Marine Painter Trainee Or Certification - High School Seniors Or Graduates

Marine Painter Trainee or Certification – For 2026 High School Seniors or Graduates (Sign‑On Bonus)

Job : 44050 |
Team: X33 SURF PREP & TREAT DE |
Entity: Newport News Shipbuilding |
Citizenship Requirement: US Citizenship |
Employment Type: Full‑time |
Shift: Multiple |
Relocation Assistance: Yes |
Clearance Required: None |
Travel Requirement: None

We’re seeking recent or upcoming 2026 high‑school graduates to join Newport News Shipbuilding as Marine Painter Trainees. Trade trainees who have no prior trade experience can complete a 2‑week unpaid training program (80 hours, Monday‑Friday, 7 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.). Trainees with a certificate or diploma in Marine Painting or a directly related field may be eligible to waive the trainee program. All external new hires are eligible for a $500 sign‑on bonus, and new hires living 50 miles or more from Newport News, VA may receive an additional $500 relocation bonus.

As part of the Marine Trades Training (MTT) program, which is offered at Tidewater Community College (Portsmouth, VA), you will be trained to SSPC SP‑1, SP‑2, SP‑3, and SP‑11 standards. You will learn to use power tools, hand tools, and chemicals to prepare surfaces, apply coating systems and safely work in various weather conditions, at extreme heights and in confined spaces.

• Select and apply marine coating systems to protect steel and other surfaces on aircraft carriers and submarines.
• Interpret paint schedules, calculate surface areas, and estimate materials needed.
• Test paint grades, viscosities, and fineness; perform surface preparations including sandblasting, masking, and finishing.
• Maintain compliance with MIL thickness requirements and conduct final quality inspections.
• Operate under safety and environmental regulations while working outdoors year‑round and at extreme heights.

• Pass a 2‑week unpaid trainee program (80 hours, Monday‑Friday, 7 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.) or present a certificate/diploma in Marine Painting or a related field.
• Willingness to undergo a background investigation and drug screen.
• Pass a physical agility test including kneeling, squatting, crawling, bending, stooping, climbing, overhead work, and lifting at least 40 pounds.
• Ability to work in small tight confined spaces, at extreme heights, all weather conditions, outside, and on any shift.
• Maintain a clean shaven appearance for respirator use.

Newport News Shipbuilding offers competitive pay, weekly paychecks, paid time off, paid holidays, medical benefits with an on‑site health center, 401(k) company match, employee discounts, and more.

HII is the world’s largest designer, builder, and refueler of U.S. Navy nuclear aircraft carriers and a key provider of U.S. Navy nuclear submarines. We build powerful naval ships and defense technology solutions that safeguard the seas, skies, land, space, and cyber. Our workforce includes skilled tradespeople, engineers, scientists, logistics experts, and business professionals, all in a values‑driven organization that places safety and well‑being first.

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, veteran status, or any other basis protected by federal, state, or local law. U.S. citizenship may be required for certain positions.

If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment process, please 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. The e‑mail address will only respond to accommodation inquiries. You may also call 1‑844‑849‑8463 (press #2 for Newport News Shipbuilding).

To apply or learn more about the Marine Trades Training (MTT) programs, visit