Outside Machinist Trainee - Complete Trades Training

OUTSIDE MACHINIST TRAINEE – COMPLETE 3 WEEKS OF FREE TRADES TRAINING

Location:

Newport News, Virginia, United States

US Citizenship

Required:

Yes

Full‑time position

Shift: Multiple

Relocation assistance not available. No telework opportunity.

Travel requirement:
None. Clearance not required to start.

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.

This position is for job seekers with no trades experience willing to complete three weeks of unpaid training in the Outside Machinist trade. Newport News Shipbuilding has partnered with the Virginia Ship Repair Association and local Virginia community colleges and maritime training facilities to offer several course‑to‑hire Marine Trades Training (MTT) programs for individuals interested in learning a trade and working full‑time for Newport News Shipbuilding.

Courses are offered once a month with 8‑10 students per class. The Machinist Trainee program is offered at Camp Community College (Suffolk, VA). This (UNPAID) program is 3‑weeks (120 hours), 7:00 am – 3:30 pm (Monday through Friday).

To learn more about the Marine Trades Training (MTT) programs and how the process works, please visit:

Outside machinists are responsible for installing, maintaining, testing, and repairing a ship's major mechanical components and systems. Their work takes place on naval vessels at various stages of new construction, overhaul, or repair. Key components involved may include steam turbines, reduction gears, propellers, reactor components, catapults, weapons systems, periscopes, as well as laundry, food service, and refrigeration equipment.

Outside machinists utilize a wide variety of tools and machinery, from basic hand tools like wrenches and screwdrivers to advanced equipment such as torque wrenches, micrometers, drill presses, optical instruments, mills, portable machines, boring equipment, precision grinders, and lathes.

Working at Newport News Shipbuilding often involves performing tasks in various weather conditions, at extreme heights on scaffolding, ladders, or elevated platforms and in small, confined spaces such as tanks, compartments, or voids in a ship. These environments require a strong focus on safety, precision, and adaptability, as well as physical agility and comfort working in challenging conditions.

Watch this Machinist video to learn more:

• Must be able to pass a 3‑week (UNPAID) program (120 hours), 7:00 am – 3:30 pm (Monday–Friday)
• 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

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…