Shipfitter Foreman

Atlas NextWave; United States; On-site; USD 39,000 - 66,000; Full time

Job summary

Atlas NextWave seeks a Shipfitter Foreman to lead steel fitting activities at a major waterfront shipyard. This hands-on leadership role supervises crews, drives production schedules, and ensures safety and quality on new construction and vessel repair projects.

The ideal candidate has shipbuilding or heavy fabrication experience, can read complex blueprints and specs, and demonstrates strong leadership to manage multiple crews across projects.

Qualifications

• Experience as Shipfitter Lead or Foreman in a shipyard setting.
• Strong background in shipbuilding, vessel repair, and heavy fabrication.
• Ability to read and interpret complex blueprints, drawings, and specs.
• Experience coordinating multiple crews in a fast-paced production environment.
• Demonstrated leadership, communication, and organizational skills.

Responsibilities

• Supervise and coordinate shipfitting and steel fabrication across multiple projects.
• Plan, organize, and direct work assignments to meet production schedules.
• Read and interpret blueprints, drawings, and specs to determine scope and materials.
• Provide technical guidance to shipfitters and craft personnel.
• Train and mentor employees on safety and production methods.
• Monitor workmanship and ensure compliance with quality standards.
• Track labor hours and assist with workforce planning.
• Enforce safety procedures and performance expectations.
• Coordinate with project management and vessel representatives.
• Assist with budgeting and material planning.

Skills

Leadership

Blueprints

Shipfitting

Coordination

Safety compliance

Tools

Blueprint reading

Job description

Location: Shipyard Facility
Duration: Multi-Month Contract
Start Date: ASAP

We are seeking an experienced Shipfitter Foreman to oversee and coordinate steel fitting activities on new construction and vessel repair projects at a large waterfront shipyard facility. This is a hands-on leadership role responsible for supervising crews, driving production schedules, maintaining quality standards, and ensuring work is completed safely and efficiently.

Responsibilities

• Supervise and coordinate all shipfitting and steel fabrication activities across multiple projects.
• Plan, organize, and direct work assignments to meet production schedules and milestones.
• Read and interpret blueprints, drawings, and specifications to determine work scope, materials, and sequencing.
• Provide technical guidance and support to shipfitters and craft personnel.
• Train and mentor employees on safe work practices and efficient production methods.
• Monitor workmanship and ensure compliance with quality standards and project requirements.
• Track labor hours, enter time records, and assist with workforce planning.
• Enforce company policies, safety procedures, and performance expectations.
• Coordinate with project management, vessel representatives, and other shipyard departments.
• Assist with budgeting, resource allocation, and material planning.

Qualifications

• Previous experience as a Shipfitter Lead, Shipfitter Foreman, Structural Foreman, or similar shipyard supervisory role.
• Strong background in shipbuilding, vessel repair, steel fabrication, or heavy industrial construction.
• Ability to read and interpret complex blueprints, engineering drawings, and specifications.
• Knowledge of shipfitting processes including measuring, fitting, aligning, and assembling structural steel components.
• Experience coordinating work crews in a fast-paced production environment.
• Strong leadership, communication, and organizational skills.

Preferred Experience

• Prior shipyard experience on commercial, government, or naval vessel construction and repair projects.
• Familiarity with waterfront fabrication operations, dry dock projects, and heavy manufacturing environments.
• Experience managing multiple crews and coordinating work between departments.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials up to 65 lbs.
• Ability to climb, kneel, crawl, and work in confined spaces and at heights.
• Must be able to work outdoors and in varying weather conditions.
• Ability to safely navigate active shipyard and waterfront work environments.
• Must be at least 18 years of age.
• Must be authorized to work in the United States.
• Must be able to work at heights and in confined or enclosed spaces.
• Must be able to pass all site-specific safety and onboarding requirements.