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Manufacturing & Trades

The Future is Yours to Build

General Dynamics Bath Iron Works employs the greatest shipbuilders in the world in order to accomplish our vital mission of delivering ships to the U.S. Navy. From general laborers, pipefitters to electricians and beyond, each shipbuilder plays a pivotal role in bringing our ships to life and we provide in-depth training for all our manufacturing and trade positions.

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Manufacturing & Trade Positions

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Carpenter

The Carpenter shop is responsible for setting up the equipment for major unit translations, including moving all ships from land level into the dry-dock and later launching them into the Kennebec River. Tasks include installing most of the furniture on the ship and supporting other trades with needed woodworking products.

Crane Operator

Crane operators work with yard riggers to provide critical support to all other trades in the shipyard. Certified crane operators use their knowledge and skills to operate bridge cranes, mobile cranes and up to 300-ton portal cranes.

Electrician

Electricians install miles of electrical cable and over 20,000 electrical components throughout the ship, creating a highly complex integrated power system. They are our largest trade with roles ranging from entry level cable running to highly advanced power system testing.

General Laborer

This position is a great opportunity to learn and develop new skills. General Laborers rotate throughout the company giving them exposure to numerous trades and on-the-job training.

The General Laborer classification is an entry level position for individuals new to the industry.

Preservation Technician

There is a lot more to coating a ship than most people think. Paint coats nearly every surface on the ship, ensuring the steel is protected from the elements. Tasks of Preservation Technicians include preparing spaces for final U.S. Navy inspection, fine-cleaning, pouring decking and paint removal.

Inside Machinist

From tiny washers to the rudders of the ship, Inside Machinists are responsible for making parts for the ship. They operate a variety of machines including mills, water-jets, press brakes, shears, lathes and lasers in order to produce precision parts. Some other fabrication processes include sheet metal forming, pipe-bending, shell plate forming, drilling and sawing.

Insulator

Insulators cover interior and exterior bulkheads to prevent heat loss and provide noise reduction. They also cover exhausts and pipes for condensation and heat protection. Insulation plays a big part in making the interior of the ship safe and comfortable for the U.S. Navy sailors.

Material Handler

Material Handlers transport over 90,000 individual parts across 350,000 sq. ft. of inside storage and 14 acres of outside storage space. They operate forklifts, tractors and other pieces of equipment involved in the movement, storage and handling of all material associated with construction and service of a ship.

Outside Machinist

Outside Machinists are responsible for installation and operation of most of the equipment that makes the ship go. They also work with precision equipment to install everything from the shafts and main engines to the guns and missile systems. This trade gives individuals the opportunity to work with BIW vendors and the U. S. Navy to install, operate and test major components of the ship.

Pipefitter

Pipefitters participate in every step of the manufacturing process including assisting in design, fabrication, installation and test/operation of piping systems. The Pipe Shop also assists with training the Navy crew on the proper operation of some of the systems we install.

Shipfitter

Shipfitters fabricate large components and ship structures, align combat foundations, prep and set units, fabricate ballistic doors and complete compartment air testing. They are responsible for all structural work to build the shell of the ship. Shipfitters work the steel to build the ship from single deck sections into a completely integrated hull.

Sandblaster

Sandblasters are widely considered to have one of the most physically demanding jobs in the shipyard, yet one of the most rewarding. Nearly every piece of steel on the ship cycles through one of the blast buildings to have all dirt, grease, rust and paint removed. Sandblasting ensures proper surface preparation which allows paint to bond to the steel.

Stagebuilder

Stagebuilders are an important service trade who work with the progression of the ship from bare steel units, all the way to the river in order to provide access to places that other trades cannot reach safely without staging support.

Tinsmith

As a support trade, Tinsmiths provide temporary ventilation for manufacturing throughout all stages of construction. They fabricate and install approximately three miles of ventilation throughout the ship, as well as installing the main engine and generator intakes and exhaust. They are responsible for the installation of all the equipment in the ship’s galley.

Welder

Welders work in all positions with a variety of different processes including: Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW), Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAV/MIG), Flux Cored Arc Welding (FCAW) and Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW/TIG). Welders use 300,000 lbs. of weld wire on each DDG 51 ship and work in every corner it, including in tight spaces.

Yard Rigger

Yard Riggers are responsible for the safe and proper lifting of all items in the shipyard. To accomplish large, complicated lifts, they rely on engineering and technical documents for direction. Yard Riggers also rely on rigging techniques taught in classes and through on-the-job training. They operate specialized machinery, remote-controlled bridge cranes and even a unit transporter that hauls 500 tons, has 64 wheels and turns at zero degrees.

The camaraderie and teamwork that goes into making these ships is really amazing to watch. You definitely feel a great sense of pride in seeing those ships float down the river.”
Megan McCandlessWelder

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