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

Company-paid health premium

401(k) with 4% match

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 Washington, DC. This hybrid leadership role combines field leadership with hands-on carpentry and coordination of trades, with growth into a future Project Manager.

Ideal candidates bring 5+ years in luxury residential construction and 3+ years in leadership, with strong framing, finish carpentry, MEP coordination, and sequencing.

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.

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

Field leadership

Site management

Carpentry supervision

Framing carpentry

Finish carpentry

MEP coordination

DC permitting

Construction software

Leadership

Tools

Construction software

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

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.