Newport News Shipbuilding, A Division of HII
SHIPFITTER ENTRY LEVEL - FOR 2026 HIGH SCHOOL SENIORS OR GRADUATES - SIGN-ON BON
Newport News Shipbuilding, A Division of HII, Newport News, Virginia, United States, 23600
SHIPFITTER ENTRY LEVEL - FOR 2026 HIGH SCHOOL SENIORS OR GRADUATES - SIGN-ON BONUS
Be among the first 25 applicants. 1 week ago.
Req ID: 44049 Team: X11 FITTERS Entity: Newport News Shipbuilding US Citizenship Required: Yes Full‑Time Shift: Multiple Relocation assistance available Virtual/Telework: Not eligible Travel: No Clearance: Not required to start
About HII’s Newport News Shipbuilding With more than 25,000 employees – including third‑, fourth‑, and fifth‑generation shipbuilders – HII’s Newport News Shipbuilding (NNS) division is the largest industrial employer in Virginia. We are the sole designer, builder, and refueler of U.S. Navy nuclear aircraft carriers and one of two providers of U.S. Navy nuclear submarines. Our diverse team ranges from skilled trades to engineers, software developers, and system experts, collaborating at the forefront of technology and manufacturing to produce the world’s most powerful and survivable naval ships.
The Role Newport News Shipbuilding is offering a $500 sign‑on bonus to recent or upcoming 2026 high school graduates who join as Trade Entry Level Shipfitters. In addition, a $500 relocation bonus is available for candidates living 50 miles or greater from Newport News, VA. Successful new hires will receive competitive pay, weekly paychecks, paid time off, medical benefits (including an on‑site health center), a 401(k) company match, employee discounts, and more.
Shipfitters are often called the "carpenters" of shipbuilding or "artists of steel." They read, interpret, plan, and execute shipbuilding tasks from drawings and procedures. Responsibilities include measuring, cutting, grinding, fitting, aligning, and tack welding components from the size of a fingernail to large sub‑assemblies. Shipfitters build interior structures such as hatches, doors, and bulkheads in shops, platens, dry‑docks, and onboard ships for new construction, repair, and overhaul missions. They must possess strong math skills, mechanical aptitude, and the ability to work in high, cramped, and outdoor environments.
Must Have
Willingness to undergo a background investigation and drug screen
Ability to kneel, squat, crawl, bend, stoop, and climb on a daily basis
Capacity to lift at least 40 pounds
Ability to perform overhead work
Willingness to work overtime as needed
Requirement to be clean‑shaven to wear a respirator
Ability to work outdoors in all weather conditions year‑round
Capability to work at extreme heights
Skill to operate in small, tight, confined spaces
Flexibility to work any shift
Nice to Have
High school graduate or equivalent preferred
Benefits HII’s diverse workforce includes tradespeople, AI/ML experts, engineers, technologists, scientists, and more. Employees enjoy comprehensive benefits such as medical, prescription drug, dental and vision plans, on‑site health centers, tele‑medicine, wellness resources, employee assistance programs, a 401(k) savings plan, financial education tools, life insurance, tuition reimbursement, employee discounts, early childhood and post‑secondary scholarships, and other benefits that may vary by division or location.
Equal Opportunity Employer All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, physical or mental disability, age, veteran status, or any other basis protected by federal, state, or local law. U.S. Citizenship may be required for certain positions.
Reasonable Accommodation If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment process, please email buildyourcareer@hii-co.com with the nature of your request and your contact information. Only inquiries concerning accommodations will be responded to from this email address. You may also call
1‑844‑849‑8463
(press #2 for Newport News Shipbuilding) for assistance.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Req ID: 44049 Team: X11 FITTERS Entity: Newport News Shipbuilding US Citizenship Required: Yes Full‑Time Shift: Multiple Relocation assistance available Virtual/Telework: Not eligible Travel: No Clearance: Not required to start
About HII’s Newport News Shipbuilding With more than 25,000 employees – including third‑, fourth‑, and fifth‑generation shipbuilders – HII’s Newport News Shipbuilding (NNS) division is the largest industrial employer in Virginia. We are the sole designer, builder, and refueler of U.S. Navy nuclear aircraft carriers and one of two providers of U.S. Navy nuclear submarines. Our diverse team ranges from skilled trades to engineers, software developers, and system experts, collaborating at the forefront of technology and manufacturing to produce the world’s most powerful and survivable naval ships.
The Role Newport News Shipbuilding is offering a $500 sign‑on bonus to recent or upcoming 2026 high school graduates who join as Trade Entry Level Shipfitters. In addition, a $500 relocation bonus is available for candidates living 50 miles or greater from Newport News, VA. Successful new hires will receive competitive pay, weekly paychecks, paid time off, medical benefits (including an on‑site health center), a 401(k) company match, employee discounts, and more.
Shipfitters are often called the "carpenters" of shipbuilding or "artists of steel." They read, interpret, plan, and execute shipbuilding tasks from drawings and procedures. Responsibilities include measuring, cutting, grinding, fitting, aligning, and tack welding components from the size of a fingernail to large sub‑assemblies. Shipfitters build interior structures such as hatches, doors, and bulkheads in shops, platens, dry‑docks, and onboard ships for new construction, repair, and overhaul missions. They must possess strong math skills, mechanical aptitude, and the ability to work in high, cramped, and outdoor environments.
Must Have
Willingness to undergo a background investigation and drug screen
Ability to kneel, squat, crawl, bend, stoop, and climb on a daily basis
Capacity to lift at least 40 pounds
Ability to perform overhead work
Willingness to work overtime as needed
Requirement to be clean‑shaven to wear a respirator
Ability to work outdoors in all weather conditions year‑round
Capability to work at extreme heights
Skill to operate in small, tight, confined spaces
Flexibility to work any shift
Nice to Have
High school graduate or equivalent preferred
Benefits HII’s diverse workforce includes tradespeople, AI/ML experts, engineers, technologists, scientists, and more. Employees enjoy comprehensive benefits such as medical, prescription drug, dental and vision plans, on‑site health centers, tele‑medicine, wellness resources, employee assistance programs, a 401(k) savings plan, financial education tools, life insurance, tuition reimbursement, employee discounts, early childhood and post‑secondary scholarships, and other benefits that may vary by division or location.
Equal Opportunity Employer All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, physical or mental disability, age, veteran status, or any other basis protected by federal, state, or local law. U.S. Citizenship may be required for certain positions.
Reasonable Accommodation If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment process, please email buildyourcareer@hii-co.com with the nature of your request and your contact information. Only inquiries concerning accommodations will be responded to from this email address. You may also call
1‑844‑849‑8463
(press #2 for Newport News Shipbuilding) for assistance.
#J-18808-Ljbffr