Job Title: Pipe Fitter
Location: Newport News, VA
Experience Required: 2+ years of shipbuilding pipefitting experience or 5+ years of industrial pipefitting experience.
Job Summary:
We are seeking experienced Pipe Fitters with strong shipbuilding or industrial pipefitting backgrounds to perform pipe fabrication, fit-up, brazing, installation, testing, and troubleshooting of piping systems.
The successful candidate must be proficient in reading installation and functional piping drawings, using mechanical hand tools, performing torch cutting and brazing, and working safely in confined or semi-restricted spaces.
Candidates must be comfortable working with CuNi (copper-nickel), copper, bronze, and carbon steel piping systems and performing silver braze testing and production work.
Silver Braze Test:
Candidates will be required to complete a practical silver braze test in a semi-restricted booth. Pipe sections are typically 4–6 inches in length to accommodate pull testing.
The test may include:
- CuNi pipe to bronze sleeve – vertical and horizontal flow
- CuNi pipe to carbon steel sleeve – vertical and horizontal flow
- Copper coupling to copper pipe – vertical and horizontal flow
Key Responsibilities:
- Read and interpret installation drawings, functional piping system drawings, specifications, and work instructions.
- Measure, template, fabricate, and fit pipe according to drawings and shipbuilding specifications.
- Perform proper pipe fit-up, including rolling offsets and other required configurations.
- Fit and mate mechanical pipe fittings, including unions, flanges, valves, threads, bolts, and nuts.
- Use mechanical hand tools and other equipment required for pipefitting activities.
- Operate torches for cutting and brazing operations.
- Perform silver brazing in accordance with applicable specifications and quality requirements.
- Install and pull 1½-inch and larger hoses to systems for testing.
- Break down piping systems, run hoses, install test fittings, and perform piping system tests using oil and water in accordance with applicable FMM 2C test procedures.
- Perform FMM 4C operational tests according to established procedures.
- Troubleshoot piping and operational system issues and report deficiencies that cannot be corrected to the journeyman or supervisor.
- Inspect completed fit-ups for defects and make necessary corrections before turning work over to welders.
- Ensure strain-free fit-up to pumps and other connecting equipment.
- Remove and replace damaged pipe in accordance with specifications and supervisor/journeyman direction.
- Blank systems and tanks and perform boundary air tests as required.
- Verify and comply with lockout/tagout and machinery/pipe re-entry requirements before beginning work.
- Inspect and prepare work areas, particularly when hot work is required.
- Verify gas-free certifications, permits, and tag-outs before starting work.
- Coordinate with Fire Watch personnel and ensure the work area is properly prepared for hot work.
- Run required lines and leads and perform drop tests when working with flammable or oxygen-depleting gases.
- Document existing conditions before beginning work and communicate issues to the journeyman or supervisor.
- Provide direction and assistance to pipefitter helpers when assigned.
- Maintain Objective Quality Evidence (OQE) and other required documentation.
- Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work area.
- Complete assigned daily work within established schedules and quality requirements.
- Follow written and verbal instructions from the supervisor and journeyman.
- Work scheduled shifts, overtime, weekends, and additional hours as required.
- Follow OSHA requirements, company safety procedures, and established shipyard best practices.
- Maintain professional conduct and comply with company policies, including non-discrimination and anti-harassment requirements.
Required Qualifications & Skills:
- 2+ years of shipbuilding pipefitting experience OR 5+ years of industrial pipefitting experience.
- Experience with pipe fitting, fabrication, installation, and system testing.
- Ability to read and understand functional piping system and installation drawings.
- Experience with silver brazing and torch operations.
- Ability to use a variety of mechanical hand tools.
- Knowledge of mechanical pipe fittings, unions, flanges, valves, threads, bolts, and nuts.
- Ability to measure and template pipe for fabrication.
- Understanding of US customary and metric measurement systems.
- Ability to perform basic mathematical calculations involving whole numbers, fractions, and decimals.
- Ability to inspect fit-ups and identify defects before work is turned over to welding personnel.
- Understanding of pipe system testing, including oil and water testing.
- Knowledge of Navy/shipboard piping systems and their operation.
- Ability to troubleshoot piping system and operational issues.
- Ability to work in small, confined, or tight spaces.
- Ability to pull and install 1½-inch or larger hoses for system testing.
- Ability to follow lockout/tagout and machinery/pipe re-entry procedures.
- Strong organizational and time-management skills.
- Ability to communicate effectively with supervisors, journeymen, fire watch personnel, and other trades.
- Professional demeanor and strong commitment to quality and safety.
Physical & Work Environment Requirements:
- Ability to work in confined, restricted, and difficult-to-access shipboard spaces.
- Ability to perform hot work, including torch cutting and brazing, when qualified and authorized.
- Ability to handle and position piping, hoses, fittings, and related materials.
- Ability to work in varying shipyard conditions and environments.
- Must be able to wear required personal protective equipment (PPE).
- Must be willing to work assigned shifts, overtime, weekends, and extended hours as required.
Pay: $30.00 - $32.00 per hour
Application Question(s):
- How many years of pipefitting experience do you have?
- Do you have hands-on experience with silver brazing and torch cutting/brazing?
Work Location: In person
