Machine Shop Foreman
About the role
Lake Union Drydock Company, a full-service ship repair yard on Seattle’s Lake Union since 1919, is seeking a Machine Shop Foreman. You will supervise both Inside and Outside Machinists (leadmen, journeymen, mechanics, helpers, and apprentices), reporting to the Project Managers, Production Manager, and Plant Superintendent. Responsibilities include coordinating all equipment and labor for assigned machinery work: reading and interpreting project specifications and drawings, assigning the right personnel to each task, providing crews the technical documents, materials, tools, and equipment they need, and identifying job hazards to ensure safety measures are applied. We are looking for someone self-disciplined, resourceful, and willing to accept responsibility—patient, respectful, and effective when leading the work of others.
Minimum experience requirements
- Leadman or Foreman-level experience as a Marine Machinist with recent work in a shipyard-type environment
- 10+ years as a Machinist in a marine or industrial environment
- 3+ years as a Machinist Supervisor
- Experience operating and supervising inside machine shop equipment
- Knowledge of marine vessels and confined-space safety practices
Key skills & abilities
- Ship repair/construction techniques, work sequencing, and shipyard safety practices
- Read and apply ship repair specs, blueprints, technical procedures, and regulations (in English)
- Assess craftsperson skills; direct, coach, and motivate; resolve conflicts; run multiple projects at once
- Strong written communication: Condition Found Reports, shift turnovers, detailed activity descriptions
- Computer proficiency (Word, spreadsheets, email)
- Read a micrometer; work in English and metric
Key duties
- Plan staffing, scheduling, tooling, materials, equipment, and subcontractors with shipyard management
- Supervise assigned employees under the Collective Bargaining Agreement; maintain a close relationship with the Union Hall
- Prepare Condition Found Reports and change orders; review Job Hazard Analyses; coach others in preparing them
- Order production materials; submit accurate daily timecards
- Maintain records of vessel history, measurements, tooling, drawings, and subcontractors
- Select and train personnel; uphold workmanship standards
- Lead the company safety culture; available for guidance on weekends/after hours when necessary
Physical demands / work environment
Shipyard and shipboard environment: extensive walking/standing; some climbing, crouching, twisting, stooping; lift up to 50 lbs. Indoor and outdoor work, subject to adverse weather. Essential duties must be performed with or without reasonable accommodation and without posing a direct threat to safety.