EXPERIENCED RIGGER

Huntington Ingalls Industries; Virginia; On-site; USD 74,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Huntington Ingalls Industries’ Newport News Shipbuilding in Newport News, VA, seeks an experienced Rigger to support shipyard operations. The role includes crane and forklift operation, rigging components, and safe handling of heavy loads.

Candidates must have at least one year as a rigger, be able to work at heights or in confined spaces, pass a physical agility test, and obtain a respirator fit test. Relocation is not offered; multiple shifts are available; telework is not eligible.

Qualifications

• Must be able to work at extreme heights or in small confined spaces.
• Must be able to kneel, squat, crawl, bend, stoop, and climb.
• Must be able to lift 40 lbs and must take and pass a respirator fit test.
• Must be able to work assigned shift as production needs.
• Must be able to pass Physical Agility Test.
• Must be able to take measurements or be willing to learn.
• Position requires a minimum of ONE year of experience as a Rigger.

Responsibilities

• Operate cranes and forklifts to move heavy ship components.
• Rig, assemble, and install equipment and structural elements as directed.
• Maintain and dismantle scaffolding and assist with shipyard operations.
• Assist in pulling, lifting, and positioning large components with proper rigging.
• Ensure safe handling and adherence to safety protocols during lifting operations.

Skills

Rigger experience

Physical stamina

Respirator fit test

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

EXPERIENCED RIGGER

Location: Newport News, Virginia, United States

Date: Jul 29, 2026

Req ID: 47590

Team: X36 WTRFT SUPPORT SERV

Entity: Newport News Shipbuilding

US Citizenship Required for this Position: Yes

Full-Time

Shift: Multiple

Relocation: No relocation assistance available

Virtual/Telework Opportunity: No - Not eligible for telework

Travel Requirements: No

Clearance Required: No - Clearance Not Required to Start

Salary Range: $74,297.60 to $85,196.80

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.

The Role

Riggers provide the kinetic energy of the shipbuilding business. They operate the vast majority of cranes throughout the shipyard in addition to a wide assortment of forklifts with various capacities. Riggers are also responsible for operation of the shipyard - s tug boats - moving ships between dry docks and piers, and mooring ships while at the piers and outfitting berths. Riggers handle every component of a ship - from pipes and valves, to pumps, motors and electronic equipment, to the largest machinery and structural components - riggers are able to lift, manipulate, and set them into place. To accomplish this, riggers must be able to calculate the weight and center of gravity of the item being handled, determine the capacity of the lift points, and calculate the angle imposed on the handling gear in order to select the most appropriate gear for the task at hand. Riggers erect, maintain, and dismantle various types of scaffolding throughout the shipyard. Each type is selected to best suit the physical location and intended use, to provide a safe working platform for personnel where none existed. The Rigger - s Department is also responsible for purchasing, maintaining, and issuing the myriad assortment of tools used in the shipbuilding business. This section of the department also installs and maintains various types of ventilation equipment onboard ships to prevent dangerous atmospheres from developing.

Must Have

• Candidates must able to work at extreme heights or small confined spaces.
• Must be able to kneel, squat, crawl, bend, stoop, and climb.
• Must be able to lift 40 lbs and must take and pass a respirator fit test.
• Must be able to work assigned shift as production needs.
• Must be able to pass Physical Agility Test.
• Must be able to take measurements or be willing to learn.
• Position requires a minimum of **ONE** year of experience as a Rigger.

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, gen