Rigger Entry Level - High School Seniors Or Graduates

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 ranges from skilled trades to project managers, engineers, software developers, and system users.

Anchored in our rich, 135-year history, we collaborate at the forefront of technology, manufacturing, and integration of the most powerful and survivable naval ships in the world. Welcome to HII – apply today!

This job listing is for recent or upcoming 2026 high school graduates. Newport News Shipbuilding, a division of Huntington Ingalls Industries, offers a $500 sign‑on bonus to welder trainee hires and $500 relocation bonus to rigger entry‑level new hires who live 50 miles or greater from Newport News, VA. Eligible applicants receive competitive pay, weekly paychecks, PTO, paid holidays, on‑site medical benefits, a 401(k) company match, employee discounts and more.

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

Riggers provide the kinetic energy of the shipbuilding business. They operate cranes, forklifts, tug boats, and handle every component of a ship – from pipes to large machinery. Riggers calculate weight, center of gravity, lift capacity, and angles to select appropriate gear, erect, maintain and dismantle scaffolding, purchase and maintain tools, and install ventilation equipment to prevent dangerous atmospheres.

X36 Rigger Trade Video:

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

• Be willing to undergo a background investigation and drug screen
• Pass a physical agility test
• Kneel, squat, crawl, bend, stoop and climb on a daily basis
• Lift at least 40 pounds
• Perform overhead work
• Work overtime as needed
• Be clean‑shaven to wear a respirator
• Work outdoors year‑round in all weather conditions
• Work at extreme heights
• Work in small, tight, confined spaces
• Be 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, AI/ML experts, engineers, technologists, scientists, logistics experts, and business professionals. Recognized as one of America’s top large company employers, we are values and ethics driven and prioritize safety and well‑being. At HII, you’ll find a supportive environment, competitive benefits, and educational programs for continuous career growth at every stage.

Benefits include medical, prescription drug, dental and vision plans, on‑site health centers, tele‑medicine, wellness resources, employee assistance programs, 401(k), life insurance, tuition reimbursement, employee discounts and education scholarships.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, age or veteran status. U.S. citizenship may be required for certain positions.

If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment process, send an e‑mail to buildyourcareer@hii‑ with the nature of your request and contact information. Reasonable accommodations are considered on a case‑by‑case basis. For other inquiries call 1‑844‑849‑8463 and press #2 for Newport News Shipbuilding.