About the Role
SHIPFITTER (CERTIFICATION REQUIRED)
Location:
Newport News, Virginia, United States
Date: Mar 4, 2026
Req ID: 44695
Team: X11 FITTERS
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
Fitters are often called the "carpenters" of shipbuilding or "Artists of Steel". Fitters read, interpret, plan and execute from drawings and procedures. Fitters measure, cut, grind, fit, align and tack weld parts as small your finger nail to the large sub-assemblies and super lifts that form the structural body of the ship. Fitters must have strong math skills and a good mechanical aptitude. Fitters build in-place all interior structures, hatches, doors, bulkheads, etc., to complete all the steel work in the ship. Fitters are expected to climb and work in high areas or crawl and work in cramped confine spaces and perform tasks with all kinds of working conditions in-between. A fitter will apply their skills in the shops, platens, dry-docks and onboard ships in support of new construction, ship repair and ship overhauls.
This position is for job seekers who have received and can provide a certificate or diploma in Shipfitting or a directly related field, including Welding (SMAW, GMAW), Plasma Cutting and/or Oxy-Fuel Cutting, Construction Maintenance, Carpentry, Auto Body, and/or Sheet Metal Fabrication.
Candidates with no experience or certifications are encouraged to apply to the Shipfitter Trainee requisition.
Must Have
One or more certificates of completion or diploma in Shipfitting 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.
Candidates must able to work at extreme heights or small confined spaces.
Must be able to kneel, squat, crawl, bend, stoop, and climb.
Must be able to lift 40 lbs and must take and pass a respirator fit test.
Must be able to work assigned shift as production needs.
Must be able to do overhead work.
Must be able to work outdoors.
Must be able to wear a respirator.