Structural Shipfitter

Job Description

Job Description

Job Description:

This position is responsible for laying out, fitting, assembling, and installing structural steel components used in shipbuilding, ship repair, and marine fabrication projects. Shipyard Structural Fitters work from blueprints, templates, and sketches to ensure accurate alignment, assembly, and tack welding of structural components while maintaining strict safety, quality, and production standards.

Responsibilities include:

• Create templates and layout patterns for structural fabrication and assembly.
• Read and interpret blueprints, sketches, and fabrication drawings.
• Measure, mark, cut, and fit structural steel, aluminum, and outfitting components.
• Work with presses, rollers, floor forming equipment, and shaping tools to form plates and structural parts.
• Perform layout and fitting of decks, bulkheads, side shells, foundations, doors, hatches, ladders, and other shipboard structures.
• Conduct tack welding on small assemblies and subassemblies as required.
• Assemble and fit components in panel line, shell, and structural fabrication areas.
• Install structural outfitting items including doors, ladders, foundations, and support structures.
• Perform plate heating, straightening, and shrinkage using heating torches.
• Use hand and power tools safely and effectively to complete fabrication and installation tasks.
• Work in shop and field environments, including onboard vessels and shipyard facilities.
• Enter and work in confined spaces through manholes and restricted access areas.
• Follow industry codes, specifications, and regulations for all fabrication and installation work.
• Review Chemist and Competent Person reports to ensure work areas are safe for hot work and personnel entry.
• Sequence work efficiently to meet production schedules and quality requirements.
• Perform riveted joint repairs and other structural repair tasks as needed.
• Install simple systems when templates or blueprints are not required.
• Maintain compliance with all safety procedures, including PPE usage and confined space protocols.
• Maintain a clean and organized work area.
• Work independently and as part of a team to complete assigned tasks.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

• Minimum of 4–5 years of structural fitting or shipyard fitting experience required.
• Must successfully pass tack welding qualification test.
• Technical training or trade school education preferred.
• Strong ability to read and interpret blueprints, sketches, and templates.
• Proficient in the use of hand tools, measuring instruments, and fabrication equipment.
• Experience working in shipyard, marine, or heavy industrial environments required.
• Ability to work effectively with others in a production environment.
• Must be capable of entering and working in confined spaces through manholes and restricted openings.
• Strong commitment to workplace safety and adherence to procedures.
• Must have reliable attendance and strong work ethic.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to lift, carry, push, and pull.
• Ability to work in confined spaces, elevated areas, and shipboard environments.
• Ability to stand, bend, kneel, crouch, and perform physically demanding tasks for extended periods.
• Must be able to wear required PPE, including hard hat, safety glasses, steel-toe boots, gloves, respirator (when required), and other protective equipment.
• Ability to work in shop and outdoor shipyard environments under varying conditions.

Tool Requirements:

The following tools are required and must be maintained by the employee:

• Striker
• Scraper
• 25' Tape Measure
• Dividers
• Vise Grip Pliers
• Chipping Hammer
• Combination Square
• Center Punch
• Tip Cleaners
• Assorted Screwdrivers
• Framing Square
• Welding Stinger
• Assorted C-Clamps
• 2” Maul Hammer
• Assorted Socket Set

Work Schedule & Hours:

• Full-time position averaging 40–56 hours per week, including weekends as required.
• Overtime and extended hours may be required to meet production demands.
• Reliability and flexibility are essential.

Benefits:

• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• Structured training and advancement opportunities
• Long-term employment potential within shipyard operations
• Safety-focused work environment

Ability to Commute:

Norfolk, VA (Required)

Work Location:

In person

Titan Talent Development is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action 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 protected class.