Insulation Trainee – 2-Week Training + $500 Sign-On

HII; Newport News (VA); On-site; Full time

Job description

Job Details

• Req ID: 44051
• Team: X33 SURF PREP & TREAT DE
• Entity: Newport News Shipbuilding
• US Citizenship Required for this Position: Yes
• Full-Time
• Shift: Multiple
• Relocation: Relocation assistance will be available
• Virtual/Telework Opportunity: No - Not eligible for telework
• Travel Requirements: No
• Clearance Required: No - Clearance Not Required to Start
• Salary Range: $59,675.20 to $62,067.20
• 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

This position is for job seekers with no trades experience willing to complete two weeks of unpaid training in the Insulator trade or for job seekers with a certificate in a related trades field. We offer a $500 sign‑on bonus to new hires and a $500 relocation bonus for those living 50 miles or greater from Newport News, VA. The program is partnered with the Virginia Ship Repair Association, local community colleges, and maritime training facilities. The 2‑week (80‑hour) unpaid program runs Monday‑Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Candidates with industry certificates may waive the trainee program. Insulators are responsible for removal, repair, and installation of various insulation materials—fiberglass, calcium silicate, and rubatex—ensuring thermal efficiency, noise reduction, and safety of piping and ventilation systems. Work often occurs in extreme weather, at heights on scaffolding or ladders, and in confined spaces such as tanks and voids.

X33 Marine Insulator video: https://youtu.be/YAmxUWv1gsg?si=JB4r3YQpOquFmfsP

Must Have

• Pass the 2‑week unpaid program (80 hours) or present one or more certificates of completion or diploma in Insulation or a directly related field.
• Willing to undergo a background investigation and drug screen.
• Pass a physical agility test.
• Be able to kneel, squat, crawl, bend, stoop, and climb on a daily basis.
• Lift at least 40 pounds.
• Perform overhead work.
• Work overtime as needed.
• Be clean shaven to wear a respirator.
• Perform work outdoors, year‑round, in all weather conditions.
• Work at extreme heights.
• Work in small, tight, confined spaces.
• Willing to work any shift.

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, AI/ML experts, engineers, technologists, scientists, logistics experts, and business 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. We offer comprehensive benefits: medical, prescription drug, dental and vision plans, on‑site health centers, tele‑medicine, wellness resources, employee assistance programs, savings plan options (401K), financial education, life insurance, tuition reimbursement, employee discounts, and early‑childhood and post‑secondary scholarships. Some benefits may vary by division or location.

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 inquiries concerning a request for reasonable accommodation will be responded to from this e‑mail address.

You may also call 1‑844‑849‑8463 for assistance. Press #2 for Newport News Shipbuilding.

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.