WELDER/STRUCTURE TRAINEE - 3 WEEK UNPAID PROGRAM (11:00PM-7:00AM)

U.S. Citizenship is required for this position. Salary range: $59,675.20 to $62,067.20. The anticipated salary range represents the estimated base pay for this role. Final compensation will be determined based on experience, qualifications, and other job-related factors.

About the role

This position is for job seekers with no trades experience willing to complete three weeks of unpaid training in the Welder trade. Newport News Shipbuilding has partnered with the Virginia Ship Repair Association, local Virginia community colleges, and maritime training facilities to offer Marine Trades Training (MTT) programs for individuals interested in learning a trade and working full-time for NNS.

The Welding trainee program is offered once a month with 8-10 students per class and is held at Virginia Peninsula Community College (Hampton, VA), Tidewater Community College (Portsmouth, VA), or Camp Community College (Suffolk, VA). Each (unpaid) program is 3 weeks (120 hours), 11:00 PM to 7:00 AM (Monday through Friday). Candidates who have received and provide a certificate or diploma in Welding or a directly related field are encouraged to apply and may be eligible to waive the completion of the trainee program. Directly related fields include AWS Welding (SMAW, GTAW, GMAW, and/or FCAW).

As a welder, you will begin your career by qualifying through the shipyard’s state-of-the-art welding school. Upon completion, you will use a variety of welding filler metals and processes to perform structural and pipe welds throughout all phases of ship construction. Welders are responsible for tack, fillet, and full penetration welding on steel foundations, as well as structural and pipe joints for aircraft carriers and submarines. Work will meet stringent nondestructive testing requirements, including visual inspection, ultrasonic inspection, and radiographic inspection.

Working at Newport News Shipbuilding often involves performing tasks 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. These environments require a strong focus on safety, precision, and adaptability, as well as physical agility and comfort working in challenging conditions.

Responsibilities

• Perform structural and pipe welds using various welding processes, including SMAW (Shielded Metal Arc Welding), FCAW (Flux Cored Arc Welding), GMAW (Gas Metal Arc Welding), and GTAW (Gas Tungsten Arc Welding).
• Execute welding in all positions using both manual and mechanized techniques.
• Conduct tack, fillet, and full penetration welding on steel foundations, structural, and pipe joints.
• Adhere to nondestructive testing requirements, including visual inspection, ultrasonic inspection, and radiographic inspection.
• Perform certified visual inspections and follow fire watch protocols.
• Engage in carbon arcing and troubleshoot minor welding equipment issues.
• Work in various environments, including extreme heights, confined spaces, and outdoor weather conditions.

Requirements

• Must be able to pass a 3-week (unpaid) program (120 hours), 11:00 PM to 7:00 AM (Monday – Friday).
• Must be able to take measurements or be willing to learn.
• Must be willing to undergo a background investigation and drug screen.
• Must be able to pass a physical agility test.
• 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 overtime as needed.
• Must be clean-shaven to wear a respirator.
• Must be able to perform work outdoors, year-round, in all weather conditions.
• 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

• High school graduate or equivalent preferred.
• Certificate or diploma in Welding or directly related field (e.g., AWS Welding: SMAW, GTAW, GMAW, and/or FCAW) may waive the trainee program requirement.

Benefits

HII offers comprehensive benefits including:

• Medical, prescription drug, dental, and vision plan choices.
• On-site health centers and tele-medicine.
• Wellness resources and employee assistance programs.
• Savings plan options (401K) and financial education and planning tools.
• Life insurance.
• Tuition reimbursement and employee discounts.
• Early childhood and post-secondary education scholarships.

Some benefits may vary depending on your specific division or work location.