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Shipyard Worker Jobs in Indiana (NOW HIRING)

Program Deputy Director - SPY-1

Crane, IN · On-site

$116K/yr

Working knowledge of government acquisition practices and sustainment planning (e.g., INCO, ILS, depot stand-up, shipyard coordination). * U.S. Citizenship required. Preferred Qualifications:

Working knowledge of government acquisition practices and sustainment planning (e.g., INCO, ILS, depot stand-up, shipyard coordination). * U.S. Citizenship required. Preferred Qualifications:

Working knowledge of government acquisition practices and sustainment planning (e.g., INCO, ILS, depot stand-up, shipyard coordination). * U.S. Citizenship required. Preferred Qualifications:

Shipyard Worker information

See Indiana salary details

$11

$22

$30

How much do shipyard worker jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for shipyard worker in Indiana is $22.46, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.90 and $25.62 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a shipyard worker?

A Shipyard Worker is responsible for building, repairing, and maintaining ships, boats, and other marine vessels. Their tasks can include welding, painting, assembling, and inspecting components to ensure structural integrity. Shipyard Workers often specialize in trades such as welding, electrical work, or pipefitting. This job typically takes place in a shipyard environment, requiring physical labor and adherence to strict safety regulations. It is a vital role in the maritime and defense industries.

What skills and qualifications are needed to thrive as a shipyard worker?

To thrive as a Shipyard Worker, you need practical skills in manual labor, mechanical aptitude, and a basic understanding of ship construction or repair, often supported by a high school diploma or vocational training. Familiarity with tools like welding equipment, cranes, and forklifts, as well as safety certifications such as OSHA or confined space training, is typically required. Strong teamwork, attention to detail, and communication skills help a worker excel in fast-paced, collaborative environments. These abilities are essential for maintaining safety, producing quality work, and ensuring that complex projects stay on schedule in a physically demanding workplace.

What are some common challenges shipyard workers face on the job?

Shipyard Workers often encounter physically demanding tasks, such as heavy lifting, working in confined spaces, or enduring various weather conditions, which requires good physical fitness and adherence to safety protocols. Another challenge is the need to coordinate with diverse teams including welders, electricians, and engineers, requiring effective communication and collaboration skills. Additionally, the fast-paced environment means deadlines can be tight, so efficiency and adaptability are important. Overcoming these challenges helps foster a safer, more productive workplace and can open doors to advancement within the shipbuilding industry.

Do shipyard workers make good money?

Shipyard workers typically earn wages that are above the national average for manufacturing and construction jobs, with pay rates varying based on experience, location, and skill level. Many positions also offer overtime opportunities and benefits, which can increase overall compensation. Skilled workers with certifications or specialized skills tend to earn higher wages.

How do you become a shipyard worker?

To become a shipyard worker, you typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, and some positions may require specialized skills or certifications such as OSHA safety training or welding licenses. Gaining experience through apprenticeships or entry-level roles can also help, and physical fitness is important due to the demanding work environment.

What are popular job titles related to Shipyard Worker jobs in Indiana?

For Shipyard Worker jobs in Indiana, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Shipyard Worker jobs in Indiana look for?

The top searched job categories for Shipyard Worker jobs in Indiana are:

Infographic showing various Shipyard Worker job openings in Indiana as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 14% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 68% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 28% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $46,717 per year, or $22.5 per hour.

Program Deputy Director - SPY-1

Kratos Defense

Crane, IN • On-site

$116K/yr

Full-time

Posted 6 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Manage the planning, execution, and delivery of radar refurbishment, testing, and integration activities.

  • Coordinate technical tasking, reviews, and communication across internal teams, government sponsors, and industry partners.

  • Oversee project management activities including creating program plans, tracking milestones, monitoring budgets, and ensuring technical and schedule performance.


Kratos Defense & Security Solutions rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 10 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

GENERAL JOB SUMMARY:

The Program Deputy Director leads critical radar sustainment and modernization efforts for our government customer. The selected candidate will manage the planning, execution, and delivery of advanced radar refurbishment, testing, and integration activities. This role is pivotal to ensuring technical excellence, cost-effective execution, and alignment with US Department of War mission readiness objectives.

The Program Deputy Director will oversee efforts across design, systems engineering, manufacturing, and sustainment planning. Responsibilities span internal team leadership, coordination with government sponsors, and collaboration with key industry partners.

Primary Responsibilities:

  • Lead execution of projects, managing cost, schedule, performance, and risk across multiple technical domains and phases (harvesting, prototyping, test, depot planning).
  • Develop and manage integrated master schedules (IMS), work breakdown structures (WBS), and program management baselines in alignment with contractual milestones.
  • Coordinate technical tasking and reviews across IPTs.
  • Manage government and subcontractor relationships, serving as primary interface for all programmatic matters, including milestone reviews and performance reporting.
  • Ensure alignment between engineering execution and government requirements for readiness, affordability, and technical data control.
  • Lead development of proposals, ROMs, and scope expansions for follow-on phases and associated radar sustainment efforts.
  • Support strategic business development by identifying opportunities to expand adjacent radar sustainment and modernization programs.
  • Provide strategic thinking towards technical innovation and customer engagement.
  • Maintain ongoing communication with team, suppliers, customers, and leadership.
  • Ensure compliance with government program standards, data rights management, cybersecurity, and technical baseline control processes.

Essential Job Functions:

  • Create and maintain program plans, cost models, and resource forecasts.
  • Communicate and support internal and external resources (staff, facilities, and equipment).
  • Create project milestone plans, schedules, and contract work breakdown structures as appropriate.
  • Responsible for project budget, schedule, monitoring, and completion of goals and milestones in accordance with approved plans.
  • Conduct recurring reviews of technical progress, financial, and risk mitigation plans.
  • Oversee development of program artifacts including CONOPS, digital engineering deliverables, and sustainment documentation.
  • Engage directly with government stakeholders to ensure timely resolution of issues, alignment with shipyard schedules, and program objectives.
  • Coordinate across Kratos internal divisions and external OEMs to ensure seamless execution and technical continuity.
  • Travel as needed to government sites, radar facilities, and Kratos integration locations (up to 25%).

Required Experience and Qualifications:

  • BS/BA degree
  • Minimum of 15 years of experience in defense programs, with at least 3 years in program or technical leadership roles.
  • Demonstrated experience managing complex Department of War hardware-intensive projects (e.g., radar, EW, or C5ISR systems).
  • Working knowledge of government acquisition practices and sustainment planning (e.g., INCO, ILS, depot stand-up, shipyard coordination).
  • U.S. Citizenship required.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Active DoD Secret clearance.
  • Prior experience supporting NSWC Crane, PEO IWS, or NAVSEA programs.
  • Familiarity with Department of War radar systems.
  • Knowledge of digital engineering, MBSE, or advanced manufacturing as applied to radar systems.
  • PMP certification or equivalent.

#LI-ACI & #LI-Onsite


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