The posting
This job description is a general description of the essential job functions and is not intended to be an employment contract. Eastern Shipbuilding Group, Inc. maintains its status as an at-will employer. Position requirements, skills, and abilities included in this job description have been determined to be the minimal standards required to successfully perform the position. Eastern Shipbuilding Group Inc. reserves the right to increase, waive or reduce these minimal standards. In no instance, however, should the duties, responsibilities, and requirements described be interpreted as all-inclusive. All employees of Eastern Shipbuilding Group, Inc. are expected to perform the duties as assigned by Eastern Shipbuilding Group, Inc., supervisory/management personnel, regardless of job title or routine job duties. Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
To perform this job successfully, an individual is expected to be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability expected. In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. However, no accommodation will be made which may pose serious health or safety risks to the employee or others or which imposes undue hardship on Eastern Shipbuilding.
POSITION SUMMARY
The Shipfitter is responsible for the layout, fabrication, fitting, alignment, and assembly of structural steel components used in the construction of new vessels. Working from engineering drawings, blueprints, and work packages, the Shipfitter fabricates and installs structural members including bulkheads, decks, frames, foundations, and hull sections while maintaining the highest standards of safety, quality, and productivity.
This position requires the ability to interpret complex drawings, perform precise measurements, and safely use a variety of hand tools, power tools, and fabrication equipment in a fast-paced shipbuilding environment.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
- Read, interpret, and work from shipbuilding blueprints, engineering drawings, work instructions, and specifications.
- Lay out, measure, mark, fit, and assemble structural steel components for new vessel construction.
- Fabricate and install hull structures, bulkheads, decks, stiffeners, foundations, brackets, frames, girders, and other structural assemblies.
- Perform precision fitting using proper alignment techniques and tolerances.
- Operate oxy-fuel cutting equipment, plasma cutting equipment, grinders, magnetic drills, and other fabrication equipment.
- Tack weld components as qualified or prepare assemblies for welding.
- Perform structural modifications and fit-up corrections as directed by engineering or supervision.
- Verify dimensions using precision measuring instruments.
- Utilize chain falls, come-alongs, hydraulic jacks, wedges, dogs, strongbacks, and other fitting equipment to position structural members.
- Identify and resolve fit-up issues while maintaining engineering requirements.
- Maintain production schedules while meeting established quality standards.
- Inspect completed work for accuracy prior to welding or turnover.
- Follow all company safety policies, OSHA regulations, and environmental requirements.
- Maintain housekeeping standards throughout assigned work areas.
- Participate in continuous improvement initiatives and process improvements.
- Mentor and assist apprentice and junior Shipfitters as assigned.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Required Qualifications
- High school diploma or GED preferred.
- Minimum 2 years of shipfitting, heavy structural steel fabrication, or related industrial experience preferred.
- Experience in new construction shipbuilding is highly desirable.
- Ability to read and interpret structural drawings, blueprints, and work packages.
- Knowledge of shipbuilding terminology and structural assembly methods.
- Strong mathematical and measurement skills.
- Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
- Ability to work effectively as part of a team.
Technical Knowledge
The successful candidate should demonstrate knowledge of:
- Structural steel fabrication
- Shipbuilding construction methods
- Blueprint reading
- Dimensional layout
- Hull construction
- Bulkhead installation
- Foundation installation
- Structural alignment
- Fairing techniques
- Material identification
- Weld symbols
- Precision measuring instruments
- Rigging fundamentals
Required Tools
Candidates should possess and maintain, at a minimum:
- Tape Measure (25' or 30')
- Combination Square
- Framing Square
- Soapstone Holder
- Center Punch
- Chipping Hammer
- Ball Peen Hammer
- Adjustable Wrench
- Speed Square
- Level
- Torpedo Level
- Drift Pins
- Spud Wrench
- Pry Bar
- Cold Chisels
- Vice Grips
- C-Clamps
- Channel Lock Pliers
- Needle Nose Pliers
- Side Cutters
- Utility Knife
- Flashlight
- Tool Belt or Tool Bag
Additional specialty tools may be required depending on assignment.
Equipment Used
- Magnetic Drill
- Portable Grinders
- Plasma Cutter
- Oxy-Fuel Cutting Equipment
- Chain Falls
- Come-Alongs
- Hydraulic Jacks
- Air Tools
- Power Drills
- Measuring Equipment
- Material Handling Equipment
Physical Requirements
The employee must be able to:
- Lift up to 50 pounds regularly and heavier weights with assistance.
- Stand, walk, bend, kneel, squat, crawl, and climb for extended periods.
- Work in confined spaces, tanks, double bottoms, and elevated work areas.
- Work outdoors in varying weather conditions.
- Wear required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
- Work overtime, weekends, and shift work as required.
Work Environment
Work is performed in an active shipbuilding environment and includes exposure to:
- Noise
- Dust
- Welding fumes
- Extreme temperatures
- Elevated work platforms
- Confined spaces
- Heavy industrial equipment
- Moving machinery
Safety Requirements
Employees are expected to:
- Comply with all OSHA regulations and company safety policies.
- Participate in daily safety meetings.
- Properly inspect and maintain assigned tools.
- Wear required PPE at all times.
- Report unsafe conditions immediately.
- Maintain a clean and organized work area.
Decision-Making Authority
The Shipfitter is expected to exercise sound judgment in evaluating fit-up, alignment, and assembly issues while ensuring compliance with engineering drawings, quality standards, and safety requirements. The employee must recognize conditions requiring supervisory or engineering review and communicate issues promptly to prevent production delays or quality concerns.
Performance Expectations
Success in this position is measured by:
- Safe work performance
- Quality of workmanship
- Productivity
- Blueprint interpretation accuracy
- Minimal rework
- Attendance and reliability
- Teamwork and communication
- Compliance with company procedures and quality standards
Eastern Shipbuilding Group is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to maintaining a safe, productive, and inclusive workplace.
We are equal opportunity/affirmative action employers, committed to diversity in the workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status, or any other protected characteristic under state or local law.
