OPT Pipe Fitter Helper Jobs
Pipe Fitter Helper jobs are hands-on, skilled-trade positions that qualify for OPT work authorization under CIP codes tied to construction technology and mechanical systems. Many employers in industrial and commercial construction hire OPT students for these roles, particularly those with vocational or engineering program backgrounds.
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Get Access To All JobsINTRODUCTION
Fincantieri Marine Group is hiring for a Foreman in the Pipe department at our Marinette location.
Fincantieri Marine Group (FMG) is a subsidiary of Fincantieri S.p.A. with a mission to build, repair, and sustain maritime vessels that proudly supply, service, and defend our nation and the world. Fincantieri offers rewarding careers to more than 20,000 employees across 4 continents within 20 shipyards. We are a world leader and shipbuilder of choice, constantly evolving to meet global megatrends in tourism, energy, and defense through innovative and competitive maritime solutions.
Position Summary
The Pipe Foreman is responsible for coordinating pipe department activities related to new ship construction, renovation, repair, and maintenance projects. The Pipe Foreman will provide on-site direction by monitoring work progress, offering guidance, promoting accountability, ensuring quality standards, and meeting project deadlines, with direct management of up to 35 employees.
Domestic travel may be required.
Essential Functions
- Read and interpret shipbuilding drawings, piping diagrams, isometric drawings, work packages, and engineering specifications to determine material requirements and task sequences
- Plan and oversee the fabrication, installation, repair, testing, and maintenance of shipboard piping systems, including hydraulic, fuel, lube oil, seawater, freshwater, compressed air, and HVAC piping systems
- Coordinate workforce assignments, monitor production schedules, and ensure piping work is completed in accordance with quality, safety, and project requirements
- Plan activities and overtime as needed to meet project demands
- Other duties as assigned
REQUIREMENTS
Required Skills
- Strong knowledge of pipefitting practices, shipboard piping systems, blueprint reading, and fabrication techniques
- Ability to interpret piping drawings, isometrics, specifications, and work instructions
- Strong understanding of shipboard piping installation, repair, testing, and maintenance processes
- Must have strong Microsoft Office Suite computer skills
- Must have strong organizational, time management, written and verbal communication skills
- Must have ability to maintain confidentiality and a professional demeanor
- Must adhere to ISO and OSHA policies established by FMG and have high values for safety awareness
- Perform supervisory responsibilities in accordance with Company policies, procedures, and applicable laws, including interviewing, hiring, and training employees; planning, assigning, and directing work; evaluating performance; employee recognition and discipline; resolving employee concerns; and developing employees with the skills, competencies, and values needed to achieve Company goals.
Education and Experience
- Journeyman, Technical or Associate's Degree, or equivalent combination of education, training, and experience
- Two Years of industrial piping experience required. Two Years of shipboard or marine piping experience preferred.
- Have or are willing to obtain OSHA 30
Competencies
Fincantieri's core competencies reflect our values and key behavioral expectations for all employees:
- Open Mindset: Identify and solve problems, embrace change, and seek continuous learning
- Strategic Leadership: Build trust, unity, and accountability while working toward shared goals
- Accomplishment: Take ownership, deliver results, and ensure customer satisfaction
- Social Connection: Collaborate, communicate, and value diversity and inclusion
- Leadership Excellence: Fincantieri leaders lead by example, empower, and inspire success
Physical Demands and Work Environment
While performing job duties, the employee is frequently required to sit, stand or walk; use hands and arms to grasp, handle, manipulate, or feel objects and controls; stoop, bend, kneel, and crouch; and speak or hear. The employee may lift and/or move up to 35lbs regularly and up to 50lbs occasionally. Work is performed both inside and outside in varying environmental conditions, including heat, cold, wet, humid, dry, and arid climates. The employee may also be required to work in confined spaces and at varying heights. Frequent use of PPE is required to minimize noise exposure, moving machinery, weather elements, and other potential hazards, including the risk of injury.
Posting Disclaimer
This job description provides a summary of the work environment, knowledge, skill, ability, and physical demands required to successfully perform the essential functions of this position and is not intended to be an exhaustive list of responsibilities. Other duties may apply. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
EEO Statement
Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, pregnancy, genetic information, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other protected category under applicable federal, state, and local laws.
INTRODUCTION
Fincantieri Marine Group is hiring for a Foreman in the Pipe department at our Marinette location.
Fincantieri Marine Group (FMG) is a subsidiary of Fincantieri S.p.A. with a mission to build, repair, and sustain maritime vessels that proudly supply, service, and defend our nation and the world. Fincantieri offers rewarding careers to more than 20,000 employees across 4 continents within 20 shipyards. We are a world leader and shipbuilder of choice, constantly evolving to meet global megatrends in tourism, energy, and defense through innovative and competitive maritime solutions.
Position Summary
The Pipe Foreman is responsible for coordinating pipe department activities related to new ship construction, renovation, repair, and maintenance projects. The Pipe Foreman will provide on-site direction by monitoring work progress, offering guidance, promoting accountability, ensuring quality standards, and meeting project deadlines, with direct management of up to 35 employees.
Domestic travel may be required.
Essential Functions
- Read and interpret shipbuilding drawings, piping diagrams, isometric drawings, work packages, and engineering specifications to determine material requirements and task sequences
- Plan and oversee the fabrication, installation, repair, testing, and maintenance of shipboard piping systems, including hydraulic, fuel, lube oil, seawater, freshwater, compressed air, and HVAC piping systems
- Coordinate workforce assignments, monitor production schedules, and ensure piping work is completed in accordance with quality, safety, and project requirements
- Plan activities and overtime as needed to meet project demands
- Other duties as assigned
REQUIREMENTS
Required Skills
- Strong knowledge of pipefitting practices, shipboard piping systems, blueprint reading, and fabrication techniques
- Ability to interpret piping drawings, isometrics, specifications, and work instructions
- Strong understanding of shipboard piping installation, repair, testing, and maintenance processes
- Must have strong Microsoft Office Suite computer skills
- Must have strong organizational, time management, written and verbal communication skills
- Must have ability to maintain confidentiality and a professional demeanor
- Must adhere to ISO and OSHA policies established by FMG and have high values for safety awareness
- Perform supervisory responsibilities in accordance with Company policies, procedures, and applicable laws, including interviewing, hiring, and training employees; planning, assigning, and directing work; evaluating performance; employee recognition and discipline; resolving employee concerns; and developing employees with the skills, competencies, and values needed to achieve Company goals.
Education and Experience
- Journeyman, Technical or Associate's Degree, or equivalent combination of education, training, and experience
- Two Years of industrial piping experience required. Two Years of shipboard or marine piping experience preferred.
- Have or are willing to obtain OSHA 30
Competencies
Fincantieri's core competencies reflect our values and key behavioral expectations for all employees:
- Open Mindset: Identify and solve problems, embrace change, and seek continuous learning
- Strategic Leadership: Build trust, unity, and accountability while working toward shared goals
- Accomplishment: Take ownership, deliver results, and ensure customer satisfaction
- Social Connection: Collaborate, communicate, and value diversity and inclusion
- Leadership Excellence: Fincantieri leaders lead by example, empower, and inspire success
Physical Demands and Work Environment
While performing job duties, the employee is frequently required to sit, stand or walk; use hands and arms to grasp, handle, manipulate, or feel objects and controls; stoop, bend, kneel, and crouch; and speak or hear. The employee may lift and/or move up to 35lbs regularly and up to 50lbs occasionally. Work is performed both inside and outside in varying environmental conditions, including heat, cold, wet, humid, dry, and arid climates. The employee may also be required to work in confined spaces and at varying heights. Frequent use of PPE is required to minimize noise exposure, moving machinery, weather elements, and other potential hazards, including the risk of injury.
Posting Disclaimer
This job description provides a summary of the work environment, knowledge, skill, ability, and physical demands required to successfully perform the essential functions of this position and is not intended to be an exhaustive list of responsibilities. Other duties may apply. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
EEO Statement
Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, pregnancy, genetic information, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other protected category under applicable federal, state, and local laws.
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship in Pipe Fitter Helper
Know your OPT authorization window
Standard OPT gives you 12 months of work authorization. Pipe Fitter Helper roles are active, full-time positions, so confirm your I-20 end date and EAD card validity before accepting any job offer to avoid authorization gaps.
Target industrial and commercial contractors
Large mechanical contractors, oil refineries, and manufacturing facilities hire Pipe Fitter Helpers regularly and have HR teams familiar with OPT documentation. Smaller residential plumbing outfits are less likely to navigate OPT paperwork confidently.
Understand what OPT authorization requires from employers
Employers do not file any petition for OPT. You present your EAD card and I-20. Clarifying this upfront removes the most common objection hiring managers raise about employing international students in trade roles.
Connect your degree to the role clearly
Your OPT must relate to your field of study. Construction engineering technology, mechanical systems, or industrial technology programs all support Pipe Fitter Helper roles. Be ready to explain that connection directly to a hiring manager.
Apply before your OPT start date is too close
Most mechanical contractors run background checks and union onboarding processes that take two to four weeks. Applying at least 60 days before you need to start ensures paperwork clears before your authorized employment period begins.
Ask about union membership and OPT compatibility
Some Pipe Fitter Helper positions are union-affiliated through the United Association. Union membership is open to OPT workers, but confirm the local has processed international students before committing to an apprenticeship track.
Pipe Fitter Helper OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Can I work as a Pipe Fitter Helper on OPT?
Yes, as long as the role relates to your field of study. Programs in construction engineering technology, mechanical systems, industrial technology, or related fields directly support Pipe Fitter Helper positions. When applying, be prepared to show your EAD card and unexpired I-20 to confirm your work authorization. The employer does not need to file any petition.
Do Pipe Fitter Helper employers typically sponsor visas after OPT ends?
It varies by employer size and structure. Large industrial contractors and energy companies with established HR departments are more likely to sponsor an H-1B visa or other work visa after OPT. Smaller subcontractors rarely have the infrastructure for sponsorship. Migrate Mate lists Pipe Fitter Helper roles filtered by sponsorship history, so you can focus your search on employers who have sponsored before.
Does a Pipe Fitter Helper job count as a qualifying OPT position?
Yes, if it is directly related to your degree field. The role must use knowledge, skills, or techniques taught in your program. Construction technology, mechanical engineering, or industrial systems degrees typically satisfy this requirement for Pipe Fitter Helper work. Keep records of how your duties connect to your coursework in case your DSO requests documentation.
What documents do I need to start a Pipe Fitter Helper job on OPT?
You will need your Employment Authorization Document (EAD card), your unexpired passport, and your I-20 with a valid OPT recommendation from your DSO. Employers complete Form I-9 using these documents. Some contractors may also request your Social Security card. Make sure your EAD card has arrived before your first day of work, as you cannot legally begin employment without it.
Can I work as a Pipe Fitter Helper while waiting for my EAD card?
No. You cannot begin working until your EAD card is in hand and your OPT start date has passed. USCIS currently takes two to three months to process EAD applications, so apply as early as 90 days before your program end date. Working before your EAD arrives is an OPT violation and can jeopardize your immigration status.