Shipfitter

Summary

Responsible for the use of various tools and equipment in the fabrication, assembly, and erection of steel structures. This position includes drawing reading, steel structure removal shipboard and reinstall, and requires working knowledge of technical standards such as AWS D1.1 (1689) and D1.2 (1688).

Pay

$20.00‑$40.00 per hour (DOE), Non‑Exempt.

Schedule

Full‑time.

Responsibilities

• Ensure work is done safely and meets quality standards.
• Must have own basic skill‑related tools and equipment if not supplied by the workplace.
• Lay out, fabricate and brace metal structural parts, such as plates, bulkheads, and frames.
• Lay out position of parts on metal, working from blueprints or templates and using scribe and hand tools.
• Locate and mark reference lines, such as center, buttock, and frame lines.
• Position parts in hull of ship.
• Align parts in relation to each other, using jacks, turnbuckles, clips, wedges, and mauls.
• Mark location of holes to be drilled and install temporary fasteners to hold part(s) in place for welding.
• Install packing, gaskets, liners, and structural accessories and members, such as doors, hatches, brackets, and clips.
• May prepare molds and templates for fabrication of nonstandard parts.
• May tack weld clips and brackets in place prior to permanent welding.
• May roll, bend, flange, cut, and shape plates, beams, and other heavy metal parts, using shop machinery such as plate rolls, presses, bending brakes, and joggle machines.
• Assemble items as instructed by floor supervisor.
• Keep work areas clean and organized and take proper care of all equipment and facilities.
• Follow all company rules and policies.
• Provide a great level of attention to detail and focus on the given task.
• Work with team members to maximize productivity and efficiency.
• Prepare product for shipment.
• Report any unsafe work conditions or practices to supervisor.
• Lift raw materials, final products, and items packed for shipment, manually (up to 60 lb) or using a hoist.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Ability to read and interpret documents furnished in written, oral, diagram or schedule form such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, quality manuals and procedure manuals.
• Familiarity with the metric system.
• Ability to perform simple shop math, convert decimals to fractional equivalents and fractions to decimal equivalents.
• Ability to stand continuously for long periods of time.
• Ability to identify and measure material.
• Ability to follow instructions given both verbally and in written form.
• Willingness to learn and work to the best of his/her abilities, with a dependable work ethic.
• Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs and uses.
• Ability to read blueprints, drawings, calipers, tape measures and angle gauges.
• High school graduate or GED preferred.
• Six months to one year related experience and/or training.
• Experience with steel, aluminum and/or stainless steel required.

Working Conditions & Physical Requirements

Work is performed primarily onboard a ship, in a dry dock, or at a shipyard under fast‑paced conditions, often requiring overtime. Employees are exposed to extreme temperatures, outdoor elements, high noise levels, toxic or caustic chemicals, and dusty environments. Work may be performed in tightly confined spaces, on scaffolds, and ladders. Safety clothing and protective devices for eyes, head, and hearing are required.

Equipment Used

• Measuring tapes, rulers, squares, levels, chalk lines
• Saws, shears, plasma cutters, oxy‑fuel torches
• Angle grinders, welding machines, welding torches, electrodes, welding masks
• Cranes, hoists, chains, slings, come‑alongs
• Hammers, screwdrivers, wrenches, pliers, vise grips, clamps, files, deburring tools
• Drills, grinders, sanders, impact wrenches, reciprocating saws
• Air hammers (pneumatic), pneumatic riveters
• Forklifts, pallet jacks, trolleys
• Other shop machinery such as plate rolls, presses, bending brakes, joggle machines

Benefits

• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• Life insurance
• Long‑term disability (LTD) and accident coverage
• Critical illness coverage
• 401(k) retirement plan
• Employee Assistance Program (for employees and household members)
• Per diem or dislocation allowance for travel‑related lodging, meals, and incidentals

About the Organization

IMIA, LLC is the only national marine surface‑preparation painting contractor servicing every U.S. port with a mobile full‑time workforce that delivers quality products on time. The company provides seasoned deck‑plate supervision, experienced mechanics, rigorous corporate safety and quality programs, and strong financial backing to support customers’ preservation needs.