Full-Time

Pipe Fitter

Updated on 9/10/2026

Austal USA

Austal USA

1,001-5,000 employees

Designs and builds U.S. Navy vessels

Compensation Overview

$40/hr

No H1B Sponsorship

Mobile, AL, USA

In Person

US Citizenship Required

Category
Building Trades (1)
Required Skills
OSHA

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Requirements
  • Working knowledge of procedures, strong mechanical aptitude, and the ability to follow directions.
  • Experience in the pipe-fitting trade, knowledge of ship terminology, and the ability to interpret engineering drawings, job specifications, drawings, blueprints, and specifications.
  • Ability to perform work on marine vessels and install pipe systems aboard vessels.
  • Ability to work with limited supervision and willingness to develop other team members' skill levels.
  • Ability to safely rig equipment following all Occupational Safety and Health Administration requirements.
  • At least one year of work experience as a B-class pipe fitter at Austal or two years of experience in a similar role at a comparable employer.
  • Ability to pass the A-class pipe fitter written test with a minimum score of 70% and practical test with a minimum score of 90%.
  • Ability to read and comprehend simple instructions, short correspondence, and memos; write simple correspondence; perform basic arithmetic and measure using the metric system.
  • Ability to apply common-sense understanding to written, oral, or diagrammed instructions and deal with problems that may arise.
  • Must have a full set of personal tools.
  • Must be at least 18 years old, provide proof of U.S. person status, submit to a drug screen, and pass a background check.
  • Ability to meet the physical requirements, including prolonged standing, climbing, working at heights above 12 feet, lifting or pushing up to 50 pounds occasionally and 20 pounds frequently, entering confined spaces, and working in hot, cold, humid, noisy, and outdoor environments.
  • Ability to use required tools, equipment, and personal protective equipment safely in accordance with Occupational Safety and Health Administration standards.
  • Must comply with company, federal, state, and local safety and environmental rules and regulations.
Responsibilities
  • Read and interpret drawings, blueprints, and specifications to determine layout requirements.
  • Cut openings for pipe in walls, floors, and ceilings using hand or power tools or machines.
  • Measure, cut, thread, and bend pipe to the required shape using hand and power tools.
  • Test systems for leaks using testing equipment.
  • Clean and maintain pipe units and fittings and flush systems.
  • Install clamps, brackets, and hangers to support piping systems using hand and power tools.
  • Install pipe systems aboard vessels safely and productively.
  • Inspect work, identify potential problems, and initiate corrective actions.
  • Increase awareness of quality procedures within the department and ensure correct work procedures are followed.
  • Work productively as a team member to meet daily goals set by the supervisor.
  • Contribute to communication, flexibility, innovation, productivity improvements, and waste elimination.
  • Assist the supervisor with control and maintenance of department equipment.
  • Step up as supervisor when required.
  • Work toward the team goal of delivering the vessel on time.
  • Start shifts on time and follow Austal guidelines and procedures.
  • Leave the work area clean and stow and protect all equipment and tools safely.
  • Wear and correctly use required personal protective equipment.
  • Liaise with supervisors and foremen.

Austal USA builds and maintains ships for the U.S. Navy and Coast Guard, covering aluminum and steel hulls and a lifecycle of maintenance and modernization. Ships are designed and constructed with modular manufacturing and in-house capabilities, supported by a large, continuously operating facility and a Repair & Services division. The company also develops advanced technologies—autonomy, unmanned surface vessels, AI, and submarine modules—with partnerships like Electric Boat, plus an Advanced Technology division that runs the Navy’s additive manufacturing efforts. Its goal is to deliver and sustain modern vessels, broaden its maritime footprint, and advance defense-focused autonomous and additive manufacturing technologies.

Company Size

1,001-5,000

Company Stage

N/A

Total Funding

N/A

Headquarters

N/A

Founded

1999

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Simplify Jobs

Simplify's Take

What believers are saying

  • MMF3 opened June 4, 2026, expanding submarine-module capacity and hiring.
  • Austal reported $17.7 billion order book and 76 ships scheduled or under construction.
  • FY2026 H1 USA revenue rose 26.4% to $801.4 million, despite EBIT pressure.

What critics are saying

  • Austal USA booked a $175 million FY2026 loss from T-ATS, AFDM, and LCU claims.
  • Those legacy-contract provisions extend through 2028 and invite more margin resets.
  • Hanwha’s $1.05 billion takeover offer faces U.S. national-security scrutiny and execution risk.

What makes Austal USA unique

  • Mobile’s 1.5 million-square-foot yard combines aluminum, steel, repair, and submarine modules.
  • MMF3 opened June 4, 2026, anchoring submarine-module manufacturing for Virginia and Columbia classes.
  • Austal USA pairs shipbuilding with Advanced Technologies, additive manufacturing, and autonomous-systems work.

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