Back to Jobs search

SHIPFITTER ENTRY LEVEL - FOR 2026 HIGH SCHOOL SENIORS OR GRADUATES - SIGN-ON BONUS

HII • Newport News, VA • 1d ago

Location:

Newport News, Virginia, United States

Date: Dec 31, 2025

Req ID: 44049

Team: X11 FITTERS

Entity: Newport News Shipbuilding

US Citizenship Required for this Position: Yes

Full-Time

Shift: Multiple

Relocation: Relocation assistance will be available

Virtual/Telework Opportunity: No - Not eligible for telework

Travel Requirement: No

Clearance Required: No - Clearance Not Required to Start

Meet HII's Newport News Shipbuilding

With more than 25,000 employees - including third-, fourth- and even fifth-generation shipbuilders - HII's Newport News Shipbuilding (NNS) division is the largest industrial employer in Virginia. We're 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 and innovative team of professionals ranges from skilled trades to project managers, engineers and software developers to solution architects, technical subject matter experts, and system users. Anchored in our rich, 135-year history, we collaborate together at the forefront of technology, manufacturing, and integration of the most powerful and survivable naval ships in the world. Want to be part of the team? Apply today! We look forward to meeting you.

The Role

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.

Please learn more by watching this video: https://youtu.be/D5y0gmgXUL4?si=FgeceQ67KZNlGBe7

Must Have

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 Have

High school graduate or equivalent preferred.

Why HII

We build the world's most powerful, survivable naval ships and defense technology solutions that safeguard our seas, sky, land, space and cyber. HII's diverse workforce includes skilled tradespeople; artificial intelligence, machine learning (AI/ML) experts; engineers; technologists; scientists; logistics experts; and business administration professionals.

Recognized as one of America's top large company employers, we are a values and ethics driven organization that puts people's safety and well-being first. Regardless of your role or where you serve, at HII, you'll find a supportive and welcoming environment, competitive benefits, and valuable educational and training programs for continual career growth at every stage of your career.

Working at HII is more than a job - it's an opportunity to build a future. We offer comprehensive benefits including: medical, prescription drug, dental and vision plan choices, on-site health centers, tele-medicine, wellness resources, employee assistance programs, savings plan options (401K), financial education and planning tools, life insurance, tuition reimbursement, employee discounts, early childhood and post-secondary education scholarships, and more. Some benefits may vary depending on your specific division or work location.

Together we are working to ensure a future where everyone can be free and thrive.

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, or veteran status or any other basis protected by federal, state, or local law. U.S. Citizenship may be required for certain positions.

Do You Need Assistance?

If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment process, please send an e-mail to buildyourcareer@hii-co.com and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information. Reasonable accommodations are considered on a case-by-case basis. Please note that only those inquiries concerning a request for reasonable accommodation will be responded to from this e-mail address.

Additionally, you may also call 1-844-849-8463 for assistance. Press #2 for Newport News Shipbuilding.

HII

Go to Apply

Share this job

Similar Jobs

Restaurant General Manager

Taco Bell • Chesapeake, VA • 7h ago

Retail & Hospitality

Restaurant General Manager About the Job: As the Restaurant General Manager, you'll lead a dynamic team, handpicking and training the best crew to deliver exceptional customer experiences. Imagine the pride you'll feel s...

7h ago

Go to Apply

Warehouse Worker

Aerotek • Norfolk, VA • 10h ago

Manufacturing & Warehouse

Job Title: Warehouse Worker Job Description The primary role of a warehouse worker is to efficiently receive, store, and issue materials, equipment, and other items from stockrooms, warehouses, or storage yards. Responsi...

10h ago

Go to Apply

Part Time - Fulfillment Associate - Flexible

Lowe's • Hampton, VA • 13h ago

Manufacturing & Warehouse

Key Responsibilities Pick, stage, inspect, and fulfill customer orders accurately and on time, keeping staging areas clean, organized, and safe. Deliver excellent service by choosing high quality items, validating orders...

13h ago

Go to Apply

Assistant General Manager

Taco Bell • Chesapeake, VA • 14h ago

Retail & Hospitality

Assistant General Manager About the Job: As an Assistant General Manager, you'll be at the heart of our restaurant's success, supporting the Restaurant General Manager by upholding brand standards and inspiring your team...

14h ago

Go to Apply