MARINE PAINTER TRAINEE OR CERTIFICATION - FOR 2026 HIGH SCHOOL SENIORS OR GRADUATES - SIGN-ON BONUS

About the role

This Job Listing is for recent or upcoming 2026 High School Graduates. Newport News Shipbuilding, a division of HII, is offering a $500 sign-on bonus to Trade Trainee hires. In addition, Newport News Shipbuilding is offering $500 in relocation bonus to Trade Trainee new hires that live 50 miles or greater from Newport News, VA. Job seekers who apply are eligible for the sign-on bonus and relocation bonus. Newport News Shipbuilding offers competitive pay, weekly paychecks, paid time off, paid holidays, medical benefits including an on-site health center, 401K company match, employee discounts, and more. The sign-on bonus is for external new hires. Current Newport News Shipbuilding employees are ineligible for the sign-on bonus.

Responsibilities

• Train to SSPC* SP-1, SP-2, SP-3, and SP-11 standards using power tools, hand tools, and chemicals to clean surfaces before applying coating systems.
• Ensure compliance with specified MIL thickness requirements.
• Interpret paint schedules, calculate surface areas, and estimate the required materials.
• Test the grade, viscosity, and fineness of the paint.
• Perform final quality inspections.
• Prepare surfaces, mask unpainted areas, sandblast surface, select appropriate coating application methods, and provide suitable curing conditions.
• Practice modern painting techniques and work with powder coating, non-skid surfaces, and other special hull treatments.

Requirements

• Pass a 2-week (UNPAID) program (80 hours), 7:00am – 3:30pm (Monday – Friday) OR present one or more certificates of completion or diploma in Marine Painting or a directly related field from a high school vocational program, community college, trade school, technical college, apprentice program, post–secondary institution, or military equivalent.
• Willing to undergo a background investigation and drug screen.
• Able to pass physical agility test.
• Able to lift at least 40 pounds.
• Able to perform overhead work.
• Able to work overtime as needed.
• Able to be clean shaven to wear a respirator.
• Able to work outdoors, year-round, in all weather conditions.
• Able to work at extreme heights.
• Able to work in small, tight, confined spaces.
• Able to work any shift.

Qualifications

• Must be a US Citizen.

Skills

• Strong attention to detail.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Good communication skills.
• Physical stamina and strength.

Benefits

• Competitive pay.
• Weekly paychecks.
• Paid time off.
• Paid holidays.
• Medical benefits including an on-site health center.
• 401K company match.
• Employee discounts.

Pay

$53,248.00 to $55,640.00

Schedule

Multiple