WELDER - SEMI SKILLED

Huntington Ingalls Industries, Inc.; Pascagoula (MS); On-site; USD 2,480,000 - 3,857,000; Full time

Job summary

Ingalls Shipbuilding, a division of Huntington Ingalls Industries, is seeking semi-skilled welders to advance into higher craft levels. You will weld using SMAW and FCAW, join metal components, and read drawings to build the next generation of naval vessels in a busy shipyard environment.

Requirements include 1 year of FCAW/SMAW experience, ability to pass weld tests (3G/2G/4G), and a safety-first mindset. High school diploma or equivalent preferred, with welding certification programs welcomed.

Qualifications

• Experience with structural or industrial welding.
• Ability to pass welding tests in 3G/2G/4G positions.
• Pass military standard tests as required.
• Willingness to work in active shipyard environments.

Responsibilities

• Perform structural welding using SMAW and FCAW.
• Join metal components to fabricate ship structures.
• Read weld symbols, drawings and blueprints.

Skills

SMAW welding

FCAW welding

Read weld symbols

Read drawings

Safety and workmanship

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

Welding certification program (preferred)

Tools

SMAW

FCAW

Job description

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Req ID: 48888
Team: 09 Welders
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. Precision. Craftsmanship. Advance as a Welder.
Are you ready to put your welding skills to work building the most advanced naval vessels in the world? Ingalls Shipbuilding is hiring Semi‑Skilled Welders who have hands‑on experience with industrial or structural welding and want to grow into a higher‑level craft role.

As an Ingalls Welder, you’ll join metal structures using processes such as Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW) and Flux‑Core Arc Welding (FCAW). Your welds give our ships their strength, durability, and integrity — craftsmanship that protects sailors, supports missions, and ensures our Navy’s readiness.

If you’re ready to advance your welding skills at “America’s Shipyard,” a career at Ingalls Shipbuilding — Mississippi’s largest private employer — is waiting.

What You Can Earn

• Earn up to $28.07 per hour, depending on your experience and demonstrated skill level
• Additional opportunities for overtime, skills training, and advancement into higher craft levels

What You’ll Do

• Perform structural welding using SMAW (“stick welding”) and FCAW (“wire welding”)
• Join together various metal materials to fabricate and assemble ship components
• Read and interpret drawings, arrangements, weld symbols, and basic blueprints
• Work in shipboard environments including heights, confined spaces, varying weather conditions, and around‑the‑clock production areas
• Support production needs in a 24/7 manufacturing environment and be available for any shift

Why This Work Matters
Every weld contributes to the strength and safety of the vessels that defend our nation. Welders play a critical role in building ships that operate around the world — vessels relied upon by sailors and service members every day. Your craftsmanship makes the mission possible.

What You Bring

• Experience with structural or industrial welding, including SMAW and/or FCAW
• Ability to read basic weld symbols, measurements, and drawings
• Strong commitment to safety, quality, and workmanship
• Willingness to work in active shipyard environments and continue growing your welding skills

Must Have

• This position requires a minimum of one (1) year of work experience in FCAW (Flux Core) and SWAW (Stick) welding, the ability to pass military standard tests in the vertical (3G), horizontal (2G) and overhead (4G) positions.
• Successful completion of a welding technical training certification program will be allowed in lieu of experience requirement. Qualified applicants will be required to pass a hands‑on skill assessment; the weld test is for x‑ray quality.

Nice to Have

High School Diploma or Equivalent is preferred. Previous experience in shipbuilding is 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 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.