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Marine Insulator

Marine Insulator

Company Overview

HKA Enterprises is a multinational organization with over four decades of experience delivering top-tier workforce solutions to leading industries worldwide. Our expertise spans contingent labor staffing, direct hire placements, payroll services, and more, primarily serving the aerospace and defense, automotive, construction, manufacturing, and shipbuilding sectors.

Overview

HKA Enterprises is seeking experienced Marine Insulators to support shipbuilding and ship repair operations in Newport News, VA. The Marine Insulator is responsible for installing, repairing, removing, and maintaining thermal, acoustic, and fire-resistant insulation systems aboard naval and commercial vessels. This position requires experience working with a variety of marine insulation materials while maintaining strict quality and safety standards in a fast-paced shipyard environment.

Pay Rate: $20–$26/hour, based on experience.

Shift: Must be available to work any shift.

Location: Newport News, VA

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Apply insulation and protective coverings to piping systems, machinery, ventilation systems, water systems, HVAC equipment, refrigeration systems, steam systems, bulkheads, overheads, tanks, and other shipboard components.
Install, remove, repair, and replace thermal, acoustic, and fire-resistant insulation on new construction and repair projects.
Measure, cut, fabricate, fit, and secure insulation materials using hand and power tools.
Handle and apply insulation materials including rubber insulation, fiberglass hullboard, fiberglass pipe sections, calcium silicate pipe covering, fiberglass tape and cloth, adhesives, Temp-Mat, lagging cloth, jacketing, vapor barriers, and related materials.
Fabricate insulation blankets, removable covers, and protective jackets as required.
Read, interpret, and work from blueprints, technical drawings, work packages, and specifications.
Survey equipment and piping systems to determine the appropriate insulation materials and installation methods for each application.
Install lagging cloth and protective coverings using band saws, stud guns, knives, wire cutters, tape measures, and other required hand and power tools.
Inspect completed work to ensure compliance with customer specifications, quality standards, and NAVSEA requirements.
Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work area throughout the shift.
Follow all OSHA, NAVSEA, customer, and company safety procedures.
Properly utilize required personal protective equipment (PPE).
Work safely in confined spaces, elevated work areas, aboard vessels, and in varying environmental conditions.
Assist other trades and production teams as needed.
Perform other duties as assigned.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

High School Diploma or GED equivalent required.
Minimum of 1 year of shipyard insulation experience required.
Experience installing marine insulation in a shipbuilding or ship repair environment.
Ability to read and interpret blueprints, drawings, and technical specifications.
Experience using insulation hand tools and power equipment, including knives, wire cutters, tape measures, saws, band saws, and stud guns.
Knowledge of marine insulation materials, installation techniques, and insulation system design.
Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality workmanship.
Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

REQUIREMENTS

Must successfully pass a pre-employment background check.
Must successfully pass a pre-employment drug screen.
Must have reliable transportation.
Must be dependable, punctual, and maintain a strong attendance record.
Must be able to work in inclement weather and varying shipyard conditions.
Must be available to work overtime, weekends, holidays, and any shift as required.
Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds and perform physically demanding work, including climbing, kneeling, crawling, bending, and standing for extended periods.
Must be legally authorized to work in the United States.

Job Types: Full-time, Contract, Temporary

Benefits

Dental insurance
Health insurance
Vision insurance
Referral program

Experience

Shipyard Insulator: Minimum 1+ year (Required)

Location

Newport News, VA (Required)

Category: Marine Insulator

Information
NOTE: The following description is a GENERAL Overview of this career and not a description of a particular job posting.

Marine Insulators apply insulation and covering to piping/machinery for water systems, AC, refrigeration, and steam machinery, bulkheads and overheads. This allows ship systems to function at peak capacity while keeping ship personnel remain comfortable and safe from exposure to extreme heat or cold. Marine Insulators become skilled with hand-tools such as knives, wire cutters, saws, and tape measures. They are responsible for handling and applying rubber, fiberglass hullboard, pipe sections made of fiberglass or calcium silicate, fiberglass tape/cloth, adhesives and Tempmatt.

Education
Marine Insulator positions typically require a high school diploma.

Qualifications
Marine Insulator careers typically require the ability to :
- Demonstrate high-quality craftsmanship
- Pass a drug test
- Obtain a security clearance
- Be reliable and punctual

Previous experience is preferred and sometimes required.