Shipbuilding Instructor (Welding)

HANWHA PHILLY SHIPYARD, INC; Philadelphia (Philadelphia County); On-site; USD 34,000 - 55,000; Part time

Job summary

Hanwha Philly Shipyard, Inc. seeks a dedicated Shipbuilding Instructor to promote a strong safety culture, deliver classroom and hands‑on training, and oversee apprentice progress.

The role supports workforce development and aligns with production requirements and regulatory standards. The instructor will teach shipbuilding fundamentals, fabrication, blueprint interpretation, welding techniques, and proper use of shipyard tools.

Qualifications

• Associate degree in a technical discipline or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Minimum three (3) years of shipbuilding, ship repair, marine manufacturing, or related industrial experience.
• Demonstrated knowledge of shipbuilding operations, fabrication, and assembly processes.
• Experience with education and curriculum development (preferred).
• Completion of a registered apprenticeship program (preferred).

Responsibilities

• Deliver classroom and hands‑on instruction in shipbuilding‑related disciplines.
• Instruct trainees and apprentices on shipyard safety procedures, policies, and industry standards.
• Demonstrate proper use of shipbuilding tools, equipment, and machinery.
• Provide training in shipbuilding fundamentals, structural fabrication, plate and stiffener assembly, blueprint interpretation, welding, material handling and rigging, and quality standards.
• Conduct practical demonstrations and skill assessments.
• Develop, evaluate, and update shipbuilding training curriculum and hands‑on exercises with consistent formatting.
• Oversee and document apprentice progress when assigned to Production (Roving Instructor).
• Support the Apprenticeship Coordinator with Apprenticeship Program activities (reviews, data collection, interviews, recruiting).
• Pass the HPSI FCAW & SMAW 3F/4F qualification test.
• Perform other duties as required.

Skills

Shipbuilding processes

Structural fabrication

Welding principles

Blueprint interpretation

Safety compliance

Training methodologies

Verbal communication

Mentoring ability

Time management

Problem solving

Adaptability

Teamwork

Education

Associate degree in a technical discipline

Registered apprenticeship program (preferred)

Job description

The Shipbuilding Instructor serves as a subject matter expert who promotes a strong safety culture, supports workforce development initiatives, evaluates apprentice performance, and ensures all training activities align with production requirements, regulatory standards, and organizational objectives.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Ensure that all Hanwha Philly Shipyard (HPSI) safety procedures, rules, and regulations are followed and met
• Demonstrate CORE principles (Caring, One-Shipyard, Responsible, and Evolving)
• Deliver classroom and hands‑on instruction in shipbuilding‑related disciplines
• Instruct trainees and apprentices on shipyard safety procedures, policies, and industry standards
• Demonstrate proper use of shipbuilding tools, equipment, and machinery
• Provide training in:
  • Shipbuilding fundamentals
  • Structural fabrication
  • Plate and stiffener assembly
  • Blueprint and drawing interpretation
  • Welding processes and techniques
  • Material handling and rigging awareness
  • Quality standards and workmanship
• Conduct practical demonstrations and skill assessments
• Develop, evaluate, and update all shipbuilding‑related training curriculum and hands‑on exercises, and ensure consistent formatting and structure
• Responsible for overseeing and documenting apprentice progress when assigned to Production (Roving Instructor)
• Support the Apprenticeship Coordinator with the Apprenticeship Program (JAC Reviews, Data Collection, Interviews, Recruiting, etc.)
• Successfully pass the HPSI Shipbuilder FCAW & SMAW 3F/4F qualification test
• Perform other related duties as required and assigned

COMPETENCIES

• Shipbuilding processes and practices
• Structural fabrication and assembly
• Welding principles and applications
• Blueprint and technical drawing interpretation
• Safety regulations and compliance requirements
• Training and instructional methodologies
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Coaching and mentoring ability
• Organizational and time‑management skills
• Problem‑solving and critical thinking
• Adaptability and flexibility
• Teamwork and collaboration

SUPERVISOR RESPONSIBILITY

This position provides guidance, oversight, and evaluation of apprentices and trainees. The Shipbuilding Instructor may coordinate training activities with other instructors, mentors, and subject matter experts.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Associate degree in a technical discipline or equivalent combination of education and experience
• Minimum three (3) years of shipbuilding, ship repair, marine manufacturing, or related industrial experience
• Demonstrated knowledge of shipbuilding operations, fabrication, and assembly processes
• Experience with education and curriculum development (preferred)
• Completion of a registered apprenticeship program (preferred)

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Environmental exposures are similar to those found in most heavy industrial settings and may include noise, heat, cold, vibration, dust, fumes, and smoke. Work may be carried on indoors or outdoors, and may involve exposure to inclement weather conditions.

*Hanwha Philly Shipyard is a TOBACCO-FREE facility.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. A range of motion sufficient to perform general lifting, carrying, bending, stooping, climbing, working at heights, extended walking or standing, etc. is required. Employment in this position is contingent upon passing the medical examination. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

POSITION TYPE/EXPECTED HOURS OF WORK

This is an onsite, part‑time, safety‑sensitive position. Standard days and hours of work vary by department; days and hours are determined by department schedules.

OTHER DUTIES

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, and responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time or without notice.

Hanwha Philly Shipyard is committed to equal opportunity for all applicants. The recruitment, selection, employment, and training of employees during employment shall be without discrimination because of race, color, religion, national origin, gender, or age‑except that the applicant must meet the minimum age requirement. Hanwha Philly Shipyard does not, and will not, discriminate because of the disability of such individual.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.