Naval Shipyard Rigging SpecialistCompany: LEAD StaffingLocation: Hampton Roads, VASchedule: Full-Time | Contract | 40 hours per week (Overtime as required)A day on the waterfrontYou begin with a toolbox talk, reviewing lift plans for the day: a pump change-out on one vessel, followed by relocating structural components for a modernization project. You walk the route, assess clearances, and double-check sling angles. Gear in hand—chain falls, come‑alongs, and wire rope—you coordinate with the crane operator via radio, verify load weight and center of gravity, and guide the pick into place with crisp hand signals. Between lifts, you inspect and tag rigging, keep the deck organized, and document the work so the next evolution runs flawlessly.Core responsibilitiesPlan and carry out lifts for heavy machinery, equipment, and shipboard structures in repair, modernization, and new-construction settings.Select, inspect, and use rigging gear such as chain falls, come‑alongs, wire rope, slings, shackles, and specialty lifting devices.Interpret rigging diagrams, lift plans, and technical drawings to execute safe picks.Operate with and around cranes, forklifts, and related material-handling equipment to move loads safely.Compute load weights, centers of gravity, sling angles, and appropriate configurations.Install, remove, and reposition machinery (pumps, valves, equipment skids) and structural components aboard vessels and in the yard.Perform pre-use inspections and maintain rigging gear in serviceable condition.Coordinate clearly with crane operators, supervisors, and other trades throughout lifting operations.Comply with all shipyard safety procedures, OSHA regulations, and quality standards; maintain a clean, orderly work area.QualificationsAt least 3 years of rigging experience in shipyard, marine, industrial, or heavy construction environments.Solid knowledge of safe rigging practices, load calculations, and lifting procedures.Ability to read lift plans, rigging drawings, and technical documentation.Experience working in proximity to cranes and heavy lifting equipment.Proficiency with standard hand signals and radio communications for crane work.High school diploma or GED.NCCCO Rigger certification (or equivalent) preferred.Willing to work overtime, weekends, and extended schedules when required.Clean driving record.• Must be willing to undergo background check and drug screening.Work environmentShipyard and industrial worksites with exposure to noise, heat/cold, heights, confined spaces, and marine/industrial hazards.Frequent lifting, climbing, and sustained physical activity.PPE required at all times.What we’ll ask in interviewsWalk us through your rigging background in shipyard or industrial settings. Which rigging tools and devices do you know best? How do you choose the correct sling configuration for a specific lift? Explain your approach for determining load weight and center of gravity. Describe a complex lift you executed and how you planned it. What is your process for inspecting rigging gear before use? How do you communicate and coordinate with a crane operator during a pick? What hazards are most common in rigging, and how do you control them? Tell us about experience with critical or confined-space lifts. What do you do when field conditions don’t match the lift plan?Why LEAD StaffingCompetitive pay based on experiencePaid Sick LeaveHoliday Pay (eligible after qualifying hours)Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance optionsReferral Bonus ProgramConsistent shipyard workloads with overtime potentialOpportunities to support complex naval and industrial projectsSafety-first culture