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Director Shipbuilding Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Must participate in the direct deposit pay program. * New employees to the Department of the Navy ... The selectee must be willing and able to work onboard ships. * The selectee must be willing and ...

SHIPBUILDING SPECIALIST

Bremerton, WA · On-site +1

$83K - $130K/yr

Must participate in the direct deposit pay program. * New employees to the Department of the Navy ... The selectee must be willing and able to work onboard ships. * The selectee must be willing and ...

Roll reel to rewind or to direct ship area. Place orders on desk for direct ship. * Palletize reels by rolling onto pallets or by using hoist * Read and understand manufacturing instructions. * Use ...

Structural Fitter Trainer (Shipbuilding)

Goose Creek, SC · On-site

$19 - $24.25/hr

Structural Fitter Trainer (Shipbuilding) Location: Goose Creek, SC Position Type: Full-Time | ... Direct impact on production quality and workforce development Opportunity to shape and train next ...

Showing results 41-60

Director Shipbuilding information

What does a director of shipbuilding do?

A Director of Shipbuilding oversees the entire process of designing, constructing, and delivering ships for commercial, military, or private use. They manage project timelines, budgets, regulatory compliance, and coordinate teams of engineers, architects, and shipyard workers. Their responsibilities often include client communication, contract negotiation, and ensuring that all safety and quality standards are met throughout the construction process. The Director plays a crucial leadership role in guiding the shipyard's strategic direction and ensuring successful project completion.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a director of shipbuilding?

To thrive as a Director of Shipbuilding, you need extensive experience in naval architecture, marine engineering, and project management, often backed by a relevant engineering degree and significant leadership experience. Familiarity with ship design software (such as AutoCAD or ShipConstructor), scheduling tools, and safety/regulatory standards (like SOLAS or IMO) is essential. Strong leadership, negotiation, and strategic communication skills set outstanding candidates apart in leading multidisciplinary teams and managing stakeholders. These skills ensure the timely and cost-effective delivery of complex shipbuilding projects while maintaining safety and quality standards.

What are the main challenges faced by a director of shipbuilding when managing large-scale projects?

A Director Shipbuilding often encounters challenges such as coordinating multiple departments, ensuring compliance with safety and regulatory standards, and managing tight project timelines. Balancing cost control with quality and dealing with supply chain disruptions are also common issues. Strong leadership and communication skills are essential to align cross-functional teams and address unforeseen obstacles to keep complex shipbuilding projects on track.

What is the difference between Director Shipbuilding vs Project Manager Shipbuilding?

AspectDirector ShipbuildingProject Manager Shipbuilding
CredentialsRelevant engineering or management certifications, industry experienceProject management certifications (PMP), engineering background often preferred
Work EnvironmentOversees multiple projects, strategic planning, high-level decision makingManages individual shipbuilding projects, coordinates teams, ensures project delivery
Employer & Industry UsageShipbuilding companies, defense contractors, large maritime firmsShipyards, naval contractors, maritime industry

The main difference is that the Director Shipbuilding focuses on strategic oversight and high-level management across multiple projects, while the Project Manager Shipbuilding handles the day-to-day management of specific shipbuilding projects. Both roles require relevant industry experience and certifications, but their scope and responsibilities differ significantly.

More about Director Shipbuilding jobs

What cities are hiring for Director Shipbuilding jobs?

Cities with the most Director Shipbuilding job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Shipbuilding jobs?

The most popular types of Shipbuilding jobs are:

What states have the most Director Shipbuilding jobs?

States with the most job openings for Director Shipbuilding jobs include:

What are popular job titles related to Director Shipbuilding jobs?

For Director Shipbuilding jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Director Shipbuilding job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 86% In-person, and 14% Remote job distribution.

Repair Test Manager

San Diego, CA • On-site

National Steel and Shipbuilding Com
Construction of Buildings • 1 - 5K employees

$102K - $138K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 23 days ago


General Dynamics NASSCO rating

9.1

Company rating: 9.1 out of 10

Based on 7 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Job Posting End Date: until filled

Shift:                               1st

Security Clearance:      No Clearance required

SUMMARY

Leads and directs the work of trades and subcontractors to perform testing to meet project goals. May lead self-directed work teams, provide training to team and peers, and interact with internal and external customers with respect to test planning, problem resolution and process improvement. Directly responsible for the efficient operation of the ship repair processes including safety, quality, schedule, and cost.  The Performance of the Test Manager is primarily measured by the success of the testing and system restoration and delivery of the ship; measured in terms of schedule and quality conformance.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND DUTIES  

  • Works with the Director\Ship Manager on the creation of Repair policies and procedures related to testing and work certification
  • Responsible for test safety and ensures goals are being achieved
  • Leads department training for testing and work certification
  • Leads the logistic planning and execution for the test program
  • Develops test plans and incorporates into the Integrated Production Schedule
  • Leads the production/test schedule and ensures requirements and goals are being met
  • Manages test activities and leads the appropriate corrective action with the General Supervisor and Superintendent
  • Leads the resolution of conflicting trade/subcontractor priorities
  • Leads the development of testing strategy, plans and sequencing with assistance from Planning, trade supervision, and Subcontractors
  • Provides consistent feedback and improvements for follow on hulls/availabilities
  • Exercise discretion and independent judgment by anticipating schedule deviations, and leads corrective action
  • Provides appropriate feedback (lessons learned, IDRs, etc.) to Ship Management, Superintendent, Support Departments and Planning
  • Understands and manages NAVSEA Standard Items
  • Mentors Area Managers assigned as Test Coordinators
  • Other responsibilities and duties as assigned

SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS

  • High School graduate or equivalent with good knowledge of trade responsibilities, ship systems, and shipbuilding practices
  • Position requires seven (7) years of experience in a ship operations or repair environment in a position of responsibility. Experience as New Construction and/or Repair Area Manager, Test & Trials Engineer or equivalent preferred
  • Good written and verbal communication skills. Effective reports are a key deliverable of this individual’s activities
  • Good team building and planning skills
  • High degree of technical competence and understanding of shipboard systems and operations
  • Prior supervisory experience is preferred
  • Successfully demonstrated knowledge of NASSCO’s policies and procedures

ACCOUNTABILITY

Directly responsible for the effective operation of the shipbuilding/repair testing and work certification processes including safety, quality, schedule, and cost.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Work occurs in both an outdoor shipyard environment and office setting. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to focus.  Regularly required to sit, use hands and fingers, operate computer keyboard and controls, and communicate verbally and in writing. Requires ability to commute physically to various areas of the shipyard including but not limited to shipboard activities. Must be capable of ascending/descending stairs or ladders, walking on uneven surfaces, and transiting through manholes and other confined, congested spaces. Physical dexterity must allow for bending and reaching. Must remain alert and comply with all safety requirements.

While performing the duties of this position, the employee is exposed occasionally to dust, fumes, and smoke. Must be able to spend up to 60% of time in an outdoor shipyard environment in all climates. The noise level is relatively low to moderate in office environments.  The noise level in the outdoor shipyard production environment is moderate to noisy 70% of time which may include sirens, horns, chipping, and hammering. Position requires the ability to walk on scaffolding and work at heights aboard vessels under construction or repair.

Payscale: $102,200 - $138,700

This pay range is a reasonable estimate of the salary range for this role. It takes into account the wide range of factors considered in making compensation decisions; including but not limited to skill sets, experience, training, and education. General Dynamics NASSCO also provides a variety of benefits including medical & dental insurance coverage, 401(k) retirement savings plan, flexible spending accounts/HSAs, life and disability insurance, company paid holidays and paid time off (PTO), wellness coaching, and an onsite health services. 

General Dynamics NASSCO is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status, or any other basis protected by local, state, or federal law.

To learn more about applicant rights under federal law, click here:

Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal

If you have a disability that impacts your ability to complete the job application process and would like to request an accommodation, please contact our Human Resources Department.

Call (619) 544-8511 or email nasscohr@nassco.com. This contact information is for accommodation requests only, not to inquire about the status of applications.

NASSCO is an Equal Opportunity / Individuals with Disabilities / Protected Veterans Employer


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