Sheet Metal Foreman

About the role

General Dynamics NASSCO, a member of the General Dynamics Marine Systems business unit, specializes in ship construction, advanced ship repair, conversion, and maintenance for commercial and national defense assets. This opportunity is located in the Steel Shop at the Norfolk, Virginia facility. The position is for a Sheet Metal Foreman.

Hours: 06:00 – 14:45 with a 45‑minute lunch break.

Security Clearance: No clearance required, but the employee must obtain DBIDS and NAVSEA badges to access Navy installations and other shipyards.

Schedule

Shift runs from 0600 to 1445 with a 45‑minute lunch period.

Requirements

• Education/Training:
  • BA/BS plus 2 years related experience, or
  • AA/AS plus 4 years directly related experience, or
  • High School Diploma/GED plus 8 years directly related shipbuilding/ship repair experience.
• Required Experience:
  • In‑depth knowledge of all facets of ship repair trade.
  • Working knowledge of contracting and estimating procedures.
  • Demonstrated knowledge of production processes, methods, quality, and technology.
  • Effective leadership, communication, and team‑building skills.
  • Proven ability to work in a people‑focused environment.
  • Capability with Microsoft Office products.
• Physical Requirements:
  • Ability to carry, lift, walk, climb, pull, crawl, sit, crouch, stand, hear, stoop, kneel, and talk as needed.
  • Must be able to work on vessels and in confined spaces.
  • Must be able to spend up to 70 % of time outdoors in a shipyard environment across all climates.
  • Good eye‑hand coordination; moderate to loud noise levels.
• Unique/Additional Requirements:
  • Regular, reliable on‑site attendance; willingness to travel and operate a company vehicle.
  • U.S. citizenship and eligibility for a CAC or DBIDS badge.
  • Reliable attendance and punctuality; availability for overtime as required.
  • Ability to physically transit all areas of the facility, drydock, other work sites, and ships.
  • Familiarity with naval‑ship work environments, including climbing ladders, working in tanks, and wearing personal protective equipment.

Responsibilities

• Lead, guide, coordinate, and supervise a team of journeyman mechanics, trainees, helpers, and subcontracted labor (typically 8‑20 personnel).
• Serve as the on‑site deck‑plate leader for the trade, ensuring safety, quality, schedule, and cost objectives are met.
• Plan and project manpower requirements; develop 1‑2 week schedules and daily work assignments for the team.
• Communicate resource needs to the General Foreman and review Gantt chart schedules to plan work two weeks ahead.
• Conduct walk‑throughs of each production job before assignment to assess preparation needs and ensure efficient, safe execution.
• Monitor job progress multiple times daily, resolve issues, and adjust assignments to maximize skill utilization.
• Ensure all employees have necessary tooling, equipment, specifications, drawings, and procedures.
• De‑conflict work, inform the General Foreman of potential problems affecting quality, budget, or schedule.
• Inspect completed work for trade quality standards and attention to detail.
• Attend daily production meetings, coordinate assignments with other shops, and address issues to meet projected goals.
• Monitor shop rework trends and implement corrective actions.
• Participate in development of standard practices, best practices, and continuous‑improvement initiatives.
• Manage workforce performance, enforce company rules, and apply corrective, conflict‑management, or disciplinary actions as needed.
• Track workforce performance and absenteeism.
• Uphold NASSCO’s Mission, Vision, Values, and Principles in all job functions.
• Perform other duties as assigned.