Welder​/Structure; Certification

Location:

Newport News, Virginia, United States

Date:
Jul 29, 2026

Req

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 Requirements:
No

Clearance Required:

No - Clearance Not Required to Start

Salary Range: $59,675.20 to $62,067.20

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

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.

As a welder, you will first be qualified through the shipyards state of the art welding school. After completion of welding school, you will use a wide range of welding filler metals and welding processes to perform structural and/or pipe welds in all phases of ship construction. Welders perform tack, fillet, and full penetration welding on steel foundations and structural and pipe joints in production on aircraft carriers and submarines.

This will be done using 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). These welds are made in all positions using both manual and mechanized processes and will satisfy all nondestructive tests requirements (visual inspection, magnetic particle inspection, ultrasonic inspection, radiographic inspection). Welders will also receive additional training including certified visual inspection, fire watch, carbon arcing, and troubleshooting minor welding equipment problems.

This position is for job seekers who have received and can provide a certificate or diploma in Welding or a directly related field. Directly related fields include AWS Welding (SMAW, GTAW, GMAW, and/or FCAW).

Candidates with no experience or certifications are encouraged to apply to the Welder Trainee requisition.

Watch this video to learn more:

• 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 able to take measurements or be willing to learn.
• 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

• High school graduate or equivalent preferred

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