SHIPFITTER - SEMI-SKILLED

HII; Pascagoula (MS); On-site; USD 23,000 - 39,000; Full time

Job summary

Ingalls Shipbuilding is seeking Semi-Skilled Shipfitters to support fabrication, assembly, and installation of ship structures. You will work with steel, torches, grinders, and measuring tools to assist with layout, alignment, and fit-up of metal components on America’s most advanced naval vessels.

The role requires foundational experience in metal fabrication or shipyard work, a commitment to safety and teamwork, and the ability to work in a 24/7 manufacturing environment.

Qualifications

• Minimum 6 months trade experience in metal fabrication, shipyard, or related fields.
• Ability to read basic drawings and perform practical math.
• Commitment to safety, precision, and teamwork.
• Willingness to work in active shipyard environments and various shifts.
• High school diploma or equivalent.

Responsibilities

• Fabricate, assemble, and install structural components for ships.
• Operate torches, grinders, levels, and measuring tools.
• Assist with layout, alignment, and fit-up of metal parts.
• Interpret basic drawings and follow measurements accurately.
• Work in shipboard environments including heights and confined spaces.
• Support production in a 24/7 manufacturing setting.

Skills

Metal fabrication

Safety-conscious

Teamwork

Measuring tools

Shipyard environment

Education

High School Diploma or Equivalent

Tools

Grinder

Torch Welding

Hydraulic tools

Layout tools

Measuring tools

Job description

Req ID: 50195

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. Advance as a Shipfitter.

Are you ready to take the next step in your shipfitting career? Ingalls Shipbuilding is looking for Semi‑Skilled Shipfitters who have foundational experience in metal fabrication, construction, or shipyard work — and want to continue building their skills on America’s most advanced naval vessels.

As a Semi‑Skilled Shipfitter, you’ll support the fabrication, assembly, and installation of structural components that form the backbone of our ships. You’ll work with steel, tools, and shipbuilding equipment to help craft vessels that serve missions around the world.

If you’re looking to grow your skills and advance in a world‑class trade, a career at Ingalls Shipbuilding — “America’s Shipyard” and Mississippi’s largest private employer — is waiting.

What You Can Earn

• Earn up to $28.07 per hour, based on your experience and demonstrated skill level.
• Additional opportunities for overtime, training, and advancement into higher‑level craft roles.

What You’ll Do

• Fabricate, assemble, and install structural components in ship construction.
• Use torches, levels, tape measures, grinders, welding equipment, and other shipfitter tools.
• Assist with layout, alignment, cutting, and fit‑up of metal components.
• Interpret basic drawings, follow measurements, and apply practical math 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

Semi‑Skilled Shipfitters play a key role in building the structures that make our ships strong, safe, and mission‑ready. Your craftsmanship directly supports the performance and durability of the vessels that protect our nation.

What You Bring

• Some experience in metal fabrication, shipyard work, construction, or a related trade
• Ability to use measuring tools and basic fabrication equipment
• Commitment to safety, precision, and teamwork
• Willingness to work in active shipyard environments and continue developing your skills

(Further training is provided to help you progress into higher skill levels.)

Must Have

• Minimum 6 months trade experience

Nice to 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
• 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.
• 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 [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 #1 for Ingalls Shipbuilding.