Job Ref: # 6256246
Date Posted: 2/25/2026
City, State: San Diego, CA
Salary (USD): $18 - $38
Description
Pipefitter
Location: San Diego, CA
Employment Type: Full-Time
About the Role
Continental Tide Defense Systems is seeking an experienced Pipefitter to support ship repair, modernization, and Alteration Installation Team (AIT) projects in San Diego. This role is hands-on and shipboard focused, supporting U.S. Navy and commercial vessels.
We are open to Pipefitters at various levels who bring strong maritime experience, particularly those with brazing certifications or direct AIT and ship repair backgrounds. The ideal candidate understands NAVSEA standards, works well in a team-driven AIT environment, and takes ownership of quality and safety.
What You'll Do
- Lay out, fabricate, fit, and install pipe and tubing systems including fluid, fuel, hydraulic, pneumatic, and drain systems
- Read and interpret maritime blueprints, technical drawings, MILSPECs, and NAVSEA standards
- Plan piping runs around structural penetrations, obstructions, and system specifications
- Measure, cut, bore, thread, bend, and assemble pipe using shop and shipboard equipment
- Install valves, flanges, supports, and related piping components
- Perform tack welding and brazing as required for fit-up and installation
- Conduct hydrostatic and pressure testing to validate system integrity
- Execute system modifications including SHIPALTS, TEMPALTS, and ORDALTS
- Pre-fabricate piping assemblies in shop environments based on removed components and work instructions
- Cut and bore holes in decks and bulkheads for piping installations
- Document work in accordance with QA and NAVSEA requirements
- Support additional production or maintenance tasks as needed to meet project goals
Must-Have Skills and Experience
(These are required for consideration.)
- 3-5+ years of maritime or shipyard pipefitting experience
- Experience working aboard U.S. Navy or commercial vessels
- Ability to read and interpret shipboard drawings and specifications
- Familiarity with NAVSEA Standard Items and shipyard work instructions
- Brazing certification or documented brazing experience
- Experience performing hydrostatic testing and system validation
- Ability to work in confined spaces, at heights, and in physically demanding shipboard environments
- Ability to obtain shipyard access and meet security requirements
- U.S. Citizenship required
Nice-to-Have Skills
(These are preferred but not required.)
- Direct AIT experience supporting removal, installation, and testing phases
- Experience supporting modernization or fleet sustainment contracts
- Prior military experience, particularly Navy engineering ratings
- Gas-free certification or experience operating gas-free equipment
- Experience with pre-fabrication of piping assemblies in shop environments
Who You Are
- A safety-focused trades professional who understands shipboard risk and accountability
- Comfortable working in team-based AIT environments where collaboration is critical
- Detail-oriented with strong layout and measurement skills
- Adaptable and willing to support the team to get the job done
- Dependable, punctual, and able to thrive in a fast-paced repair environment
Additional Details
Schedule: Day shift, Monday-Friday. Overtime and weekend work as required by contract.
Salary Range: $18-38/hour. Competitive and commensurate with experience.
Travel: Travel may be required based on contract needs.
Certifications: OSHA-10 preferred; brazing certification strongly preferred.
Benefits: Medical, 401(k) with company match, educational opportunities, and additional benefit offerings discussed during offer stage.
Continental Tide Defense Systems is an Equal Opportunity Employer. U.S. Citizenship is required due to the nature of the work supporting U.S. Navy and Department of Defense programs.
Job Posting
