Project Lead / Site Foreman

Continental Tide Defense Systems; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) retirement plan with company match

Educational opportunities

Competitive employee benefits

Job summary

A leading defense engineering firm in San Diego is seeking a Project Lead / Site Foreman to manage shipboard projects. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in Naval HM&E or Electronic systems, overseeing technical teams and ensuring project alignment with standards. Responsibilities include managing project execution, supervising daily team activities, and serving as a liaison with leadership. Candidates should have extensive experience in military environments and strong leadership skills.

Qualifications

• 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.

Responsibilities

• Manage planning, execution, and completion of ship repair projects.
• Interface with Program and Project Managers.
• Supervise daily activities of AIT teams.

Skills

Leadership

Project Management

Knowledge of Naval HM&E

Team Building

Education

High school diploma or GED

Relevant certifications or technical training

Job description

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. 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

Location: San Diego, CA

Job Overview

Continental Tide has an immediate need for a Project Lead / Site Foreman to support its growing operations in San Diego, CA. 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 HM&E or Electronic systems. You will oversee technical teams, drive project execution, and ensure alignment with customer expectations, safety protocols, and quality standards.

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 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.

Preferred Qualifications

• Must possess a REAL ID or U.S. Passport.
• 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 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.

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.

Apply Today

If you’re ready to make a difference, we encourage you to apply and become a part of our mission to deliver quality solutions to the Fleet.

EEO and Legal

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. 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. 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.