DESIGNER 4

Newport News Shipbuilding, A Division of HII; Newport News (VA); On-site; USD 83,000 - 104,000; Full time

Job summary

Newport News Shipbuilding, a division of HII, is seeking a Senior Level 4 Designer to lead the design and development of complex ship systems. You will coordinate multi-discipline integration, mentor junior designers, and ensure designs meet stringent safety and manufacturability standards.

The role requires deep knowledge of ship design interfaces and production processes, with responsibilities spanning design reviews, readiness meetings, and collaboration with planning, production, and supply

Qualifications

• Senior designer responsible for coordinating complex ship system designs and ensuring compliance with engineering requirements.
• Leadership and mentoring of junior designers and cross-functional teams.
• Strong understanding of ship design integration and production processes.

Responsibilities

• Lead design and development of 2D/3D models for ship systems and components using 2D/3D CAD tools.
• Coordinate multi-discipline design integration and ensure proper system interfaces across compartments.
• Review and approve detailed drawings for accuracy and fabrication.
• Manage design changes and revisions through configuration control systems.
• Provide mentorship and technical guidance to Level 1–3 Designers.

Skills

2D/3D CAD design

Mentoring

Cross-functional collaboration

Design reviews

Tools

AutoCAD

Inventor

NX

Job description

Req ID: 49728
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 Requirements: Yes, 10%-25% of the time
Clearance Required: No, Clearance Not Required to Start
Salary Range: $83,000.00 to $104,000.00
The anticipated salary range represents the estimated base pay for this role. Final compensation will be determined based on experience, qualifications, and other job-related factors, and may vary from the posted range

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. We collaborate together at the forefront of technology, manufacturing, and integration of the most powerful and survivable naval ships in the world. We look forward to meeting you.

The Role

The Engineering, Technology, and Design (ET&D) Division is hosting an invite-only hiring event for qualified candidates. While onsite, all candidates will have an opportunity to learn about the division. If you enjoy being part of a team that connects their employees to one another and our mission, holds true to the company's core values of Engagement, Integrity, Respect, Responsibility, Performance and Safety, then know there is a place for you here! The Designer Level 4 role is a senior-level technical and leadership position responsible for the coordination, development, and execution of highly complex ship system and component designs. Level 4 Designers serve as technical experts within their discipline, providing advanced design support, mentoring, and oversight to junior designers and cross-functional teams. This position requires a deep understanding of ship design integration, system interfaces, regulatory compliance, and production processes. Level 4 Designers often serve as discipline leads or key contributors on large-scale projects, ensuring that all design products meet stringent performance, safety, and manufacturability standards. Positions will support the following areas within the Engineering, Technology, and Design Division –

• Design and Construction of Virginia and Columbia-Class submarines
• Design of next generation fast attack submarine (SSNX)
• Design and collaboration work through international agreement to provide submarines to Australia with the AUKUS agreement
• Design, Construction, and Overhaul of Nuclear-powered aircraft carriers
• Design and Construction of the first new battleship since World War II (BBGN)

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design and development of complex 2D and 3D models for ship systems, structures, or components using AutoCAD, Inventor, NX, or similar 2D/3D design software.
• Solve complex design issues while meeting system and ship-level requirements
• Serve as a technical subject matter expert and resource for designers and engineers within assigned design discipline.
• Oversee and coordinate multi-discipline design integration, ensuring proper system interfaces and alignment across ship compartments and modules.
• Review and approve detailed arrangement, fabrication, and installation drawings for accuracy, completeness, and compliance with engineering requirements.
• Manage and implement design changes, redlines, and engineering revisions through configuration control systems.
• Provide mentorship and technical guidance to Level 1–3 Designers, supporting training and development within the design organization.
• Collaborate with engineering, planning, production, and supply chain to resolve complex technical issues
• Ensure design intent is maintained through construction.
• Participate in and often lead design reviews, readiness meetings, and production support discussions.
• Support standardization and continuous improvement initiatives by identifying process enhancements and developing design best practices.
• Apply advanced knowledge of materials, manufacturing methods, welding, and shipyard practices to optimize designs for performance, safety, and cost.
• Capable of managing and tracking products within assigned areas of responsibility (AOR), representing the team in