism

Compensation & Benefits

• Base Salary: $80,000 - $100,000 per year (depending on experience).


• A great team atmosphere where collaboration and professionalism thrive


• 2 weeks PTO (40 hours) annually, with increases based on tenure


• 14 paid holidays annually (more than most companies)


• 50% company-paid HMO health care premium for employees, with additional options for family coverage


• 401(k) Plan after one year of employment with up to 4% company match - Blue Star matches 100% of the first 3% of salary deferred - Plus 50% of employee contributions on the next 2% of salary deferred

Ready to Build at a Higher Level?

If you have experience in high-end residential construction and are ready to step into a role that blends craft, leadership, and growth, we'd love to hear from you.

Salary: $80000 - $100000 per year