Student Painter (All Shifts)

Nassco; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 22,000 - 32,000; Full time

Job summary

National Steel and Shipbuilding Com is seeking candidates for a paid training program at the shipyard in San Diego. The program runs about three weeks of classroom and hands-on instruction in marine coatings, surface preparation, and safety compliance.

After training, entrants progress through four trainee levels based on production experience and technical coursework before becoming journeymen, with emphasis on learning coating applications and quality control in a demanding shipbuilding

Qualifications

• Must show at least two years of continuous, stable and verifiable employment, and/or training.
• Must be able to communicate effectively in English.
• Must be mechanically inclined to disassemble and reassemble mechanical parts.
• High school education/equivalent preferred.

Responsibilities

• Learn marine coatings and corrosion theory to understand how specialized paints protect ship structures from harsh seawater rust.
• Capable of learning surface preparation foundations by understanding industry standards for cleaning and mechanically treating metal surfaces before applying paint.
• Capable of learning power tool safety and use to gain the practical skills needed for safely operating industrial machinery like grinders, scalers, and buffers.
• Capable of learning masking and containment techniques to properly isolate specific ship sections and protect ship equipment.
• Capable of learning to apply coatings in accordance with Product Data Sheets (PDS), including proper mixing techniques and application guidelines.
• Capable of learning to identify paint defects by understanding their root causes and how to avoid them to maintain strict quality assurance.
• Capable of learning hazardous material handling regulations to understand proper rules for containing and disposing of painting materials.

Skills

Teamwork

Hands-on

Mechanical inclination

English communication

Problem solving

Education

High school education/equivalent preferred

Job description

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Company: National Steel and Shipbuilding Com

Job Posting End Date: Until Filled

Shift: All

Security Clearance: No Clearance

Who We Are

General Dynamics NASSCO is one of three shipyards in the Marine Systems group of General Dynamics Corporation (NYSE: GD). General Dynamics NASSCO traces its beginnings to the industrial heart of SanDiego, along the working waterfront of beautiful and historic SanDiego Bay. The company has been designing and building ships in SanDiego’s industrial corridor since 1960 and is the largest full service shipyard on the West Coast of the United States.

Who Are We Looking For

• Hard-working and motivated individual
• Interested in ship-building manufacturing industry
• Works well in teams
• Enjoys working with their hands
• Interested in a training program and enjoys learning new skills
• Interested in learning a new trade
• Interested in training and/or advancing their career

Summary

• This student position encompasses approximately three weeks of paid training conducted at the shipyard through a mix of classroom and hands‑on activities.
• The training program includes comprehensive courses covering foundational knowledge of marine coatings and theory, surface preparation, coating application, and essential safety and environmental compliance.
• Upon completing the initial training, candidates will advance through four steps of trainee progression requiring production experience and technical trade courses prior to promoting to the journeyman position.

• Learn marine coatings and corrosion theory to understand how specialized paints protect ship structures from harsh seawater rust.
• Capable of learning surface preparation foundations by understanding industry standards for cleaning and mechanically treating metal surfaces before applying paint.
• Capable of learning power tool safety and use to gain the practical skills needed for safely operating industrial machinery like grinders, scalers, and buffers.
• Capable of learning masking and containment techniques to properly isolate specific ship sections and protect ship equipment.
• Capable of learning to apply coatings in accordance with Product Data Sheets (PDS), including proper mixing techniques and application guidelines.
• Capable of learning to identify paint defects by understanding their root causes and how to avoid them to maintain strict quality assurance.
• Capable of learning hazardous material handling regulations to understand proper rules for containing and disposing of painting materials.

• Must show at least two years of continuous, stable and verifiable employment, and/or training.
• Must have the ability to understand verbal and written instructions
• Must be able to communicate effectively in English.
• Must be mechanically inclined to disassemble and reassemble mechanical parts.
• High school education/equivalent preferred.
• Knowledge of Navy and Commercial construction standards is desirable.
• Prior vocational/trade training desired (e.g., welder, auto mechanic, diesel mechanic, painter, etc.)

Physical/Mental Involvement

• Excellent eye hand coordination.
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs. frequently.
• Ability to climb ladders.
• Able to work in confined spaces.
• Ability to work independently with little supervision.
• Must have problem solving skills.
• Must have a good understanding of math and measurements.
• Must have 20/20 OR correctable vision and color vision.
• Must be able to demonstrate flexibility and versatility with respect to work tasks
• Must possess observation skills, ability to respond quickly, good judgment and on-going safety awareness
• Frequent carrying, pushing, pulling, standing, manual dexterity, reaching, seeing, hearing, occasional kneeling, reclining and finger dexterity.
• Must be able to work all shifts and at heights.
• Construction or manufacturing background preferred and have strong mechanical skills.
• Maintain safety awareness and ability to follow directions.
• Exposure to fumes, odors, dust, gases various climates and temperatures, and low ventilation conditions, all of which can cause discomfort and/or respiratory difficulties.
• Exposure constantly moving machines and mechanical parts and high levels of constant noise.

PAY SCALE

$19.60

This pay range is a reasonable estimate of the hourly range for this role. It takes into account the wide range of factors considered in making compensation decisions; including but not limited to skill sets, experience, training, and education. General Dynamics NASSCO also provides a variety of benefits including medical & dental insurance coverage, 401(k) retirement savings plan, flexible spending accounts/HSAs, life and disability insurance, company paid holidays and paid time off (PTO), wellness coaching, and an onsite health services.

General Dynamics NASSCO 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 veteran status, or any other basis protected by local, state, or federal law.

If you have a disability that impacts your ability to complete the job application process and would like to request an accommodation, please contact our Human Resources Department.

Call [phone] or email [e-mail] . This contact information is for accommodation requests only, not to inquire about the status of applications.

NASSCO is an Equal Opportunity / Individuals with Disabilities / Protected Veterans Employer