Ship Repair Superintendent

Job Summary

We are seeking a dynamic and highly organized Ship Superintendent to lead and oversee all aspects of ship operations, maintenance, safety, and compliance. This pivotal role involves coordinating with multiple teams to ensure vessels operate efficiently, safely, and in accordance with all regulatory standards. The ideal candidate will possess strong leadership skills, extensive construction management experience, and a comprehensive understanding of maritime and construction safety regulations. This position offers an exciting opportunity to manage complex projects, supervise crews, and drive operational excellence in a fast-paced environment.

Summary

The Superintendent is the primary on-site leader responsible for arranging and coordinating assigned marine and ship-repair projects. This position plans labor and material requirements, develops daily work assignments, coordinates schedules with Project Managers, and serves as the main on-site point of contact for customers.

Leading teams of typically 4-10 mechanics, the Superintendent is accountable for safety, quality, schedule, and cost performance. When designated, this position may fill in for the Operations Manager.

The Superintendent must thoroughly understand and consistently apply company policies contained in the Employee Handbook, Quality Management System, and Safety Policies. Decisions should support employee safety, contract compliance, operational performance, and the overall well-being of the company.

Key Responsibilities

• Serve as the on-site deck-plate leader, directing a team of mechanics in completing assigned production activities safely and efficiently.
• Take responsibility for the team's safety, workmanship, quality, schedule, productivity, and cost performance.
• Arrange assigned jobs by coordinating required manpower, materials, equipment, inspections, and production activities.
• Plan and project job-level manpower requirements to support Production and Program Management.
• Work closely with Project Managers to accurately schedule, execute, and track assigned jobs.
• Develop clear daily work assignments, production expectations, and priorities for the workforce.
• Assess site conditions and complete the preparations necessary for safe and efficient work execution.
• Visit active job sites multiple times each day to monitor progress, verify compliance, address obstacles, and maintain OSHA safety standards.
• Serve as the primary on-site customer contact and represent the company professionally.
• Attend customer production meetings, coordinate activities with other trades, and ensure projected goals are met and open issues are addressed.
• Prepare material requisitions and coordinate the procurement and delivery of materials for assigned jobs.
• Write and maintain accurate condition reports, production logs, and related project documentation.
• Apply marine regulatory requirements, including applicable NAVSEA Standard Items, to assigned work.
• Monitor trade and shop rework trends and implement appropriate corrective actions.
• Participate in the development of standard practices, best practices, and continuous-improvement initiatives.
• Manage contract performance and ensure compliance with customer requirements and company policies.
• Address performance concerns through corrective action, conflict management, and disciplinary action when necessary.
• Plan and schedule quality-assurance tests and inspections.
• Perform duties as a QA Level I (V) NDT Inspector, as qualified and assigned.
• Support the Operations Manager and fill in for that position when designated.

Required Qualifications

Candidates must meet one of the following combinations of education and experience:

• Bachelor's degree and at least 5 years of related experience;
• Associate degree and at least 10 years of directly related experience; or
• At least 8 years of directly related shipbuilding or ship-repair experience.

Additional requirements include:

• At least 8 years of in-depth knowledge across the trades associated with ship repair.
• Thorough understanding of marine production and ship-repair operations.
• Working knowledge of contracting, budgeting, and estimating procedures.
• Knowledge of production processes, work methods, quality requirements, and relevant technology.
• Working knowledge of marine regulatory standards, including NAVSEA Standard Items.
• Understanding of OSHA requirements and safe-work practices in field and marine environments.
• Effective leadership, communication, conflict-resolution, and team-building skills.
• Ability to plan manpower, manage competing priorities, and maintain project schedules.
• Ability to communicate professionally with customers, Project Managers, employees, vendors, and other trades.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office products.
• Ability to prepare accurate reports, logs, requisitions, schedules, and other production documentation.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience supervising multidisciplinary ship-repair teams.
• Experience managing production work in both field and shop environments.
• Quality-assurance or nondestructive-testing experience.
• Current or previous qualification as a QA Level I (V) NDT Inspector.
• Experience planning tests and inspections under customer, contract, and regulatory requirements.

Leadership Expectations

The Superintendent is expected to:

• Lead by example and promote a strong safety and quality culture.
• Establish clear expectations and hold team members accountable for results.
• Make sound decisions consistent with company policies, customer requirements, and contractual obligations.
• Identify production risks early and take timely corrective action.
• Promote cooperation among production personnel, Project Managers, customers, vendors, and other trades.
• Support employee development and continuous improvement.
• Represent the company professionally in every customer and workplace interaction.

Essential Physical Requirements

This position includes work performed in both field and office environments. Candidates must be able to perform the essential functions identified in the company's applicable Physical Requirements Checklists, with or without reasonable accommodation.

Field duties may involve frequent movement through active marine or industrial work areas, job-site inspections, use of required personal protective equipment, exposure to changing environmental conditions, and compliance with all site-specific safety requirements.

Work Environment

The Superintendent regularly works in active shipbuilding, ship-repair, marine, and industrial environments. The role requires frequent interaction with production personnel and customers, multiple daily job-site visits, and a combination of field coordination, production oversight, meetings, and administrative work.

This description summarizes the position's primary duties and requirements. Responsibilities may be modified or expanded based on operational, contractual, and business needs.

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• Vision insurance

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Portsmouth, VA 23704