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Shipyard Rigger Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Main Industries

Containment/Rigging Main Industries Description: Main Industries has been serving the marine and ... This employee must have shipyard/marine experience and be knowledgeable with JLG style man-lifts.

Colonna's Shipyard, Inc.

$35.99/hr

Steel America, a business unit of Colonna's Shipyard, is seeking a Lead Mechanic Rigger to support operations at our site in Norfolk, VA. Position will provide hands-on guidance to a small group of ...

Chipton Ross

Shipyard Recruiter

Newport News, VA · On-site

Recruit for a wide range of shipyard and marine trades including Welders, Fitters, Pipefitters, Marine Electricians, Riggers, Mechanics, Planners, and Engineers. Execute full-cycle recruiting ...

Mid Atlantic Engineering Technical Services, Inc (MAETS)

Be Seen First

Shipyard Trades

Chesapeake, VA · On-site

... focused shipyard and ship repair professionals to support various ship repair, maintenance ... Riggers Crane Operators Sandblasters Marine Painters Insulators Sheet Metal Mechanics HVAC ...

Avail Staffing Company

Shipyard Carpenter

Norfolk, VA

$23 - $28/hr

Support pile driving, rigging, and heavy material handling as needed * Collaborate with engineers ... shipyard, waterfront, or marine construction setting * Familiarity with treated timber, marine ...

HII

$57K - $62K/yr

They operate the vast majority of cranes throughout the shipyard in addition to a wide assortment of forklifts with various capacities. Riggers are also responsible for operation of the shipyard ...

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$14

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$36

How much do shipyard rigger jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average hourly pay for shipyard rigger in Virginia is $25.79, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $22.88 and $29.57 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a shipyard rigger?

A Shipyard Rigger is responsible for lifting, moving, and securing heavy equipment, machinery, and ship components using ropes, cables, hoists, and other rigging gear. They work closely with crane operators and other tradespeople to ensure safe and efficient transportation of materials within a shipyard. Rigging requires knowledge of weight distribution, load limits, and proper securing techniques to prevent accidents. Shipyard Riggers must follow strict safety protocols and often work in challenging environments, including heights and confined spaces.

What does a shipyard rigger do?

A typical day for a Shipyard Rigger involves inspecting and setting up rigging gear, coordinating with crane operators, and safely hoisting and positioning large ship components or materials. Rigging tasks often require reading blueprints or load charts, communicating effectively with team members, and adhering strictly to safety protocols to prevent accidents. Shipyard Riggers work as part of a crew and frequently interact with welders, engineers, and supervisors to complete complex projects on schedule. The work is hands-on and physically demanding, usually conducted outdoors or in large industrial facilities, offering a dynamic environment for those who enjoy challenging, team-oriented roles.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be a shipyard rigger?

To thrive as a Shipyard Rigger, you need hands-on skills in rigging, hoisting, and securing heavy loads, along with a high school diploma or equivalent and related experience or apprenticeship. Proficiency with rigging equipment, cranes, load charts, and safety protocols—including OSHA certifications—are typically required. Attention to detail, teamwork, and strong communication are essential soft skills for efficiently coordinating with various trades on site. These skills and qualities are crucial for maintaining a safe work environment and ensuring the accurate and timely movement of materials and equipment within the shipyard.

What are the most commonly searched types of Shipyard Rigger jobs in Virginia?

The most popular types of Shipyard Rigger jobs in Virginia are:

What are popular job titles related to Shipyard Rigger jobs in Virginia?

For Shipyard Rigger jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Shipyard Rigger jobs in Virginia look for?

The top searched job categories for Shipyard Rigger jobs in Virginia are:

What cities in Virginia are hiring for Shipyard Rigger jobs?

Cities in Virginia with the most Shipyard Rigger job openings:

Shipyard Rigger jobs near you
Infographic showing various Shipyard Rigger job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 97% Full Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $53,650 per year, or $25.8 per hour.

Lead Mechanic - Rigger - Steel America (Job ID: 1377)

Colonna's Shipyard, Inc.

Norfolk, VA • On-site

$28.46 - $35.99/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 7 days ago

Job description

Lead Mechanic Rigger - Steel America
Purpose:
Steel America, a business unit of Colonna's Shipyard, is seeking a Lead Mechanic Rigger to support operations at our site in Norfolk, VA.
Position will provide hands-on guidance to a small group of tradespeople, working alongside them to support assigned projects under the direction of the Lead Mechanic Supervisor (LMS) or Shop Foreman. The role includes training, mentoring, and ensuring work is completed safely, efficiently, and to the highest quality standards.
The position is located onsite in Norfolk VA and will often require hours beyond a standard work week with flexible schedule availability to support production/operations. Position may require occasional travel.
Job Description:
Key responsibilities include:
  • Primary duty is to execute routine (and non-routine) production duties in support of operational goals and in compliance with Company procedures and policies.
  • Performs skilled tasking (relative to their assigned trade) in the maintenance, repair, installation/removal, new construction, etc. activities supporting ship repair/industrial fabrication operations.
  • Supports management to facilitate daily production activities of the team and helps ensure employees (assigned to their work crew) have all necessary tools, equipment, work procedures, etc. to work safely and efficiently.
  • May assist management with training, performance management, coaching/counselling, supervision, etc. for employees assigned to their work crews.
  • Utilizing their production knowledge, make recommendations to support Plan of the Day (POD) for their assigned projects and utilizing their assigned resources to efficiently achieve operational requirements of projects.
  • Evaluates job sites and work environments prior to work starting to ensure safe project set ups and efficient work evolutions.
  • Responsible for understanding and complying with all technical aspects of the job including adherence to all contract requirements, drawings, procedures/work instructions, etc.

Additionally, position will:
  • Review project specifications/SOWs and support creation of requisitions of all needed materials in accordance with contract requirements and associated references.
  • Generate and submits production reports to management (to include condition and surveillance reports, operational briefs, executed quality checks, etc.) meeting all technical/customer reporting requirements.
  • Support management in ensuring tools/resources are mobilized and demobilized from project appropriately, providing updates on damaged or lost equipment.
  • Attends/executes TIP inspections.
  • May serve as backup/makeup to supervisor, as needed.
  • Provides input to management and project teams to support schedule, progress, ETC/EAC updates for all projects assigned to them.

Qualifications:
  • Bachelors or Registered Apprentice (grad) or HS + 5 years related trade experience (in the trade to be supervised)
  • Must have experience in one or more of the following required: operation of overhead cranes, operation of mobile cranes, and/or operations of heavy mobile equipment (ie. forklifts, combilifts, telescope handlers, electric boat trailers, shipyard transporters, and hustlers).
  • Must have experience with crane signal skills, safe rigging practices, setting gangways and platforms, staging erection inspections, ships mooring, material handling, calculating center of gravity, wire size and application, nylon size and application, shackle size and application, chain size and application, chain falls and application, beam clamp type and size, antenna removal and installation, deck machinery and installation, plate and structure installation, cranes/Davits/booms install, fendering removal and installation, hatch and door removal and installation, towing bridles removal and installation, cargo valves, hoses removal and installation, and cargo handling equipment.
  • Must possess working knowledge of weight testing IAW specified Tech manuals for equipment such as Cranes, Davits, Winches, Anchors, and anchor chains, etc... within safety guidelines.
  • Ability to understand job specifications, drawings, and corresponding technical references.
  • Regular, reliable attendance

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Some previous supervisory/mentoring experience (such as make-up supervisor)
  • Experience performing successful crane and rigging operations within a shipyard environment highly preferred.
  • Prefer knowledge and experience with underwater hull rigging of shafting, propellers, rudders, etc.

Security Requirements:
  • U.S. Citizenship Required.
  • Ability to obtain DBIDS preferred.

Travel Requirements:
  • Frequent Travel; 50% or less.

Physical Requirements:
  • Must be able to lift, carry and transport heavy equipment and boxes. The exact weight requirements will be determined by the specific job, but no less than 20 lbs.
  • Able to work on and climb ladders, work in extreme temperature environments, aboard ships, in shipyards, under industrial conditions and in confined spaces, including enter and moving through manholes.
  • Able to perform other duties as required which may involve high heat, humidity, noise and dirty conditions.
  • Frequent exposure to noise due to machinery and equipment.
  • Employee is required to operate trucks, forklifts & man-lifts.
  • While performing the duties of this job, you may frequently be required to stand, walk & sit; use hands or fingers; handle or feel; talk and hear. Occasionally required to reach with hands and arms, climb and balance, stoop, squat, kneel, twist and crawl.
  • Work in extreme temperatures and conditions. At times you will work in areas that have less adequate ventilation
  • Frequent use of respirator.

Respect, Pride, Truth, Family - These are our VALUES and the guidelines that make us a leader in our industry. We are pleased and confident in stating that our skilled employees are among the most respected experts in the ship repair industry.
Colonna's Shipyard, Inc. is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. We do not discriminate based upon race, religion, color, national origin, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, or other applicable legally protected characteristics.
Additionally, Colonna's Shipyard provides a variety of benefits to support your best health, wellness, and future, to include medical/dental/vision options, company paid disability insurances, 401k with match, legal services, as well as company paid holidays and paid time off (PTO).
Pay Range: $28.46 - $35.99
Determination of base salary considers various factors, including but not limited to scope of responsibility, candidate's relative and specific experience, education level, key skills, as well as other business considerations. The company also provides a variety of benefits to support employees' best health and wellness. Additionally, the company offers a 401k retirement program with match, paid holidays, and competitive paid time off (PTO)

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