Ship Inspector Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Coatings Inspector plays a critical role in ensuring marine coatings, surface preparation, and preservation work meets contract specifications, NAVSEA requirements, and quality standards. This position performs inspections, testing, and surveillance throughout all phases of ship repair to verify compliance with drawings, technical specifications, and customer requirements. Work is performed in active shipyard environments supporting Navy and commercial vessel maintenance and repair operations. Assignments are project-based and may continue based on performance and contract demand, with the potential for long-term placement or permanent hire with select clients.

Responsibilities

• Perform quality assurance inspections of surface preparation, coating application, and preservation work to verify compliance with contract requirements, drawings, and applicable specifications.
• Conduct surveillance audits during all phases of ship repair to ensure work is performed in accordance with approved procedures and quality standards.
• Inspect completed work using established inspection methods, measuring equipment, and testing procedures to document conformance or identify deficiencies.
• Prepare accurate inspection reports, nonconformance documentation, and quality records while maintaining complete inspection traceability.
• Coordinate with production personnel, supervisors, and customer representatives to resolve quality issues and support corrective actions.
• Verify compliance with NAVSEA standards, preservation requirements, and applicable coating inspection procedures throughout project execution.
• Utilize inspection equipment and nondestructive testing methods, when qualified, to evaluate workmanship and identify defects requiring corrective action.

Requirements

• Technical or Associate degree in Quality Assurance, Marine Technology, or a related field, or 4–6 years of Quality Assurance inspection experience or equivalent trade-related experience.
• Certified as a Non-Destructive Test Inspector Level II in accordance with NAVSEA TECHPUB requirements, including Visual Testing (VT), Penetrant Testing (PT), Magnetic Particle Testing (MT), and Ultrasonic Testing (UT), or the ability to obtain certification if assigned these duties.
• Current certification as a NAVSEA Basic Paint Inspector (NBPI), NACE Coating Inspector Program (CIP) Level 1 or higher, or SSPC Protective Coating Inspector (PCI) Level 2.
• Working knowledge of ship construction and repair processes, including structural, welding, machinery, piping, electrical, and ventilation systems.
• Ability to interpret engineering drawings, specifications, inspection procedures, and contract requirements.
• Experience using inspection instruments and measuring devices to verify dimensional and quality requirements.
• Must be able to work at heights and safely enter tanks, voids, cofferdams, and other confined spaces while performing competent person duties.
• Respiratory protection is required based on task and work environment. Candidates must be able to safely wear required PPE, including respirators, in accordance with site safety policies.

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous experience supporting U.S. Navy ship repair, modernization, or new construction programs.
• Familiarity with NAVSEA Standard Items, preservation standards, and military specifications.
• OSHA 10 Maritime or OSHA 30 certification.
• Experience supporting shipyard quality assurance programs involving coatings, preservation, or nondestructive testing.
• Experience working directly with government quality representatives or customer inspectors.

Additional Information

Work is performed aboard vessels, in dry docks, and in industrial shipyard environments supporting Navy and commercial repair operations. Duties may involve confined or elevated spaces and active production areas. Exposure to industrial noise, energized systems, dust, fumes, and environmental conditions is expected. PPE is required in accordance with site safety policies. Work schedules may include overtime, nights, weekends, and variable shifts based on production needs. Reliable transportation is required to report to assigned shipyard or project locations.

Venture Dynamics is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected status under applicable law.