Lead Carpenter / Site Superintendent

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

Benefits offered by this job

2 weeks PTO

14 paid holidays

Health care premium

401(k) with match

Job summary

Blue Star is a Washington, DC-based design-build firm focusing on high-end residential construction and remodeling. We seek a Lead Carpenter / Site Superintendent to own our projects in Washington, DC, combining leadership with hands-on work when needed, and growing into a Project Manager.

This hybrid leadership role runs a job site, coordinates trades, and still participates on the tools; strong craftsmanship and calm, solution-oriented leadership are essential.

Qualifications

• 5+ years in high-end residential construction.
• 3+ years in a leadership role.
• Experience managing job sites and coordinating trades.
• Strong framing and finish carpentry knowledge.

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 emphasis on weekly and near-term execution.
• Ensure quality aligns with high-end residential standards.
• Step in on carpentry work when needed to support progress.

Skills

Field leadership

Hands-on builder

Framing carpentry

Finish carpentry

MEP coordination

Project coordination

Communication

Job description

Lead Carpenter / Site Superintendent

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