FALL 2026 DESIGNER CO-OP

Newport News Shipbuilding, A Division of HII; Newport News (VA); On-site; USD 37,000 - 51,000; Part time

Job summary

Newport News Shipbuilding is offering a Designer Co-Op position that provides hands-on exposure to the design, development, and production of U.S. Navy aircraft carriers and submarines.

You will work with experienced designers and production teams to create and revise detailed drawings, 3D models, layouts, and shipbuilding documentation for construction and modernization efforts. The co-op offers experience with shipboard systems, modeling standards, and design software while you contribute to

Qualifications

• Must be a full-time student enrolled in a 2-year college/university.
• Must be pursuing an Associates in Drafting and Design or a related field.
• Cumulative GPA of 2.5 or greater.

Responsibilities

• Assist in the development and modification of engineering drawings, schematics, and design documentation for shipbuilding programs.
• Support designers and engineers with 2D and 3D modeling activities using CAD software.
• Review technical specifications to ensure compliance with standards.
• Participate in design reviews and collaborate with cross-functional departments.

Skills

U.S. Citizenship

Education

Associates in Drafting and Design

Tools

AutoCAD

Inventor

CATIA

Siemens NX

Job description

Req ID: 47840

Team: E01 ENGRG & DESIGN

Entity: Newport News Shipbuilding

US Citizenship Required for this Position: Yes

Part-Time

Shift: 1st

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: $37,000.00 to $51,000.00

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.

The Role

The Designer Co-Op position provides students with hands‑on experience supporting the design, development, and production of U.S. Navy aircraft carriers and submarines. This role works alongside experienced designers, engineers, planners, and production teams to assist with creating and revising detailed technical drawings, 3D models, layouts, and shipbuilding documentation used in construction and modernization efforts.

The co‑op will gain exposure to shipboard systems, modeling standards, manufacturing processes, and design software while contributing to real‑world projects in a fast‑paced industrial environment.

Must Have

This position requires a commitment to work up to 20 hours a week.

Applicants must meet the following criteria in order to apply

• U.S. Citizen
• Must be a full time student enrolled in a 2-year college/university.
• Must be pursuing an Associates in Drafting and Design or a related field.
• Cumulative GPA of 2.5 or greater.

Unofficial transcripts are required when applying. Failure to upload transcripts at time of application will result in automatic disqualification.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist in the development and modification of engineering drawings, schematics, and design documentation for shipbuilding programs.
• Support designers and engineers with 2D and 3D modeling activities using CAD software such as AutoCAD, Inventor, CATIA, Siemens NX, or other 2D or 3D design software.
• Review technical specifications, calculations, and design requirements to ensure compliance with company and Navy standards.
• Participate in design reviews and collaborate with cross‑functional departments including engineering, planning, operations, and quality assurance.
• Conduct field verification aboard ships or within production areas to validate dimensions, equipment locations, and installation requirements.
• Assist with resolving basic design issues and supporting corrective actions during production and installation phases.
• Learn and apply shipbuilding standards, safety procedures, and regulatory requirements.

Typical Areas of Design /Support across Submarine & Carrier Programs:

• Structural Design
• Electrical Design
• Machinery/ Mechanical Design
• Pipe Design
• HVAC Design
• Hull Outfitting Design
• 3D Modeling

Nice to Have

• Basic understanding of engineering drawings, blueprints, and technical documentation.
• Familiarity with CAD software or drafting tools, or certificate/course in AutoCAD, Inventor, NX or similar 2D or 3D design software.
• Strong computer skills /experience using computer based software including Microsoft Office applications.
• Ability to read and interpret written instructions, drawings, processes and procedures.
• Effective communication and teamwork skills.
• Willingness to learn in a fast‑paced industrial/manufacturing environment.
• Strong problem‑solving and organizational skills.
• Interest in defense, shipbuilding, or large‑scale engineering projects.
• Willing and able to visit waterfront shops and be capable of accessing ships under construction

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 [e-mail] 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.