WELDER/STRUCTURAL - TRAINEE - (3 WEEK UNPAID PROGRAM)

Huntington Ingalls•Newport News, VA

1d•$59,675 - $62,067•Onsite

About The Position

This position is for job seekers with no trades experience who are willing to complete a three-week unpaid training program in the Welder trade. Newport News Shipbuilding partners with the Virginia Ship Repair Association, Virginia community colleges, and maritime training facilities to offer Marine Trades Training programs for people interested in learning a trade and working full-time for NNS. The welding program runs once a month, with 8–10 students per class, at Virginia Peninsula Community College in Hampton, Tidewater Community College in Portsmouth, or Camp Community College in Suffolk. Training is unpaid and lasts three weeks (120 hours), from 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. After training, welders begin their careers by qualifying through the shipyard's welding school. They use a variety of welding filler metals and processes to perform structural and pipe welds throughout ship construction. Work includes tack, fillet, and full-penetration welding on steel foundations, as well as structural and pipe joints for aircraft carriers and submarines. Welding processes include SMAW, FCAW, GMAW, and GTAW, using manual and mechanized techniques in all positions. Work must meet nondestructive testing requirements, including visual, ultrasonic, and radiographic inspection. Welders also receive training in certified visual inspection, fire watch protocols, carbon arcing, and troubleshooting minor welding-equipment issues. Work at Newport News Shipbuilding may take place in varied weather conditions, at extreme heights on scaffolding, ladders, or elevated platforms, and in small confined spaces such as tanks, compartments, or ship voids. The work requires attention to safety and precision, adaptability, physical agility, and comfort working in challenging conditions.

Requirements

Must be able to pass a three-week unpaid program (120 hours), scheduled 7:00 a.m.–3:30 p.m. Monday through 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 daily.
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 work outdoors year-round in all weather conditions.
Must be able to work at extreme heights and in small, tight, confined spaces.
Must be willing to work any shift.

Nice To Haves

High school graduate or equivalent preferred.

Responsibilities

Complete the three-week unpaid welding training program.
Qualify through the shipyard's welding school.
Perform structural and pipe welds throughout ship construction using a variety of filler metals and processes.
Perform tack, fillet, and full-penetration welds on steel foundations and structural and pipe joints for aircraft carriers and submarines.
Use SMAW, FCAW, GMAW, and GTAW welding processes, in all positions and with manual and mechanized techniques.
Meet nondestructive testing requirements, including visual, ultrasonic, and radiographic inspection.
Receive further training in certified visual inspection, fire watch protocols, carbon arcing, and troubleshooting minor welding-equipment issues.