TUGBOAT CAPTAIN/DESIGNATED DUTY ENGINEER

HII; Newport News (VA); On-site; USD 82,000 - 103,000; Full time

Job summary

HII’s Newport News Shipbuilding seeks a licensed Tug Boat Deck Hand with a minimum of three years’ experience on tugboats. The role requires supervision of hourly deck hands, strong communication, and leadership to ensure safe ship movements and adherence to safety standards.

A high school diploma or equivalent is required; apprentice graduate is desirable. Coast Guard License and Radar License are required, with exposure to variable schedules and on-site work in Newport News, VA.

Qualifications

• Must be licensed by the U.S. Coast Guard and have a minimum of three years experience on tugboats prior to examination by the U.S. Coast Guard.
• Strong knowledge of local winds, current tides reading, and weather/shipping hazards.
• Must supervise deck hands, motivate and train these employees, with strong communication and leadership skills.

Responsibilities

• Supervise the work of hourly deck hands and coordinate tug operations.
• Read local winds and tides; assess weather and shipping hazards to ensure safe vessel movement.
• Maintain thorough knowledge of tug boats and ship movement; train and mentor crew.

Skills

Coast Guard license

Strong communication

Leadership

Supervise deck hands

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Apprentice graduate desirable

Tools

Radar systems

Vessel navigation equipment

Job description

Req ID: 49446

Team: X36 WTRFT SUPPORT SERV

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: $82,000.00 to $103,000.00

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.

The Role

Must be licensed by the U.S. Coast Guard (U.S. Coast Guard License, Radar License). A minimum of three years experience on tugboats is required prior to examination by U.S. Coast Guard. Must have a specialized knowledge of local winds, current tides reading, and weather and shipping hazards. The candidate must be able to supervise the work of hourly deck hands, motivate and train these employees, and possess strong communication, interpersonal and leadership skills. An incumbent must possess a thorough technical knowledge of the tug boats, and Ship movement, and have a solid educational base, generally gained through working as a Tug Boat Deck Hand or the equivalent in education and training. The job may involve exposure to extreme weather and other environmental conditions encountered in working on the water and must be able to work a variable work schedule.

Must Have

This position requires a high school graduate or equivalent. Apprentice graduate is desirable. Must be licensed by the U.S. Coast Guard (U.S. Coast Guard License, Radar License) and have a minimum of three years experience on tugboats is required prior to examination by U.S. Coast Guard. Must have a specialized knowledge of local winds, current tides reading, and weather and shipping hazards. The candidate must be able to supervise the work of deck hands, motivate and train these employees, and possess strong communication, interpersonal and leadership skills. An incumbent must possess a thorough technical knowledge of the tug boats, and Ship movement, and have a solid educational base, generally gained through working as a Tug Boat Deck Hand or the equivalent in education and training.

Nice to Have

• Engine operation and watchkeeping: Running and monitoring the main propulsion plant, ensuring safe and efficient operation.
• Maintenance and repairs: Performing routine maintenance, troubleshooting, and repairing machinery and systems.
• System oversight: Managing electrical, sewage treatment, lube oil, bilge, and oily water separation systems.
• Fueling and lubrication: Ensuring proper fuel handling, storage, and lubrication of machinery.
• Safety and compliance: Adhering to U.S. Coast Guard and STCW safety, pollution prevention, and watchkeeping standards.
• Documentation: Maintaining accurate logs and records of engine-room operations and maintenance.

Why HII

We build the world’s most powerful, survivable naval ships and defense technology solutions that safeguard our seas, sky, land and 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.