SHIPFITTER - ENTRY LEVEL (OCTOBER 2026 HIRING EVENT)

Huntington Ingalls Industries, Inc.; Pascagoula (MS); On-site; USD 43,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

Huntington Ingalls Industries, Inc. – Ingalls Shipbuilding in Pascagoula, MS – seeks entry-level Shipfitters for hands-on skilled trades training. Start now and learn to fabricate, assemble and install metal structures that form the backbone of America’s ships.

You’ll be part of a team in a world-class shipyard, receive foundational training, and benefit from guaranteed wage increases every six months as you progress in the program. Relocation not offered; travel is minimal.

Qualifications

• Basic math, reading and comprehension required.
• Read and interpret blueprints using metric and standard measurements.
• Familiar with steel plate and beam fabrication/workmanship.
• Experience with trade tools is beneficial but not required.

Responsibilities

• Learn to fabricate, assemble, and install metal parts and structures for ship construction.
• Use torches, tape measures, hammers, levels, welding equipment.
• Apply basic math, measurement, and blueprint reading skills.
• Work in shipyard environments including heights and confined spaces.
• Support production needs in a 24/7 manufacturing environment and be available for any shift.

Skills

Basic math

Blueprint reading

Measurement tools

Hand tools

Safety awareness

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

Tech Master Certification

Tools

Grinder

Hand torch

Hydraulic jack

Chain fall

Come‑a‑long

Framing square

Ace levels

Plumb bob

Job description

SHIPFITTER - ENTRY LEVEL (OCTOBER 2026 HIRING EVENT)

Location: Pascagoula, Mississippi, United States

Date: Oct 2, 2026

Req ID: 49997
Team: 07 Shipfitters
Entity: Ingalls 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 Requirement: No

We’re building tomorrow’s fleet today
With more than 11,000 employees, HII’s Ingalls Shipbuilding division is the largest manufacturing employer in Mississippi and a major contributor to the economic growth of Alabama. For nearly 85 years, we’ve designed, built and maintained amphibious ships, destroyers, and cutters for the U.S. Navy and the U.S. Coast Guard. The largest supplier of U.S. Navy surface combatants, we’re simultaneously building four classes of ships and have pioneered the development and production of technologically advanced, highly capable ships for the surface Navy fleet for decades. Think that’s cool? Keep reading:

The Role

Strength. Skill. Craftsmanship. Become a Shipfitter.
Do you want to learn a skilled trade, work with your hands, and help build the most advanced naval vessels in the world?

As an Ingalls Shipfitter, you are part of a team that fabricates, assembles, and installs the metal structures that form the backbone of America’s ships. From cutting and shaping steel to building major structural components, Shipfitters turn raw material into mission‑ready vessels — craftsmanship that lasts for generations.

If you’re ready to start a hands‑on career in a world‑class trade, a future at Ingalls Shipbuilding — “America’s Shipyard” and Mississippi’s largest private employer — is waiting.

What You Can Earn

• Starting pay of $21.58 per hour.
• Guaranteed pay increases every six months as you progress through the Shipfitter training program.
• Additional opportunities for overtime, skills training, and long‑term career advancement.

What You’ll Do

• Learn to fabricate, assemble, and install metal parts and structures used in ship construction.
• Use tools such as torches, tape measures, hammers, levels, and welding equipment.
• Apply basic math, measurement, and blueprint reading skills.
• Work in shipboard environments including heights, confined spaces, and varying weather conditions.
• Support production needs in a 24/7 manufacturing environment and be available for any shift.

Why This Work Matters

Shipfitters build the foundation of the fleet. Your craftsmanship directly affects the strength, safety, and lifespan of the vessels that protect our nation and operate around the world. Every cut, weld, and measurement contributes to something bigger — ships with a mission.

What You Bring

• Interest in learning a skilled trade and working with your hands
• Ability to use measuring tools and perform basic math
• Commitment to safety, quality, and teamwork
• Willingness to work in active shipyard environments and learn through hands‑on training
• (No prior shipfitting experience required — we provide skills training.)

Must Have

• Basic math, reading and comprehension skills
• Read and interpret blueprints utilizing both metric and standard measurements
• Knowledge of the layout, fit-up and fabrication of steel plate and beam.
• Experience with various trade specific tools such as: grinder, hand torch, hydraulic and ratchet jack, chain fall and/or come‑a‑long, combination square, framing square, hand level and plumb bob

Nice to Have

• Knowledge of setting and erecting units; knowledge of the use of Datum Lines, familiar with fit up and alignment tolerances; advanced blue print reading skills; 3-5 years of marine, shipbuilding or construction experience. Tech Master Certification, High School Graduate or Equivalent.

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 buildyourcareer@hii-co .com 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 #1 for Ingalls Shipbuilding.