SHIPFITTER 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

• Interpret blueprints and plans to fabricate and assemble the steel structures of aircraft carriers and submarines using a variety of tools.
• Fabricate external structures and construct all interior components, including hatches, doors, and bulkheads.
• Work in various weather conditions, at extreme heights on scaffolding, ladders, or elevated platforms, and in small, confined spaces such as tanks, compartments, or voids in a ship.
• Perform tasks requiring strength, dexterity, and physical agility.
• Work overtime as needed.
• Work any shift.

Requirements

• Must be able to pass a 3-week (UNPAID) program (120 hours), 7:00am – 3:30pm (Monday – Friday) OR present one or more certificates of completion or diploma in Shipfitting 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.
• Must be willing to undergo a background investigation and drug screen.
• Must be able to kneel, squat, crawl, bend, stoop, and climb on a daily basis.
• Must be able to lift at least 40 pounds.
• Must be able to perform overhead work.
• Must be able to work at extreme heights.
• Must be able to work in small, tight, confined spaces.
• Must be willing to work any shift.

Qualifications

• Must be able to be clean shaven to wear a respirator.
• Must be able to work outdoors, year-round, in all weather conditions.

Skills

• Strong understanding of shipfitting principles and practices.
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints and plans.
• Proficiency in using a variety of tools, including measuring, cutting, grinding, fitting, aligning, and tacking welding components.
• Physical stamina and endurance for manual labor.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

Benefits

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

Pay

$59,675.20 to $62,067.20

Schedule

Multiple shifts