SHIPFITTER ENTRY LEVEL - FOR 2026 HIGH SCHOOL SENIORS OR GRADUATES - SIGN-ON BONUS
About The Position
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 Entry Level hires. In addition, Newport News Shipbuilding is offering $500 in relocation bonus to Trade Entry Level 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. Shipfitters are often called the "carpenters" of shipbuilding or "Artists of Steel". Fitters read, interpret, plan and execute from drawings and procedures. Fitters measure, cut, grind, fit, align and tack weld parts as small your finger nail to the large sub-assemblies and super lifts that form the structural body of the ship. Fitters must have strong math skills and a good mechanical aptitude. Fitters build in-place all interior structures, hatches, doors, bulkheads, etc., to complete all the steel work in the ship. Fitters are expected to climb and work in high areas or crawl and work in cramped confine spaces and perform tasks with all kinds of working conditions in-between. A fitter will apply their skills in the shops, platens, dry-docks and onboard ships in support of new construction, ship repair and ship overhauls.
Requirements
- 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 overtime as needed
- Must be able to 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
Nice To Haves
- High school graduate or equivalent preferred.
Benefits
- competitive pay
- weekly paychecks
- paid time off
- paid holidays
- medical benefits including an on-site health center
- 401K company match
- employee discounts
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
Education Level
High school or GED
Number of Employees
5,001-10,000 employees
