Steel Supervisor Port Weller; St. Catharines

Location:Hamilton, ON (ability to work at both our Hamilton and St. Catharines locations)

Job Type:Full-time, Permanent

Pay:Target salary range of $90,000 – $110,000 per year, based on experience

Ontario Shipyards operates two premier marine facilities on Lake Ontario: our main fabrication hub in Hamilton and the historic Port Weller Dry Docks on the Welland Canal in St. Catharines. Together, we form the largest Canadian-owned ship repair and refit operation on the Great Lakes. As a trusted partner to the Canadian Coast Guard and major commercial fleets, our combined yards deliver everything from advanced manufacturing to massive vessel life extensions.

The company is embarking on an unprecedented period of growth driven by the opportunities created by Canada’s National Shipbuilding Strategy. At the same time, the company is executing the Ontario Shipyard Modernization Project (OSMP) which is a multi-million-dollar initiative that is revolutionizing shipyard operations in Ontario and ultimately Canada. Our team takes immense pride in keeping the Great Lakes fleet moving, building and maintaining the giant vessels that drive Canada's economy –
where water meets mettle
.

Reporting to the Production Manager, the Steel Supervisor is responsible for overseeing the fabrication, assembly, and installation of structural steel components on ships, ensuring maximum quality, efficiency, and strict compliance with maritime standards. Unlike standard land-based structural steel roles, our environment requires a hands‑on leader who can guide a crew directly on‑site, navigating active ships, dry docks, and fabrication shops daily.

Your main goal is to drive daily production targets, lead welding and fitting operations, and maintain a high-performing, safety‑first work environment.

• Ensure strict safety and regulatory compliance in all structural fabrication, hot work, and repair activities under Ontario OHSA standards.
• Act as a hands‑on working supervisor, leading by example while managing direct reports and assisting the crew with welding and metal operations.
• Oversee and assist with manual and semi‑automatic Stick (SMAW) and Flux‑Core (FCAW) welding operations to fuse heavy marine components, repair worn hulls, and execute structural tie‑ins.
• Operate, set up, and assist with flame‑cutting equipment, metal shaping machines (shears and brakes), and straightening or bending tools on the shop floor.
• Lead daily safety “toolbox” meetings, conduct field inspections, and actively manage hazard identification or accident investigations within your zone.
• Collaborate with the broader supervisory team to provide accurate updates on job scopes, critical path timelines, workforce planning, and equipment needs.
• Perform administrative activities necessary for effective team management, including participating in interviews, developing employees, planning daily work schedules, organizing tasks, and documenting executed work.
• Evaluate employee performance regularly, providing ongoing coaching, mentoring talent, and administering progressive discipline when required.
• Demonstrate operational flexibility to meet tight ship launch deadlines, proactively identifying project bottlenecks and proposing technical layout or welding solutions to management.

• A current, valid CWB (Canadian Welding Bureau) Certification is strictly required.
• Must possess 7+ years of hands‑on structural steel fabrication experience in construction or industrial maintenance settings.
• Must have at least 3+ years of direct supervisory or foreman experience in a heavy trade environment with a proven track record of leading teams.
• A valid Canadian Red Seal Trade Certification as a Welder (
  456A
  ) or Metal Fabricator (
  437A
  ) is highly preferred and considered a major asset.
• Previous structural experience in a ship repair, refit, or marine industry setting is considered a strong asset.
• Must be of legal age to work in Ontario and legally entitled to work in Canada.
• Comfort and physical capability to work in a rugged shipyard environment, including climbing scaffolding, navigating dry docks, and entering tight, confined…