WELDER/STRUCTURAL TRAINEE - COMPLETE 3 WEEKS OF FREE TRADES TRAINING OR HAVE A CURRENT CERTIFICATION

Huntington Ingalls Industries; Newport News (VA); On-site; USD 35,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking enthusiastic individuals to join their welding team. This role offers a unique opportunity for those without prior trades experience to undergo comprehensive training in welding, setting the stage for a rewarding career in shipbuilding. Candidates can also leverage existing certifications to bypass training. The position demands physical agility and the ability to work in diverse environments, including confined spaces and at heights. Join a team that values safety and precision while contributing to the construction of the most advanced naval vessels in the world. Embrace the chance to grow and thrive in a supportive workplace that prioritizes your development.

Benefits

Medical Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

401K Savings Plan

Tuition Reimbursement

Employee Discounts

Wellness Resources

On-site Health Centers

Qualifications

• Must complete a 3-week unpaid training program or have a welding certificate.
• Ability to pass physical tests and work in various conditions.

Responsibilities

• Perform structural and pipe welds on naval ships.
• Ensure compliance with safety and quality standards during welding.

Skills

Welding

Physical Agility

Safety Awareness

Team Collaboration

Education

High School Diploma or Equivalent

Certificate in Welding or Related Field

Tools

Welding Equipment

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Job description

Req ID: 40604
Team: X18 WELDERS
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 Requirement: No

Clearance Required: No - Clearance Not Required to Start

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. Anchored in our rich, 135-year history, we collaborate together at the forefront of technology, manufacturing, and integration of the most powerful and survivable naval ships in the world. Want to be part of the team? Apply today! We look forward to meeting you.

The Role

This position is for job seekers with no trades experience willing to complete three weeks of unpaid training in the Welder trade or for job seekers with a certificate in a related trades field.

Newport News Shipbuilding has partnered with the Virginia Ship Repair Association, local Virginia community colleges, and maritime training facilities, to offer Marine Trades Training (MTT) programs for individuals interested in learning a trade and working full-time for NNS. The Welding trainee program is offered once a month with 8-10 students per class, and is held at Virginia Peninsula Community College (Hampton, VA), Tidewater Community College (Portsmouth, VA), or Camp Community College (Suffolk, VA). Each (UNPAID) program is 3-weeks (120 hours), 7:00am – 3:30pm (Monday thru Friday).

Candidates who have received and provide a certificate or diploma in Welding or directly related field are encouraged to apply and may be eligible to waive the completion of the trainee program. Directly related fields include AWS Welding (SMAW, GTAW, GMAW, and/or FCAW).

As a welder, you will begin your career by qualifying through the shipyard’s state-of-the-art welding school. Upon completion, you will use a variety of welding filler metals and processes to perform structural and pipe welds throughout all phases of ship construction. Welders are responsible for tack, fillet, and full penetration welding on steel foundations, as well as structural and pipe joints for aircraft carriers and submarines.

Welders will employ various welding processes including SMAW (Shielded Metal Arc Welding), FCAW (Flux Cored Arc Welding), GMAW (Gas Metal Arc Welding), and GTAW (Gas Tungsten Arc Welding), and perform welding in all positions using both manual and mechanized techniques. All work will meet stringent nondestructive testing requirements, including visual inspection, ultrasonic inspection, and radiographic inspection. Additionally, welders will receive further training in certified visual inspection, fire watch protocols, carbon arcing, and troubleshooting minor welding equipment issues.

Working at Newport News Shipbuilding often involves performing tasks in various weather conditions, at extreme heights on scaffolding, ladders, or elevated platforms, and in small, confined spaces such as tanks, compartments, or voids in a ship. These environments require a strong focus on safety, precision, and adaptability, as well as physical agility and comfort working in challenging conditions.

Must Have

Must be able to pass a 3-week (UNPAID) program (120 hours), 7:00am – 3:30pm (Monday – Friday) OR present one or more certificates of completion or diploma in Welding or a directly related field from a high school vocational program, community college, trade school, technical college, apprentice program, post–secondary institution, or military equivalent.

Must be willing to undergo a background investigation and drug screen.

Must be able to pass physical agility test.

Must be able to kneel, squat, crawl, bend, stoop, and climb on a daily basis.

Must be able to lift at least 40 pounds.

Must be able to perform overhead work.

Must be able to work overtime as needed.

Must be able to be clean shaven to wear a respirator.

Must be able to perform work outdoors, year-round, in all weather conditions.

Must be able to work at extreme heights.

Must be able to work in small, tight, confined spaces.

Must be willing to work any shift.

Nice to Have

High school graduate or equivalent 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.

Today’s challenges are bigger than ever, and the nation needs the best of us. It’s why we’re focused on hiring, developing, and nurturing our diversity. We believe that diversity among our workforce strengthens the organization, stimulates creativity, promotes the exchange of ideas, and enriches the work lives of all our employees.

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.