Shipbuilding Project/Task Supervisor

Public Trust: None

Requisition Type: Regular

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Job Description

Supervisor / Pipefitter Subject Matter Expert (SME)

This is not an office position, it is a waterfront shipboard construction and re-modernization position, working directly in shipyards and drydocks onboard U.S. Naval ships. The incumbent will be exposed to varying temperatures of heat in the summer and cold in the winter.

The Supervisor / Pipefitter Subject Matter Expert (SME) will serve as the primary technical authority for shipboard piping systems supporting Electronic Cooling Water (ECW), chilled water, and nitrogen (N₂) services on U.S. Naval vessels. This role is responsible for leading installation, modification, and repair activities in shipboard and shipyard environments, while ensuring strict adherence to Navy technical requirements, shipyard procedures, quality standards, and safety protocols.

The ideal candidate is an experienced shipboard pipefitter and working supervisor who can expertly route piping in confined spaces, interpret complex technical documentation, and mentor junior personnel. You will work at the intersection of engineering, production, and quality assurance, providing hands-on leadership and practical guidance to ensure systems are installed and maintained correctly, safely, and efficiently.

Key Responsibilities

Technical Leadership & System Expertise

As the Supervisor / Pipefitter SME, you will be the go-to resource for chilled water, ECW, and N₂ piping systems across assigned ship classes. You will lead crews performing installation, modification, and repair work in both operational (in-service ships) and new construction or modernization environments. This includes planning and layout of piping runs, directing work in machinery spaces and electronics compartments, and making real-time decisions to resolve interferences and optimize accessibility and maintainability.

You will provide technical direction in the design and installation of shipboard pipe supports, ensuring they meet applicable standards and withstand shipboard shock, vibration, and environmental conditions. Your expert understanding of joining methods—including welding, brazing, and mechanical joining of copper-nickel, stainless steel, and steel piping—will be essential for selecting appropriate materials and techniques for nitrogen and chilled water services.

System Installation, Modification & Repair

You will lead the execution of installation and modification projects for nitrogen (N₂) piping systems, including high- and low-pressure supply and distribution networks, manifolds, regulators, pressure-reducing stations, control valves, and service points. You will ensure that all N₂ piping installations follow strict requirements for material compatibility, cleanliness and contamination control, and adherence to specified weld and braze procedures. Compliance with color coding, labeling, and marking standards for nitrogen systems will be a routine part of your oversight.

For ECW and chilled water systems, you will oversee work on main supply and return headers, branch lines to air handling units (AHUs), fan coil units, and electronic equipment coolers. Responsibilities include implementing modifications to isolation valves, strainers, expansion joints, and supports, and ensuring that piping is arranged to facilitate ongoing maintenance, inspection access, and operational flexibility. You will also plan and supervise system testing, flushing, and flow balancing activities to confirm that chilled water and ECW systems meet performance requirements and are ready for turnover to the customer.

Documentation, Standards & Quality Assurance

A critical element of this position is your ability to interpret and apply Navy and shipyard piping standards and documentation. You will regularly work with NAVSEA drawings and system diagrams, Navy/shipbuilder standards and specifications, work packages, technical manuals, and shipcheck data. You must be comfortable navigating and applying guidance from documents such as:

GSO Section 505 (General Requirements for Piping / Piping Systems)

GSO Section 512 (HVAC)

GSO Section 528 (Plumbing Drains, Plumbing Vent and Deck Drains)

GSO Section 551 (Compressed Air System)

NSTM Chapter 510 (applicable piping/engineering guidance)

NSTM Chapter 532 (Liquid Cooling System for Electronic Equipment)

MIL-STD-777F(SH) and MIL-STD-1689A

NAVSEA Standard Item 009-095 and other related standard items

You will ensure that all work is documented properly, from initial work authorization through test records, flushing plans, QA inspection reports, and final as-built redlines. A strong understanding of quality assurance requirements, inspection processes, and system turnover documentation is essential. You will work closely with QA and Production teams to ensure that piping systems meet both customer specifications and internal standards.

Coordination, Collaboration & Mentorship

In this role, you will collaborate with Engineering and Planning departments to review designs for constructability and alignment with shipboard realities. Your practical experience will help identify potential installation challenges, interferences, and safety concerns early in the planning process, allowing for adjustments before work begins. You will act as a key participant in design reviews, troubleshooting discussions, and schedule coordination meetings.

You will interface with Navy representatives, including Ship’s Force personnel and Supervisors of Shipbuilding (SUPSHIP), to clarify requirements, provide progress updates, and support inspections or test events. Clear, professional communication and the ability to explain technical decisions in understandable terms will be important to success in these interactions.

Additionally, you will mentor junior pipefitters, mechanics, and apprentices, providing on-the-job training, coaching on standards and best practices, and guidance on working safely in shipboard environments. You are expected to set a strong example in both technical execution and professional conduct.

Safety & Work Environment

Safety is a core responsibility. You will promote and enforce safe work practices in confined spaces, hot work areas, and elevated work locations, ensuring that proper PPE, permits, and procedures are followed. Familiarity with hot work protocols, confined space entry requirements, fall protection, and shipyard safety rules is required.

Work will be performed aboard ships and in shipyard environments that may be hot, cold, noisy, and physically demanding. You must be able to navigate ladders, vertical passages between decks, and tight compartments; lift and carry materials and equipment; and work in kneeling, crouching, or awkward positions for extended periods. Occasional overtime, shift work, and weekend work may be required to support ship schedules and milestone dates.

Education
Bachelor’s Degree in a related business or technical discipline, or the equivalent combination of education, technical training, or work/military experience.
Experience
5-8 years of related experience, including supervisory experience.

US Citizenship Required

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Work Requirements

Years of Experience

5 + years of related experience

* may vary based on technical training, certification(s), or degree

Certification

Travel Required

Less than 10%

Citizenship

U.S. Citizenship Required