Ship Superintendent

@ Goodwin Recruiting
Goodwin Recruitinggoodwinrecruiting.com

Ship Superintendent

North Kingstown, RI
Posted 2 days ago

About the job

We are a growing shipbuilding company focusing on vessel construction, project management, and shipyard operations. The role involves leading complex projects, coordinating teams, and ensuring safety, quality, and regulatory compliance in a fast-paced marine environment.

Requirements

  • 10+ years shipyard experience
  • Managing vessel builds
  • Knowledge of marine systems
  • Experience with regulatory bodies
  • Leadership in shipyard environment

Qualifications

  • Proven leadership skills
  • Technical knowledge
  • Strong communication skills
  • Detail-oriented
  • Ability to work extended hours

Full job description

We are seeking an experienced Ship Superintendent to lead complex vessel construction projects from award through final delivery. This is a high-impact, hands-on leadership role overseeing shipyard operations, commissioning, and cross-functional coordination in a fast-paced marine environment.


Benefits and Compensation:

  • Competitive base salary (commensurate with experience)
  • Performance-based bonus opportunities
  • Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance
  • 401(k) with company match
  • Paid time off and holidays
  • Career advancement within a growing shipbuilding organization
  • Exposure to high-profile marine construction projects
  • Relocation assistance (if applicable)
  • Company-provided PPE and safety training
  • Stable, long-term project pipeline

Requirements & Qualifications:

  • Minimum 10+ years of progressive shipyard experience, including new construction and commissioning
  • Proven track record managing full lifecycle vessel builds through delivery
  • Strong knowledge of marine systems, shipyard trades, and sequencing
  • Experience working with regulatory and classification bodies (USCG, ABS, SOLAS, etc.)
  • Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings and technical specifications
  • Demonstrated leadership of multidisciplinary teams in a shipyard environment
  • Proficiency with scheduling, reporting tools, and general computer applications
  • Strong communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills
  • Ability to work in physically demanding environments (heights, confined spaces, onboard vessels)
  • Willingness to work extended hours and weekends as required by project schedules

Must Haves:

  • Lead daily coordination of shipyard trades, subcontractors, and vendors to maintain build sequencing and milestone adherence
  • Oversee and execute commissioning activities including dock trials, sea trials, and system validation
  • Act as the primary liaison with classification societies and surveyors for inspections, approvals, and certifications
  • Identify schedule risks early and implement corrective action plans to avoid delays or cost overruns
  • Manage change orders by reviewing scope gaps and aligning field execution with engineering updates
  • Coordinate closely with procurement to ensure critical materials and equipment arrive in alignment with build schedules
  • Track and drive resolution of punch list items through final vessel acceptance
  • Maintain detailed project logs, progress reports, and compliance documentation throughout construction lifecycle
  • Enforce strict adherence to safety, environmental, and quality standards on-site
  • Mentor junior shipyard leaders, developing bench strength across supervisory roles

Preferred Background & Skills:

  • Experience working on commercial, military, or specialty vessel construction projects
  • Background in high-mix, low-volume shipbuilding environments
  • Familiarity with project management methodologies or systems
  • Experience supporting owner representatives during build and delivery phases
  • Strong understanding of budgeting and cost control within shipyard operations
  • Exposure to lean manufacturing or continuous improvement initiatives
  • Technical certifications or maritime-related education/training
  • Ability to manage multiple concurrent vessel projects or phases simultaneously
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