SHIPFITTER – CERTIFIED

Huntington Ingalls Industries; Newport News (VA); On-site; USD 60,000 - 62,000; Full time

Job summary

Newport News Shipbuilding seeks a certified Shipfitter to read, interpret and execute from drawings and procedures. You will measure, cut, fit, align and tack weld components from small to large ship structures, performing tasks in shops, dry-docks and on board ships.

Candidates must have a certificate or diploma in Shipfitting or a related field and be able to work at heights, outdoors and in confined spaces.

Qualifications

• Requires certificate or diploma in Shipfitting or related field.
• Ability to read and interpret drawings and procedures.
• Ability to work at heights and in confined spaces.

Responsibilities

• Read, interpret, plan and execute shipfitting from drawings.
• Measure, cut, grind, fit, align and tack weld parts across ship structures.
• Work in shops, dry-docks and onboard ships during construction or repair.

Skills

Math skills

Mechanical aptitude

Reading drawings

Education

Certificate or Diploma in Shipfitting

Job description

SHIPFITTER – CERTIFIED

Location:

Newport News, Virginia, United States

Date: Oct 26, 2026

Req ID: 50490

Team: X11 FITTERS

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: $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

The Role

Fitters are often called the “carpenters” of shipbuilding or “Artists of Steel”. Fitters read, interpret, plan and execute from drawings and procedures. Fitters measure, cut, grind, fit, align and tack weld parts as small your finger nail to the large sub-assemblies and super lifts that form the structural body of the ship. Fitters must have strong math skills and a good mechanical aptitude. Fitters build in-place all interior structures, hatches, doors, bulkheads, etc., to complete all the steel work in the ship. Fitters are expected to climb and work in high areas or crawl and work in cramped confine spaces and perform tasks with all kinds of working conditions in-between. A fitter will apply their skills in the shops, platens, dry-docks and onboard ships in support of new construction, ship repair and ship overhauls.

This position is for job seekers who have received and can provide a certificate or diploma in Shipfitting or a directly related field , including Welding (SMAW, GMAW), Plasma Cutting and/or Oxy-Fuel Cutting, Construction Maintenance, Carpentry, Auto Body, and/or Sheet Metal Fabrication.

Candidates with no experience or certifications are encouraged to apply to the Shipfitter Trainee requisition.

Must Have

One or more certificates of completion or diploma in Shipfitting 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.

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 do overhead work.

Must be able to work outdoors.

Must be able to wear a respirator.

Must be able to work overtime as needed.

Must be able to take measurements or be willing to learn.

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, 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.