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 Trainee hires. In addition, Newport News Shipbuilding is offering $500 in relocation bonus to Trade Trainee 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.

This position is for job seekers with no trades experience willing to complete three weeks of unpaid training in the Pipefitter trade or for job seekers with a certificate in a related trades field.

Newport News Shipbuilding has partnered with the Virginia Ship Repair Association and local Virginia community colleges and maritime training facilities to offer several course-to-hire Marine Trades Training (MTT) programs for individuals interested in learning a trade and working full-time for Newport News Shipbuilding. Courses are offered once a month with 5-10 students per class. The Pipefitter Trainee program is offered at Tidewater Community College (Portsmouth, VA). This (UNPAID) program is 3-weeks (120 hours), 7:00am – 3:30pm (Monday thru Friday).

Candidates who have received and provide a certificate or diploma in Pipefitting or directly related field are encouraged to apply and may be eligible to waive the completion of the trainee program. Directly related fields include Commercial Pipefitting, Plumbing, HVAC, Irrigation, Welding, Hydraulics, and/or Storm/Wastewater Management.

To learn more about the Marine Trades Training (MTT) programs and how the process works, please visit: https://hii.com/careers/nns-marine-trades-trainee-programs/

Pipefitters are responsible for installing complex systems together on ships, including over 23 miles of pipe on submarines and more than 230 miles on aircraft carriers. You will engage in various tasks, such as assembling, welding, and securing pipe, as well as troubleshooting and repairing existing systems. In this role, you will learn to read blueprints, fabricate, install, inspect, and test various ship piping systems.

Working at Newport News Shipbuilding often involves performing tasks in various weather conditions, at extreme heights on scaffolding, ladders, or elevated platforms and in small, confined spaces such as tanks, compartments, or voids in a ship. These environments require a strong focus on safety, precision, and adaptability, as well as physical agility and comfort working in challenging conditions.

Watch this video to learn more: https://youtu.be/PDmmN1KCt0w?si=wI7dwxgR2WFR6YTm

Must Have

Must be able to pass a 3-week (UNPAID) program (120 hours), 7:00am – 3:30pm (Monday – Friday) OR present one or more certificates of completion or diploma in Pipefitting or a directly related field from a high school vocational program, community college, trade school, technical college, apprentice program, post–secondary institution, or military equivalent.

Must be willing to undergo a background investigation and drug screen

Must be able to pass physical agility test

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