WELDER/STRUCTURE TRAINEE OR CERTIFIED - FOR 2026 HIGH SCHOOL SENIORS OR GRADUATES - SIGN-ON BONUS

About the role

Newport News Shipbuilding, a division of Huntington Ingalls Industries, is offering a $500 sign-on bonus to welder trainee hires. In addition, NNS is offering $500 in relocation bonus to welder trainee new hires that live 50 miles or greater from Newport News, VA. Job seekers who apply are eligible for the sign-on 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

• Qualify through the shipyard's start-of-the-art welding school
• Perform structural and pipe welds throughout all phases of ship construction
• Employ various welding processes including SMAW, FCAW, GMAW, and GTAW
• Perform welding in all positions using both manual and mechanized techniques
• Meet stringent nondestructive testing requirements, including visual inspection, ultrasonic inspection, and radiographic inspection
• Receive further training in certified visual inspection, fire watch protocols, carbon arcing, and troubleshooting minor welding equipment issues
• Work in various weather conditions, at extreme heights, and in small, confined spaces

Requirements

• Able to pass a 3-week (UNPAID) program (120 hours), 7:00am – 3:30pm (Monday – Friday)
• Present one or more certificates of completion or diploma in Welding 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 perform 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

• High school graduate or equivalent preferred

Skills

• Welding skills
• Physical fitness and agility
• Ability to work in various weather conditions and at extreme heights
• Ability to work in small, confined spaces
• Ability to work any shift

Benefits

• Competitive pay
• 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