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Lead Mechanic - Rigger (Job ID: 961)

Colonna's Shipyard
paid time off, paid holidays, 401(k)
United States, Virginia, Norfolk
400 East Indian River Road (Show on map)
Aug 26, 2025
Lead Mechanic Rigger
Purpose:
Colonna's Shipyard, Inc. 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., and its divisions, are committed to ensuring equal employment opportunities for all job applicants and employees. Employment decisions are based upon job-related reasons regardless of an applicant's race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, disability, marital status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other status protected by law.
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).
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