Production Trades Assistant - SDCA

austalusa; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 60,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Austal USA is seeking a diligent Helper to support shipyard activities in San Diego. You will assist welders, fabricators, electricians, and other trades by staging tools, materials, and work areas while following established procedures.

You will participate in basic fabrication tasks, maintain clean workspaces, help with shipboard access setup, and contribute to safety and quality control under supervision. Training and growth opportunities are available.

Qualifications

• Diploma or GED is required and a basic ability to read and follow written directions.
• Demonstrated mechanical aptitude and confidence in handling hand tools.
• Ability to measure with metric and English units and perform basic arithmetic.
• Willingness to learn and cross-train across trades.

Responsibilities

• Maintain safe work habits and follow all safety policies and PPE requirements.
• Assist skilled trades by preparing tools, materials, and work areas.
• Prepare shipboard work areas, including lighting and access paths.
• Support hull, structural, and piping tasks under supervision.
• Document daily work completion and communicate material shortages to supervision.

Skills

Mechanical aptitude

Math skills

Reading and following instructions

Measurement (metric/imperial)

Education

Diploma/GED

Tools

Scissors

Fillet knife

Allen wrenches

Flashlight

Crescent wrench

Screwdrivers

Channel Locks

Chalk box

Hammer

Chalk Line

Measuring Tape

Tin Snips

Job description

REPORTS TO: Lead Foreman

SUPERVISES: N/A

AUTHORITIES / RESPONSIBILITIES:

Safety, Compliance & Work Practices

Maintains safe work habits and strictly adheres to all safety policies, procedures, and PPE requirements.

Monitors the work environment for hazards and reports safety, environmental, or health deficiencies to supervision.

Follows correct construction and repair procedures in compliance with Austal USA standards, project specifications, and regulatory requirements.

Complies with Austal USA's Equal Opportunity and Anti‑Harassment Policy and maintains professional conduct at all times.

Complies with all guidelines outlined in the Austal USA Employee Handbook.

Able to obtain and maintain required credentials for access to local Naval Bases, secure shipyard areas, and restricted waterfront facilities.

Demonstrates professionalism and compliance with military and federal regulations while working aboard government vessels or within secure environments.

Trade Support & Craft Assistance

Assists skilled trades (welders, fabricators, electricians, pipefitters, mechanics, painters, etc.) by preparing tools, materials, and work areas.

Performs basic fabrication and prep tasks such as grinding, cutting, beveling, cleaning, and staging components under supervision.

Supports mechanical and piping work including bolt‑up, gasket installation, pipe handling, and component positioning.

Assists with electrical tasks such as cable pulling, securing conduits, staging equipment, and labeling components.

Helps with hull and structural work by staging steel/aluminum parts, assisting with fitting, and performing minor prep work.

Displays willingness to cross‑craft and support multiple trade departments as needed.

Tools, Equipment & Worksite Setup

Sets up and breaks down workstations including power sources, hoses, leads, lighting, and ventilation.

Inspects tools and equipment before use, reporting defects or unsafe conditions.

Performs basic maintenance on hand tools such as changing discs, cleaning, and lubrication.

Ensures proper storage and accountability of tools and equipment at the end of each shift.

Assists in preparing shipboard work areas, including lighting, ventilation, and safe access pathways.

Housekeeping & Worksite Maintenance

Maintains housekeeping standards by keeping work areas clean, organized, and free of debris or hazards.

Conserves consumables and materials, minimizing waste.

Supports containment setup for painting, blasting, or hot‑work zones.

Assists with scaffolding or temporary platform staging within training limits.

Shipboard & Yard Operations

Safely boards vessels using gangways, ladders, scaffolding, or temporary access structures while carrying tools and equipment.

Assists with shipboard access setup including ladders, gangways, lighting, and ventilation.

Supports confined‑space entry procedures, including ventilation setup and gas‑testing assistance when trained.

Helps with removal, installation, and alignment of ship components during construction or repair.

Assists with system flushing, testing, and inspections under direction.

Documentation & Communication

Completes daily work assignments, including required signatures for work completion and quality verification.

Communicates material shortages, delays, or issues to supervisors or lead trades.

Able to receive and carry out verbal and written instructions clearly and accurately.

Works effectively as part of a team and within assigned roles.

Maintains communication with welders, supervisors, and safety personnel, reporting any unsafe conditions immediately.

Learning & Development

Demonstrates ability to ensure the quality of one's own work and seeks guidance when needed.

Learns on the job as an OJT trainee and actively participates in craft cross‑training.

Shows initiative by asking questions, seeking clarification, and volunteering for tasks that build skill and knowledge.

QUALIFICATIONS / KNOWLEDGE / EXPERIENCE:

Diploma/GED

Ability to add, subtract, multiply, divide

Ability to measure using the Metric and English system

Demonstrated mechanical aptitude

The ability to understand directions and follow instructions; both oral and written

TOOLS: Maintain knowledge of tools and proper handling and usage.

Scissors

Fillet knife Allen wrenches Flashlight

Crescent wrench

Screwdrivers - flat and Phillips head

Channel Locks

Hammer Chalk box

Butcher & Fillet Knife and Sharpener Chalk Line

End Nippers Scissors 6\" and 10\"

Measuring Tape (Combined Metrics/Standard) 8 M

Set of Allen Wrenches - Standard and Metric

Set of Tin Snips (Left, Right and Straight)

Small Pair Bolt Cutters

Utility Knife

DISCRETION EXERCISED: N/A

ADDITIONAL GUIDELINES:

Candidates must meet the following employment eligibility guidelines to be considered for employment with Austal USA:

18 years of age or older at time of application

Able to provide proof of US Person Status

No felony convictions of Theft/Deception or Violent c