Rigger Entry Level - High School Seniors Or Graduates

RIGGER ENTRY LEVEL - FOR 2026 HIGH SCHOOL SENIORS OR GRADUATES

Location:

Newport News, Virginia, United States
US Citizenship

Required:

Yes
Full-Time

Shift: Multiple
Relocation assistance available
Virtual / Telework:
No
Travel Requirement:
No
Clearance Not Required to Start.

Newport News Shipbuilding, a division of Huntington Ingalls Industries, is offering a  500 sign‑on bonus to welder trainee hires and a  500 relocation bonus to rigger entry‑level new hires living 50 miles or greater from Newport News, VA. Job seekers who apply are eligible for the sign‑on and relocation bonus. Newport News Shipbuilding offers competitive pay, weekly paychecks, paid time off, paid holidays, medical benefits including an on‑site health center, 401(k) company match, employee discounts, and more.

The sign‑on bonus is for external new hires only; current employees are ineligible.

Riggers provide the kinetic energy of the shipbuilding business, operating the vast majority of cranes throughout the shipyard and a wide assortment of forklifts. They also operate the shipyard’s tug boats to move ships between dry docks and piers, moor ships while at the piers, and outfit berths.

Riggers handle every component of a ship – from pipes and valves to pumps, motors and electronic equipment, to the largest machinery and structural components – lifting, manipulating, and setting them into place. They must calculate weight and center of gravity, determine lift point capacity, and calculate the angle imposed on the handling gear to select the most appropriate gear for the task.

Riggers erect, maintain, and dismantle various types of scaffolding throughout the shipyard, providing safe working platforms for personnel where none existed. They also purchase, maintain, and issue a myriad assortment of tools and install and maintain ventilation equipment on ships to prevent dangerous atmospheres.

Candidates must be 18 years of age or older and legally eligible to work in the U.S.

• Willing to undergo a background investigation and drug screen.
• Able to pass a 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 keep a clean shaven face 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.
• Willing to work any shift.

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. 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.

Benefits include medical, prescription drug, dental and vision plans, on‑site health centers, tele‑medicine, wellness resources, employee assistance programs, 401(k), financial education, life insurance, tuition reimbursement, employee discounts, early childhood and post‑secondary education scholarships, and more. Some benefits may vary depending on your division or location.

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 send an e‑mail to  with the nature of your request and your contact information. Reasonable accommodations are considered on a case‑by‑case basis. Please note that only inquiries concerning a request for reasonable accommodation will be responded to from this e‑mail address.

Additionally, you may call for assistance. Press #2 for Newport News Shipbuilding.