SHIPFITTER - SEMI - SKILLED (October 2026 Hiring Event)

Huntington Ingalls Industries, Inc.; Pascagoula (MS); On-site; USD 32,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

Huntington Ingalls Industries, Ingalls Shipbuilding division in Pascagoula, MS is hiring Semi‑Skilled Shipfitters for structural fabrication and installation on advanced naval vessels. The role requires experience in metal fabrication or shipyard work and offers growth through on‑the‑job training and broader craft opportunities.

You’ll work with steel, torches, grinders, and welding equipment, performing layout, fit-up, and interpretation of drawings.

Qualifications

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

Responsibilities

• 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.

Skills

Metal fabrication

Shipyard work

Construction

Tools

Torches

Levels

Tape measures

Grinders

Welding equipment

Job description

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SHIPFITTER - SEMI - SKILLED (October 2026 Hiring Event)

Location: Pascagoula, Mississippi, United States

Date: Oct 2, 2026

Req ID: 49998
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

• 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‑based 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.