Marine Painter

Marine Painter - Naval Base San Diego - 1st Shift

This role supports high-priority U.S. Navy corrosion mitigation and ship repair projects in San Diego. As a Marine Painter, you will perform shipboard preservation work, including painting, surface preparation, and coating application on active Navy vessels. You will work in a fast-paced, project-driven environment, contributing directly to fleet readiness and long-term naval modernization initiatives.

Responsibilities

• Perform painting, touch-ups, and preservation on shipboard structures, including interior and exterior surfaces.
• Carry out sanding, grinding, chipping, masking, and other surface preparation tasks to ensure proper coating adhesion.
• Apply coatings, primers, and preservation materials inside ship tanks, bilges, voids, and other compartments in accordance with NAVSEA standards.
• Assist technicians with coating application, material handling, and equipment setup and breakdown.
• Work aboard ships, piers, dry docks, and industrial marine facilities while following strict safety protocols and procedures.
• Support corrosion mitigation and composite component installation efforts as part of broader ship systems repair and modernization projects.
• Perform cleanup activities, including removal of debris, masking materials, and excess coatings, to maintain a safe and organized work area.
• Operate basic pneumatic and electric tools required for surface preparation and coating application.
• Follow NAVSEA standard items, work instructions, and quality expectations for marine coatings and preservation.
• Complete assigned tasks on schedule in a high-tempo environment with frequent changes in priorities and work locations.
• Communicate effectively with supervisors and team members to coordinate daily tasks and report progress or issues.
• Adhere to confined space entry procedures and safety requirements when working in tanks, voids, and other restricted areas.
• Support firewatch or tank watch duties if qualified and assigned.
• Comply with all base access, security, and onsite safety protocols while working on Navy installations.

Essential Skills

• Shipboard painting experience, with 2+ years of shipboard paint experience preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to perform preservation, coating, sanding, prepping, and masking on Navy vessels.
• Ability to apply coatings, primers, and preservation materials inside ship tanks, bilges, voids, and other compartments.
• Understanding of marine coating processes, including surface preparation, grinding, sanding, masking, and cleanup activities.
• Prior shipyard, ship repair, or industrial/manufacturing experience strongly preferred.
• Ability to obtain Defense Biometric Identification System (DBIDS) access and maintain eligibility for Navy base entry.
• Ability to work safely in confined spaces, at heights, and in industrial marine environments.
• Capability to lift 50+ pounds, stand for extended periods, and operate basic pneumatic and electric tools.
• Strong work ethic, reliability, and consistent attendance, with the ability to follow instructions and complete assignments on time.
• Effective communication skills to work within a team-based environment and follow safety and operational directions.
• Willingness and ability to work overtime and weekends as required by project schedules.
• High school diploma or GED preferred.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience with marine coatings, including knowledge of temperatures, cure times, and mixing requirements.
• Familiarity with confined space entry procedures and tank preservation practices.
• Experience with marine blasting or coating removal, including blasting or ultra-high-pressure water jetting.
• Knowledge of NAVSEA Standard Items and their application to shipboard preservation work.
• Experience working on Navy platforms such as aircraft carriers (CVNs), destroyers (DDGs), littoral combat ships (LCS), or amphibious ships.
• Firewatch or tank watch experience in an industrial or shipyard environment.
• OSHA-10 or OSHA-Shipyard certification.
• Comfort working in deckplate industrial conditions, including active shipyard and shipboard environments.
• Immediate availability for deployment to project work.
• Strong follow-through and accountability for completing assigned tasks safely and correctly.

Why Work Here?

• You will join a respected defense-focused organization that supports strategic, high-visibility Navy programs with direct impact on fleet readiness. The role offers long-term project stability, frequent overtime opportunities, and clear pathways to advance into higher trade tiers and more specialized positions. You will gain hands-on experience with advanced corrosion control, composite installation, and ship systems maintenance while working alongside experienced marine professionals. The culture emphasizes safety, teamwork, and professional growth, providing a supportive environment where reliable, hard-working individuals can build a lasting career in the maritime industry.

Work Environment

• Work takes place in Navy shipboard and shipyard industrial environments in and around active vessels and waterfront facilities. You will work aboard ships, piers, dry docks, and industrial marine areas, often in confined spaces, at heights, and in active industrial zones. The schedule follows standard hours with frequent overtime opportunities driven by project timelines and operational needs. The pace is high-tempo and project-focused, requiring flexibility and adaptability to changing tasks and locations. Personal protective equipment (PPE) is mandatory and provided, and you will operate basic pneumatic and electric tools as part of daily tasks. The environment is team-based with onsite supervision, clear safety protocols, and strict adherence to Navy base access and security requirements.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of San Diego, CA.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $20.00 - $25.00/hr.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following:

• Medical, dental & vision
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
• 401(k) Retirement Plan Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
• Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
• Short and long-term disability
• Health Spending Account (HSA)
• Transportation benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in San Diego, CA.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Aug 15, 2026.