Description POSITION SUMMARY The Shipbuilding
Subcontractor Program Manager oversees planning, coordination, and execution of all subcontracted work supporting new-construction vessels-from initial fabrication through delivery, sea trials, post-delivery support, warranty, and sustainment. The role ensures subcontractor activities align with Vigor Marine Fabrication operations and overall production flow.
Serving as the primary interface between shipyard program teams and subcontractors performing specialized work (structural, piping, electrical, propulsion, machinery, and systems integration), this position is accountable for subcontractor performance across cost, schedule, quality, and delivery.
This role combines Subcontractor Program Management and Subcontractor Administration, requiring candidates with shipyard experience in both subcontract oversight and contract administration (material and service procurement tracking).
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES: Subcontractor Program Leadership- Lead subcontractor execution from award through vessel delivery. Serve as the main liaison between subcontractors and shipyard teams, ensuring clarity of scope, alignment with ship specifications, and performance against cost, schedule, and quality goals.
Ship Construction Integration- Integrate subcontractor work into the ship construction plan, coordinating fabrication, module construction, outfitting, and shipboard installation. Ensure smooth multi-trade sequencing with structural, pipe, electrical, mechanical, and systems integration teams.
Planning and Scheduling Coordination- Align subcontractor activities with the Integrated Master Schedule and key production milestones (block erection, launch, trials, delivery, sustainment). Track schedule performance and support mitigation plans when risks arise.
Subcontract Administration- Draft, issue, and manage subcontracts and purchase orders; ensure compliance with FAR/DFARS and flow-down requirements; handle modifications, invoices, funding, audit-ready documentation, and supplier compliance.
Engineering and Technical Coordination- Provide subcontractors with current drawings and specifications, coordinate engineering changes, and maintain configuration control and adherence to technical baselines.
Material and Supply Chain Coordination- Ensure subcontractors receive required materials and equipment, monitor material availability, and identify risks that could impact construction milestones.
Cost and Contract Performance- Monitor subcontract cost performance, manage scope adjustments and modifications, review progress reports, validate milestones, and support financial oversight.
Quality Assurance and Regulatory Compliance- Ensure subcontractor work meets shipyard quality standards, regulatory requirements, and contract specifications. Coordinate inspections, testing, acceptance, and compliance with oversight authorities.
KNOWLEDGE SKILLS AND ABILITIES: Required:- Either a bachelor's degree in engineering, marine engineering, naval architecture, program management, or related field, or equivalent professional experience in Shipbuilding Program Management and an associate's degree.
- Strong knowledge of shipyard new-construction processes (fabrication, block assembly, outfitting, system installation).
- Understanding of ship construction sequencing and multi-trade production flow.
Experience managing subcontractors performing specialized shipbuilding work. - Knowledge of FAR/DFARS and subcontract flow-down requirements.
- Proven contract negotiation and subcontract administration experience.
- Ability to manage SCARs and support audit/compliance activities.
- Effective coordination across engineering, planning, production, procurement, and quality.
- Familiarity with shipyard milestones (launch, trials, delivery).
- Strong leadership, communication, and cross-functional collaboration skills.
- 15+ years of experience in shipbuilding, marine construction, or large-scale industrial manufacturing programs.
- Demonstrated experience managing subcontractors or suppliers supporting complex construction projects.
Preferred Qualifications- Experience with U.S. Navy or commercial vessel new-construction programs.
- Familiarity with EVMS or ship construction performance tracking.
- Experience with Primavera P6, shipyard scheduling tools, or production planning systems.
- Knowledge of module construction, advanced outfitting, and IPTs used in modern shipbuilding.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS: Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
CITIZENSHIP: Pursuant to a government contract, this specific position requires US citizenship.
Vigor Industrial LLC and its wholly owned subsidiaries are drug, smoke and vape-free workplaces. Prospective employees must pass a drug and alcohol test and background check as pre-employment screening.
At Vigor we offer a generous benefits package that includes:
Medical
RX
Dental
Vision
Life
AD&D
LTD
STD
EAP
Discretionary bonus
Tuition Reimbursement
FSA (Medical, Childcare, Transportation)
10 paid holidays
PTO
401(k)
