Project Lead / Site Foreman

Continental Tide Defense Systems; Norfolk (VA); On-site; USD 40,000 - 61,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401K with company match

Educational opportunities

Competitive wages

Job summary

Continental Tide Defense Systems in Norfolk, VA seeks a Project Lead / Site Foreman to manage ship repair, modernization, and installation projects for Navy and commercial clients. You will lead AIT teams and interface with program managers to ensure safety, quality, and schedule.

The ideal candidate has 5–7 years of shipboard AIT or modernization experience, strong leadership, and deep knowledge of Naval HM&E or electronic systems. Must pass background, have REAL ID or U.S.

Qualifications

• Must possess REAL ID or U.S. Passport.
• High school diploma or GED required; relevant certifications or technical training preferred.
• Target 5–7 years of experience overseeing shipboard AIT or modernization projects.
• Direct supervisory experience managing 10–15 tradespersons.
• Extensive knowledge of U.S. Navy shipboard systems and installation processes.
• Strong leadership and team-building skills in a high-tempo environment.
• Proven ability to interpret specifications, drawings, and Navy documentation.
• Experience managing project cost, schedule, and labor coordination.
• Familiar with NAVSEA standards and military shipyard protocols.
• Must be legally authorized to work in the United States.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the planning, execution, and completion of ship repair, modernization, and installation projects.
• Act as primary site representative and interface with Program Managers, Project Managers, and technical staff.
• Supervise daily activities of AIT teams, ensuring compliance with work specifications, timelines, and quality expectations.
• Apply expert knowledge of Naval HM&E or Electronic systems, including power generation, auxiliary systems, and control equipment.
• Serve as a SME in one core trade discipline (Structural, Electrical, or Mechanical) with working knowledge of others.
• Monitor and maintain QAWB and OQE documentation to ensure proper tracking and reporting.
• Develop and deliver status reports to leadership on cost, staffing, schedule, and technical performance.
• Enforce workplace safety standards and ensure compliance with all applicable Navy and industrial regulations.

Skills

Leadership

AIT experience

Naval HM&E knowledge

Navy documentation

Project coordination

Safety leadership

Education

High school diploma or GED

Job description

Company Overview

Continental Tide Defense Systems, Inc. (Continental Tide) is an industry leader, providing engineering and industrial services to the U.S. Navy, U.S. Coast Guard, Military Sealift Command, and other DoD organizations. At Continental Tide, we understand that a great company culture is one where employees know their voice is heard, no matter what their title is, and letting them grow in their role as the company does. We want to provide our employees with the opportunity to learn, be challenged and be in a position where they can succeed, develop new skills, and do things they wouldn't have the opportunity to do elsewhere. In our fast-paced and challenging environment, employees here at Continental Tide can catapult themselves to the top and we’re looking for "the best at what they do" to join our team and help us grow. Strong attention to detail is essential as you will be fully engaged from the first day. We offer competitive wages in salaried and hourly positions, educational opportunities, competitive employee benefit options, and a 401(k)-retirement plan with company match. We are always looking for top-talent and we look forward to new-thinkers and team-players joining our company.

Position

Project Lead / Site Foreman

Recruiter Note

• Please note due to the anticipated volume of responses, we will contact only those candidates who most closely match our requirements. Only local candidates will be considered. Veteran and retired candidates welcome!

Location

Norfolk, VA

Job Overview

Continental Tide has an immediate need for a Project Lead / Site Foreman to support its growing operations in Norfolk, VA. This critical role will serve as a key liaison between senior leadership and Fleet Operations, managing shipboard projects in support of U.S. Navy and commercial maritime clients. The ideal candidate is a motivated, hands-on leader with AIT experience and a strong background in Naval Hull, Mechanical & Electrical (HM&E) or electronic systems. You will oversee technical teams, drive project execution, and ensure alignment with customer expectations, safety protocols, and quality standards.

Essential duties & responsibilities include, but are not limited to the following

• Lead and manage the planning, execution, and completion of ship repair, modernization, and installation projects.
• Act as primary site representative and interface with Program Managers, Project Managers, and technical staff.
• Supervise daily activities of AIT teams, ensuring compliance with work specifications, timelines, and quality expectations.
• Apply expert knowledge of Naval HM&E or Electronic systems, including power generation, auxiliary systems, and control equipment.
• Serve as a Subject Matter Expert (SME) in one core trade discipline (Structural, Electrical, or Mechanical) with working knowledge of others.
• Monitor and maintain QAWB and OQE documentation to ensure proper tracking and reporting.
• Develop and deliver status reports to leadership on cost, staffing, schedule, and technical performance.
• Enforce workplace safety standards and ensure compliance with all applicable Navy and industrial regulations.

Requirements

• Must possess a REAL ID or U.S. Passport.
• High school diploma or GED required; relevant certifications or technical training preferred.
• Target 5–7 years of experience overseeing shipboard AIT or modernization projects.
• Direct supervisory experience managing 10–15 tradespersons.
• Extensive knowledge of U.S. Navy shipboard systems and installation processes.
• Strong leadership and team-building skills in a high-tempo environment.
• Proven ability to interpret specifications, drawings, and Navy documentation.
• Experience managing project cost, schedule, and labor coordination.
• Familiar with NAVSEA standards and military shipyard protocols.
• Must be legally authorized to work in the United States.

Preferred Qualifications

• Formal training or certifications in shipboard systems, project management, or engineering.
• Knowledge of ship alteration/installation procedures and lifecycle documentation.
• Experience supporting Navy modernization initiatives and interacting with government customers.

Physical Requirements

• Exposure to open-air environments, including noisy, hot, and cold conditions.
• Required to visit project sites aboard ships and rigs, both onshore and offshore.
• Must wear various types of personal protective equipment (PPE), such as hearing, eye, head, and hand protection, as required.
• Site visits may involve standing on a variety of surfaces and angles, bending, crouching, and climbing over obstructions such as scaffolding, ladders, and internal barge or boat structural components.
• Exposure to sound levels exceeding 100 decibels.
• Must possess sufficient visual acuity, peripheral vision, depth perception, and night vision to inspect marine components and systems, identify defects or irregularities, and safely operate tools and equipment.
• May work in confined spaces with limited ventilation.
• Requires prolonged periods of sedentary work, including sitting and/or standing.
• May be required to operate machinery, power tools, and/or heavy equipment.
• Must be able to communicate effectively to exchange and comprehend information.
• Frequent exposure to extreme weather conditions, including high heat and extreme cold.
• Must be able to lift and carry 30 lbs. or more, depending on the task requirements.
• Must be physically able to ride ships at sea for extended periods, including withstanding ship motion and working in various sea conditions.

Reasonable Accommodations Statement

To perform this job successfully, an individual must perform the essential job duties satisfactorily with or without reasonable accommodation and without posing a direct threat to the safety or health of employee or others. Reasonable Accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Compensation

$29.31-$43.97

Benefits

Continental Tide offers an empowering professional environment in a culture that emphasizes teamwork, shared responsibility for company and client success, and personal growth. We offer competitive wages in salaried and hourly positions, educational opportunities, competitive employee benefit options, and 401K plan with company match.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Continental Tide is an Equal Opportunity Employer and participates in E-Verify and U.S. citizenship is required for most positions. Continental Tide prohibits discrimination against any protected class from discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), parental status, national origin, age, disability, genetic information (including family medical history), political affiliation, military service, or other non-merit-based factors. These protections extend to all management practices and decisions, including recruitment and hiring, appraisal systems, promotions, training, and career development programs. Consistent with these obligations, Continental Tide also provides reasonable accommodations to employees and applicants with disabilities; known limitations related to pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions; and for sincerely held religious beliefs, observances, and practices.

Continental Tides Defense Systems, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran".

Regulatory Compliance

“This contractor and subcontractor shall abide by the requirements of 41 CFR 60-300.5(a). This regulation prohibits discrimination against qualified protected veterans and requires affirmative action by covered prime contractors and subcontractors to employ and advance in employment qualified protected veterans.”