Sheetmetal Mechanic 1st - 3rd Class

Full-Time | Contract
Paid Sick Leave and Holidays (Hours worked requirement), Referral Bonus and Medical Benefits

Pay:
Based on Class Level (1st, 2nd, 3rd Class) $20 - $27
Shift: Multiple Shifts Available

We are hiring Sheet Metal Mechanics in Norfolk, VA to support high-visibility shipyard projects. The Sheet Metal Mechanic role requires hands‑on HVAC duct installation, interior outfitting, precision metal fabrication, and shipboard structural modifications. Candidates must bring strong blueprint interpretation, shop and shipboard installation experience, and the ability to work in a physically demanding marine environment.

• Review work packages, technical documents, specifications, drawings, sketches, and manuals.
• Perform layout, rip‑out, modification, installation, replacement, and repair of shipboard sheet‑metal structures.
• Fabricate, assemble, and install HVAC ducting (rectangular, round, and flex), including bracketing, sealing, and alignment.
• Install interior outfitting components such as wall panels, laminates, wainscoting, and crown molding.
• Follow all safety requirements, PPE standards, and regulatory guidelines including ABS, NAVSEA Standard Items, OSHA, and MIL standards.

• Experience requirements by class:
  • 3rd Class: 1.5–3 years shipyard sheet‑metal experience
  • 2nd Class: 2–4 years shipyard sheet‑metal experience
  • 1st Class: 4–5 years shipyard sheet‑metal experience
• Ability to read and interpret ship drawings, ventilation schematics, and installation plans.
• Proficiency using shears, brakes, rollers, drills, rivet guns, grinders, levels, and precision measurement tools.
• Ability to lift 50+ lbs, work in confined spaces, climb ladders, bend, squat, crawl, and work in extreme environments (noise, fumes, weather).
• Must pass drug screen, work‑ability evaluation, and obtain government facility access.

Benefits subject to eligibility requirements.

LEAD Staffing

Established in 2010, LEAD Staffing specializes in Construction, Industrial and Marine Staffing of Skilled Tradespeople throughout the United States of America. Our goal is to work with regional and national contractors that share our commitment towards safety and to provide long‑term rewarding work assignments for our valued employees.

LEAD is proud to be an Equal Opportunity and affirmative action employer. LEAD is committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where employment opportunities are available to all applicants and teammates without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, national origin, age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, military status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

We believe diversity and inclusion among our teammates is critical to our success as a growing national company.

NOTE:

The following description is a general overview of this career and not a description of a particular job posting.

Sheet Metal Workers plan, lay‑out, fabricate, assemble, install, and repair sheet metal parts, equipment, and products such as air‑conditioning, heating, ventilation, and pollution control duct systems. They also work with fiberglass and plastic materials. While some workers specialize in fabrication, installation, or maintenance, most do all three jobs. The sheet metal worker uses such hand tools as scribes, tri‑squares, protractors, calipers, tape measures and scales (rulers).

He/she will also operate various fabricating machines such as power shears, press brakes, forming rolls, and notchers. Sheet metal workers lay‑out and bend prescribed allowances on said sheet metal, make angle‑bends and notching of parts. The more senior Sheet Metal Workers will also be able to weld using electric and/or gas fed devices. Before assembling completed sheet metal, sheet metal workers check each part for accuracy using measuring instruments such as calipers and tape measures, and if necessary, finish the product by using hand rotary, tri‑squares, or shears.

After the parts have been inspected, workers fasten seams and joints together with welds (wire, gas, heli‑arc and/or stick), bolts, cement,…