MARINE PAINTER - TRAINEE

Huntington Ingalls•Newport News, VA

1d•$53,248 - $55,640•Onsite

About The Position

The Marine Painter Trainee position is intended for people with no trades experience who are willing to complete a two-week unpaid training program, or for candidates with a certificate in a related trade. The program is offered at Tidewater Community College in Portsmouth, Virginia, and consists of 80 hours from 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. Candidates with a certificate or diploma in Marine Painting or a directly related field may be eligible to waive the trainee program. Related fields include residential or commercial construction, auto body, environmental cleaning, and coatings inspection. Trainees learn to prepare and clean surfaces to SSPC SP-1, SP-2, SP-3, and SP-11 standards using power tools, hand tools, and chemicals, and to select and apply marine coating systems. The work helps protect ship surfaces from corrosion and marine growth and contributes to the vessels’ appearance. Marine Painters may work outdoors in varying weather, at heights on scaffolding, ladders, or elevated platforms, and in confined ship spaces such as tanks, compartments, or voids. The role requires a strong focus on safety, precision, adaptability, and physical agility. The position is full-time with multiple shifts, and candidates must be willing to work any shift and overtime as needed. The job is onsite and does not offer relocation assistance or telework. U.S. citizenship is required.

Requirements

Complete the two-week unpaid trainee program (80 hours, 7:00 a.m.–3:30 p.m., Monday through Friday), unless eligible to waive it with a related certificate or diploma.
Be willing to undergo a background investigation and drug screen.
Pass a physical agility test.
Be able to kneel, squat, crawl, bend, stoop, and climb daily.
Be able to lift at least 40 pounds and perform overhead work.
Be able to work at extreme heights and outdoors year-round in all weather conditions.
Be able to work in small, tight, confined spaces.
Be able to take measurements or be willing to learn.
Be willing to work in radiation areas with appropriate training and equipment.
Be clean-shaven to wear a respirator.
Be able to work overtime as needed and be willing to work any shift.
U.S. citizenship is required.

Nice To Haves

A certificate or diploma in Marine Painting or a directly related field, including residential or commercial construction, auto body, environmental cleaning, or a coatings inspector program; eligible candidates may be able to waive the trainee program.

Responsibilities

Clean and prepare surfaces to SSPC SP-1, SP-2, SP-3, and SP-11 standards using power tools, hand tools, and chemicals.
Apply marine coating systems and select appropriate coating application methods.
Ensure compliance with specified MIL thickness requirements.
Interpret paint schedules, calculate surface areas, and estimate required materials.
Test paint grade, viscosity, and fineness.
Perform final quality inspections.
Mask unpainted areas and sandblast surfaces.
Provide suitable curing conditions.
Practice modern painting techniques and work with powder coating, non-skid surfaces, and other special hull treatments as needed.