Hiring 1st Shift Entry-Level Shipfitters in Oceanside
$20-22/hr
As a Shipfitter, you lay out, fabricate, and position aluminum parts such as plates, bulkheads, frames, and braces within the hull of a ship to support high-quality riveting and welding work. You use blueprints, templates, and hand tools to ensure precise alignment and secure installation of structural components.
Responsibilities
- Lay out the position of aluminum parts on work surfaces using blueprints, templates, scribes, and hand tools to ensure accurate placement within the ship hull.
- Fabricate aluminum parts including plates, bulkheads, frames, and braces to meet specified dimensions and tolerances.
- Mark the location of holes to be drilled and install temporary fasteners to hold parts securely in place for welding or riveting.
- Roll, bend, flange, cut, and shape plates, beams, and other heavy metal parts using shop machinery such as plate rolls, presses, and bending brakes.
- Use measuring tape, levels, squares, and other layout tools to verify dimensions and maintain alignment and structural integrity.
- Operate hand tools and power tools, including skilsaws, to cut and finish materials according to design requirements.
- Interpret and work from detailed blueprints and templates to plan fabrication steps and sequence of operations.
- Perform finishing and carpentry-related tasks on aluminum structures to achieve clean, accurate, and structurally sound results.
- Maintain a clean and organized work area, follow safety procedures, and properly handle materials and equipment in a shipyard environment.
Essential Skills
- At least 2 years of finish carpentry experience, with a focus on precise measurement, cutting, and fitting of materials.
- Strong ability to read and interpret blueprints and templates for layout and fabrication work.
- Proficient use of measuring tape, level, and square to ensure accurate layout and alignment.
- Skilled in operating a skilsaw and other common hand and power tools used in fabrication and carpentry.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
- Experience using shop machinery such as plate rolls, presses, and bending brakes to roll, bend, flange, and shape heavy metal parts.
- Experience in carpentry or metal fabrication in a shipyard or industrial environment.
- Comfort working from detailed fabrication drawings and adjusting layouts as needed.
- Ability to work effectively on a first-shift schedule and maintain productivity throughout the workday.
- Strong commitment to safety practices in a shipyard and fabrication setting.
Why Work Here?
You join a team-focused shipyard environment that values craftsmanship, precision, and safety. The role offers consistent first-shift hours that support work-life balance, along with the opportunity to develop and refine specialized fabrication skills on unique marine projects. You work with experienced tradespeople in a setting that encourages learning, collaboration, and pride in building complex structures.
Work Environment
This role is based in a shipyard environment focused on LCAC and similar vessels, where you work in and around aluminum hull structures and fabrication areas. You use shop machinery such as plate rolls, presses, and bending brakes, as well as common hand and power tools including measuring tape, levels, squares, and skilsaws.
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Oceanside, CA.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $20.00 - $22.00/hr. Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following:
- Medical, dental & vision
- Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
- 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
- Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
- Short and long-term disability
- Health Spending Account (HSA)
- Transportation benefits
- Employee Assistance Program
- Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)
Workplace Type
This is a fully onsite position in Oceanside, CA.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Aug 25, 2026.