DESIGNER 1
Location:
Newport News, Virginia, United States
Date: Jun 12, 2026
Req ID: 47211
Team: E01 ENGRG & DESIGN
Entity: Newport News Shipbuilding
US Citizenship Required for this Position: Yes
Full-Time
Shift: 1st
Relocation: No relocation assistance available
Virtual/Telework Opportunity: No - Not eligible for telework
Travel Requirement: Yes, 10%-25% of the time
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
Newport News Shipbuilding, a division of HII, is seeking motivated Designer 1 candidates to join our growing team. Designers play a key role in supporting the development and production of the world's most advanced ships for the U.S. Navy. Candidates should have a desire to work with 3D models and a good understanding of the 3D model environment. Mentoring and training will be provided to help develop your design and technical skills.
Key Responsibilities:
-Utilize 3D tools to create detailed models and apply product model information such as dimensions and annotations for manufacturing trades.
-Create, update, and maintain 3D models for ship systems, structures, and components using CAD software (such as Siemens NX, AutoCAD, or CATIA).
-Interpret engineering sketches, specifications, and technical data to produce accurate design deliverables.
-Assist with design changes, revisions, and redlines based on engineering and production feedback.
-Support the development of detailed arrangements, fabrication, and installation drawings.
-Ensure all designs comply with NNS design standards, shipyard procedures, and applicable Navy and regulatory requirements.
-Participate in design reviews and collaborate with multi-disciplinary teams.
-Maintain proper configuration control of all design documentation.
-Learn and apply shipbuilding terminology, design standards, and modeling practices.
Physical/Work Environment:
Work is performed primarily in a design office, with occasional field visits to shipyard or production areas.
Must be able to wear appropriate PPE and adhere to all safety requirements when in production zones.
Designs components or portions of systems and modifies existing designs to develop or improve products and facilitate manufacturing operations. Utilizes computer-aided design equipment and/or graphic tools such as, CAD, CAM, NX, or CATIA. Gathers information, makes studies, computes calculations, and prepares original rough layouts, sketches to present design proposal. Coordinates design criteria with engineering, manufacturing, tooling, material, and planning group such as ease of manufacture, availability of materials, and contractual specifications. Exclude classifications in which incumbents predominantly perform drafting assignments.
Must Have
Associate's Degree and 0 years of relevant experience
One of the following may be used as equivalent to Associate's Degree to meet minimum qualifications:
NNS Apprentice School graduate
Navy Nuclear Power School (NNPS) graduate
High School/GED and 2 years of related Manufacturing, Shipbuilding, Trades, Military experience
High School/GED and 4 years of non-related Manufacturing, Shipbuilding, Trades, Military experience
Nice to Have
Basic computer skills and experience using computer-based software
Good communication and teamwork skills
Willingness to learn and work collaboratively in a team environment
Ability to read and interpret written instructions, drawings, processes, and procedures
Completion of a certificate or course in AutoCAD, Inventor, NX, or similar 2D/3D design software
Willing and able to visit waterfront shops and access ships under construction
Knowledge in areas such as Cable or pipe routing, Geometric Dimensioning & Tolerancing (GD&T), or Weld applications
Autocad or 3D classes 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.
