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Ship Coating Inspector Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

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Quality Assurance Inspector

Norfolk, VA · On-site

$25 - $28/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

Perform inspections throughout various phases of ship repair and construction. * Verify work ... AMPP/NACE Coating Inspector * AWS Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) * ASNT/NDT Certifications

Paint Shop Supervisor

Chesapeake, VA

$60K - $70K/yr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

AMPP Coating Inspector certification (CCI Level 1 or higher). * OSHA 10 or OSHA 30 certification. * Experience in a defense or shipbuilding supply chain environment. Physical Requirements * Ability ...

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ENGINEERING TECHNICIAN 3/ PAINT COATING

Newport News, VA

$69K - $88K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

Newport News Shipbuilding US Citizenship Required for this Position: Yes Full-Time Shift: 1st ... Inspection Reports, ASTM-F718's, Manufacturer product data sheets, etc.) Uses personal computer in ...

ENGINEERING TECHNICIAN 3/ PAINT COATING

Newport News, VA · On-site

$69K - $88K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

Newport News Shipbuilding US Citizenship Required for this Position: Yes Full-Time Shift: 1st ... Inspection Reports, ASTM-F718's, Manufacturer product data sheets, etc.) Uses personal computer in ...

Spray Painter

Newport News, VA

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

PUMP OPERATOR: • Inspect and set up pumps, hoses, fittings, filters, guns, tips, guards, suction ... coating systems to Military Ships. Pump Operator experience and understanding Marine Pump operator ...

$16.50 - $22.25/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

PUMP OPERATOR: • Inspect and set up pumps, hoses, fittings, filters, guns, tips, guards, suction ... coating systems to Military Ships. Pump Operator experience and understanding Marine Pump operator ...

Spray Painter

Newport News, VA · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

PUMP OPERATOR: • Inspect and set up pumps, hoses, fittings, filters, guns, tips, guards, suction ... coating systems to Military Ships. Pump Operator experience and understanding Marine Pump operator ...

$69K - $88K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

Newport News Shipbuilding US Citizenship Required for this Position: Yes Full-Time Shift: 1st ... Inspection Reports, ASTM-F718's, Manufacturer product data sheets, etc.) Uses personal computer in ...

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Ship Coating Inspector information

What is a ship coating inspector?

Ship Coating Inspectors are professionals responsible for examining and verifying the quality of protective coatings applied to ships and marine structures. Their main role is to ensure that coatings, such as paint or anti-corrosive layers, meet industry standards and project specifications to protect vessels from rust, corrosion, and other environmental damage. They use specialized tools and testing methods to assess surface preparation, coating application, and curing processes. Ship Coating Inspectors also document their findings, ensure compliance with safety and environmental regulations, and may provide recommendations for corrective actions. Their expertise helps extend the lifespan of ships and maintain safety at sea.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be a ship coating inspector?

To thrive as a Ship Coating Inspector, you need a solid understanding of marine coating systems, corrosion control, and inspection techniques, usually supported by certifications like NACE or FROSIO. Familiarity with inspection tools such as dry film thickness gauges, surface profile meters, and reporting software is essential. Attention to detail, strong communication, and problem-solving skills help inspectors effectively identify issues and collaborate with shipyard teams. These abilities are vital to ensuring vessel longevity, safety, and compliance with industry standards.

What are common challenges faced by ship coating inspectors during ship maintenance projects?

Ship Coating Inspectors often encounter challenges such as working in harsh marine environments, coordinating with multiple teams under tight schedules, and ensuring strict adherence to industry standards for surface preparation and coating application. They must also address unexpected issues like weather delays or surface contamination, which can impact project timelines and coating quality. Effective communication with contractors, crew members, and project managers is essential to resolve issues promptly and maintain safety standards throughout the inspection process.

What is the difference between Ship Coating Inspector vs Ship Painter?

AspectShip Coating InspectorShip Painter
CertificationsSurface preparation, coating application, and inspection certificationsPainting and coating application certifications
Work EnvironmentInspection sites, shipyards, and coating application areasShip surfaces, paint booths, and shipyard environments
Job FocusEnsuring coating quality, adherence to standards, and surface preparationApplying paint and coatings to ship surfaces
Industry UsageUsed in shipbuilding, repair, and maintenance industriesPrimarily in shipbuilding and repair sectors

The Ship Coating Inspector and Ship Painter roles are closely related but differ mainly in focus. The inspector emphasizes quality control, standards compliance, and surface inspection, while the painter concentrates on applying coatings. Both roles require relevant certifications and work in similar environments within the maritime industry.

How much do ship coating inspectors make in the US?

Ship coating inspectors in the US typically earn between $40,000 and $70,000 annually, depending on experience, certifications, and location. Experienced inspectors with specialized skills or certifications like NACE or SSPC can earn higher salaries, especially in maritime or industrial environments.

How to become a ship coating inspector?

To become a ship coating inspector, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, along with training in surface preparation and coating application. Industry certifications such as NACE or SSPC are often required, and experience in marine environments or industrial coating inspection is beneficial. Knowledge of safety protocols and inspection tools is also important.

What are popular job titles related to Ship Coating Inspector jobs in Virginia?

For Ship Coating Inspector jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Ship Coating Inspector job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, and 14% Part Time. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution.

Quality Assurance Inspector

Tidewater Staffing

Norfolk, VA • On-site

$25 - $28/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental

Re-posted 3 days ago

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Job description

Quality Assurance Inspector (Shipyard)

Help Ensure Quality Across Hampton Roads Shipyards

Tidewater Staffing is seeking experienced Quality Assurance Inspectors to support naval and commercial ship repair, maintenance, modernization, and new construction projects throughout the Hampton Roads area.

Successful candidates may support inspections across structural, mechanical, piping, electrical, coatings, welding, machining, or production processes depending on project needs and experience.

If you have a strong eye for detail, understand shipyard quality standards, and take pride in delivering work that meets customer and regulatory requirements, we'd like to hear from you.

Responsibilities

  • Perform inspections throughout various phases of ship repair and construction.
  • Verify work complies with customer specifications, drawings, procedures, and quality standards.
  • Conduct visual inspections and document findings accurately.
  • Review work packages, technical drawings, blueprints, and specifications.
  • Complete inspection reports and maintain quality documentation.
  • Identify non-conforming work and assist in corrective action processes.
  • Work closely with production supervisors, craftsmen, engineering, and customers.
  • Support audits, turnover packages, and final acceptance inspections.
  • Promote compliance with OSHA safety regulations and shipyard safety procedures.
  • Maintain professional communication with both internal teams and customers.

Experience We Are Looking For

  • Structural Steel
  • Shipfitting
  • Marine Welding
  • Pipefitting
  • Marine Electrical
  • Mechanical Systems
  • Machining
  • Valve Repair
  • Coatings & Preservation
  • Marine Painting
  • Outfitting
  • Production Quality
  • Final Inspection
  • New Construction
  • Ship Repair
  • Naval or Commercial Vessel Maintenance

Preferred Qualifications

  • 3+ years of shipyard, marine, industrial, or manufacturing quality experience
  • Ability to interpret blueprints, drawings, specifications, and work instructions
  • Strong written documentation and communication skills
  • Working knowledge of inspection procedures and quality systems
  • Familiarity with NAVSEA, ABS, USCG, or customer quality requirements is a plus
  • Experience with Microsoft Office and electronic documentation
  • Ability to work independently and as part of a team

Certifications Are a Plus

  • NAVSEA Basic Paint Inspector (NBPI)
  • AMPP/NACE Coating Inspector
  • AWS Certified Welding Inspector (CWI)
  • ASNT/NDT Certifications
  • OSHA 10 or OSHA 30
  • Other applicable Quality Assurance certifications

Applicants without certifications but with strong shipyard QA experience are encouraged to apply.

Physical Requirements

  • Ability to walk extensive shipyard facilities.
  • Ability to climb ladders and access vessels.
  • Comfortable working aboard ships, in confined spaces, and at heights when required.
  • Ability to lift up to 40 pounds occasionally.
  • Must be able to wear required PPE.

Why Join Tidewater Staffing?

  • Opportunities with leading Hampton Roads shipyards
  • Competitive pay with overtime opportunities
  • Long-term and project-based assignments
  • Weekly pay
  • Supportive recruiting team
  • Opportunities for career growth within the maritime industry

Company Description

Since 1992, Tidewater Staffing, Inc. (TSI) has been providing unrivaled workforce solutions for our clients in the ship repair, warehousing, and light industrial/manufacturing industries. Through the years, we’ve dedicated ourselves to solving staffing challenges efficiently, economically, and with integrity by embodying our mission statement: “Put people to work. Do the right thing every day.”


Tidewater Staffing logo

About Tidewater Staffing

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Since 1992, Tidewater Staffing, Inc. (TSI) has been providing unrivaled workforce solutions for our clients in the ship repair, warehousing, and light industrial/manufacturing industries. Through the years, we’ve dedicated ourselves to solving staffing challenges efficiently, economically, and with integrity by embodying our mission statement: “Put people to work. Do the right thing every day.” Our deep industry experience and established local presence allow us to maintain a consistent, updated, and expansive network of skilled candidates, and our proprietary digital onboarding process. When you partner with Tidewater Staffing, you get employees who are trained, screened, supplied, and access to our proprietary digital onboarding process.

Industry

Recruiting and staffing services

Company size

51 - 200 Employees

Headquarters location

Virginia Beach, VA, US

Year founded

1992