SHIPFITTER LEADER (EXPERT)

DEPARTMENT OF THE NAVY (DON); San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 41,000 - 69,000; Full time

Job summary

DEPARTMENT OF THE NAVY is seeking a Shipfitter Leader (Expert) to lay out, cut, and assemble heavy metal structures in support of naval shipyards across CONUS and OCONUS. The role requires precise use of micrometers and torque wrenches to meet tight tolerances from blueprints and templates.

You will supervise work crews, report progress to supervisors, inspect finished work, and ensure compliance with plans, schedules, and safety standards.

Qualifications

• Experience leading or supervising a crew.
• Ability to read blueprints and templates accurately.
• Familiarity with inspection and quality control practices.
• Strong communication and problem-solving skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work to precise tolerances.

Responsibilities

• Lay out shell, deck and bulkhead plates, I-beams, channels and other shapes from blueprints.
• Cut and shape plates, beams and heavy metal using shop machinery.
• Use micrometers, feeler gauges and torque wrenches to meet tolerances per docs.
• Report status and delays to supervisors and resolve issues in operations.
• Inspect completed and in-process work for quality against specs.

Skills

Leadership

Blueprint reading

Quality inspection

Communication

Tools

Shop machinery

Micrometers

Feeler gauges

Torque wrenches

Job description

Summary

You will serve as a SHIPFITTER LEADER (EXPERT) in the DEPARTMENT OF NAVY to include work sites of Portsmouth Naval Shipyard, Puget Sound Naval Shipyard, Norfolk Naval Shipyard, and Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard and Intermediate Maintenance Facility.

Applicants will only be considered for positions within their own UIC. For example: If you are within UIC 4523A, you will only be considered for positions within 4523A.

Overview

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Open & closing dates

10/14/2025 to 10/13/2026

Salary

: $30.11 to – $50.37 per hour Salary Information is Listed in the Additional Information Section

Relocation expenses reimbursed: No

Appointment type: Multiple

Work schedule: Full-time

Service: Competitive

Job family (Series): 3820 Shipfitting

Security clearance: Other

Drug test: No

Financial disclosure: No

Bargaining unit status: Yes – This is a bargaining unit position.

Duties

• You will lay out shell, deck and bulkhead plates, I-beams, channels, angles, pipe and round bar and various other structural shapes, gun rings, struts, framing and various foundation structures and other parts from blueprints and templates.
• You will cut and shape plates, beams and other heavy metal structural shapes, using various shop machinery.
• You will use precision tooling such as micrometers, feeler gauges and torque wrenches for meeting required tolerances per technical work documents when required.
• You will report to supervisors on the status and progress of work, nature of work delays and answer questions on overall work operations and problems.
• You will inspect completed and in process work for quality of workmanship and adherence to requirements, specifications, standards, plans and schedules.

Conditions of employment

• Must be a US Citizen.
• Must be determined suitable for federal employment.
• Must participate in the direct deposit pay program.
• New employees to the Department of the Navy will be required to successfully pass the E-Verify employment verification check.
• Within the Department of Defense (DoD), the appointment of retired military members within 180 days immediately following retirement date to a civilian position is subject to the provisions of 5 United States Code 3326.
• Males born after 12-31-59 must be registered for Selective Service.
• This is a bargaining unit position.
• You will be required to obtain and maintain a current valid United States driver’s license.
• You may be required to successfully complete a pre-appointment physical examination and undergo recurring physical examinations.
• You will be required to obtain and maintain an interim and/or final security clearance prior to entrance on duty. Failure to obtain and maintain the required level of clearance may result in the withdrawal of a job offer or removal.
• You will be required to complete training, obtain, and maintain a government credit card for travel and travel-related purchases.
• You will be required to wear personal protective equipment such as helmets, gloves, coveralls, glasses, goggles, respirators and safety shoes continuously for the duration of the work shift.
• Work is performed in areas where potentially harmful physical and chemical agents are present. You will be required to participate in medical surveillance programs.
• This position may require travel from normal duty station to CONUS and OCONUS and may include remote or isolated sites. You must be able to travel on military and commercial aircraft for extended periods of time.
• You will be required to obtain and maintain a U.S. Passport.
• This is a Mission Essential position. You will be required to ensure organization or facility continuity of operations and/or completion of tasks that are considered essential to the mission designated by a local or command decision.
• This position requires the ability to lift and/or carry loads or items up to 50 pounds in weight.
• This position may require rotating shift work.
• This position requires the ability to climb vertical ladders and work in awkward positions and confined spaces.
• This position may be subject to work an uncommon tour, including nights, weekends, and holidays to meet mission requirements. Overtime or night differential pay and/or unusual duty hours may be required.

Qualifications

Although a specific length of time and experience is not required for most trade and labor occupations, you must show through experience and training that you possess the quality level of knowledge and skill necessary to perform the duties of the position at the level for which you are applying. Qualification requirements emphasis is on quality of experience, not necessarily the length of time.

Your qualifications will be evaluated on the basis of your level of knowledge, skills, abilities and/or competencies in the job elements and screen out listed below.

This job has a screen-out element which will be used to determine minimum eligibility for this job. Applicants who do not receive a minimum of two points on the screen-out element(s) will be found ineligible. The Screen-out Element for this position is: ABILITY TO LEAD OR SUPERVISE.

Applicants must meet the requirements of the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Job Qualification Handbook for Trades and Labor Occupations. Additional qualification information can be found at: Not available here

Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs. Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment.

Education

This job does not have an education qualification requirement.

Additional information

Salary is based on geographical location and is subject to change with the annual local wage surveys in accordance with the provisions of 5 CFR Part 532 for all employees whose official duty station is located within the geographic boundary of the wage area definition.

Salary schedules are provided for Puget Sound Naval Shipyard, Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard, Portsmouth Naval Shipyard, Norfolk Naval Shipyard, and other locations as applicable.

This position is covered by the Department of Defense Priority Placement Program.

Additional vacancies may be filled by this announcement.

A tentative offer of employment will be rescinded if the selectee fails to meet the pre-employment requirements.

Temporary promotions may be extended up to 5 years at the discretion of management and in accordance with applicable regulations.

Temporary actions taken under this announcement may be made permanent without further competition.

Temporary actions taken under this announcement may be terminated at any time before the established not-to-exceed date.

Certain incentives may be authorized to eligible selectees.

A relocation incentive is generally a single payment to offset relocation costs.

Applicants rated ineligible on this vacancy announcement need to reapply and update their application package to be considered on future vacancies.

Applicants selected and hired through this vacancy announcement need to reapply to be considered on future vacancies.

Referral lists will be issued on an as-needed basis as vacancies occur.

All eligibility and qualifications must be met by the referral cut-off date.

PPP applicants will be placed at the FPL if determined Well Qualified. To receive priority consideration, the FPL must be the same grade level or equivalent of the retained grade.

Federal annuitant information: The selection of an annuitant is subject to the Department of Defense and Department of the Navy policy on the employment of annuitants. This content remains for informational purposes only.

Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government and upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.

Benefits

A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Open information on federal benefits.

Required documents

Required documents

You are required to provide documentation that supports the eligibility and qualification claims made in your resume and assessment questionnaire. Submit the applicable documents listed here with your application package. Cover letter is optional.

A complete resume is required. Resumes are restricted to no more than 2 pages. Provide employer’s name, starting and end dates, hours per week, and pay plan/series/grade level for relevant federal experience. Use USAJOBS resume guidelines as needed.

Additional prompts regarding memberships, licenses, education substitutions, and veteran preferences are included in this posting and should be followed. Official transcripts may be requested later.

How to Apply

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Click the Apply Online button to create an account or log in to your USAJOBS account.

To apply, provide a complete Application Package including:

1. Complete resume with relevant experience, job title, duties and accomplishments. Resumes are restricted to no more than 2 pages.

2. Complete assessment questionnaire.

3. Supporting documentation

Failure to submit a complete application package will result in an ineligible rating and loss of consideration.

Your complete application must be received by the stated deadline. If more than one resume is received, only the last resume will be reviewed.

You are encouraged to apply online. Applying online will allow you to review and track the status of your application.

Agency contact information

Department of Navy EIC

[e-mail]

Washington Navy Yard, Washington, DC 20003, US

Next steps

When the application process is complete, your complete application will be reviewed to determine eligibility and qualifications. You will be rated based on your resume and responses to the questionnaire and supporting documents.

Usually only best qualified candidates are referred. The hiring manager may conduct interviews.

You will be notified of the rating and referral decision. If referred, you will be notified when a hiring decision is made.

For questions or assistance, please email the DON Employment Information Center at [e-mail]

Fair and transparent

The Federal hiring process is designed to be fair and transparent. This section provides guidance on policies and procedures.

Required documents

Help

You are required to provide documentation that supports eligibility and qualification claims. A complete resume is required, and you should ensure all information is legible and accurate.