Welder​/Structure Trainee Or Certified - High School Seniors Or Graduates

WELDER/STRUCTURE TRAINEE OR CERTIFIED - FOR 2026 HIGH SCHOOL SENIORS OR GRADUATES - SIGN-ON BONUS

Join to apply for the WELDER/STRUCTURE TRAINEE OR CERTIFIED - FOR 2026 HIGH SCHOOL SENIORS OR GRADUATES - SIGN-ON BONUS role at HII
.

Req
Team: X18 WELDERS
Entity:
Newport News Shipbuilding
US Citizenship Required for this Position:
Yes
Full-Time

Shift: Multiple
Relocation:
Relocation assistance available
Virtual/Telework Opportunity:
No - Not eligible for telework
Travel Requirement:
No

Clearance Required:

No - Clearance Not Required to Start

With more than 25,000 employees, HII’s Newport News Shipbuilding (NNS) division is the largest industrial employer in Virginia. It is the sole designer, builder and refueler of U.S. Navy nuclear aircraft carriers and one of two providers of U.S. Navy nuclear submarines.

This position is for recent or upcoming 2026 high‑school graduates and offers a $500 sign‑on bonus to welder trainee hires who complete a three‑week unpaid training program. A relocation bonus of $500 is available for new hires residing 50 miles or more from Newport News, VA. The program is held at Virginia Peninsula Community College, Tidewater Community College, or Camp Community College.

Candidates without any trades experience may complete a three‑week, 120‑hour, unpaid training program. Those with a certificate or diploma in welding or a directly related field may be eligible to waive the program.

As a welder, you will qualify through the shipyard’s cutting‑edge welding school and perform structural and pipe welds on aircraft carriers and submarines. You will work with SMAW, FCAW, GMAW, and GTAW processes, in all positions, both manual and mechanized. You will meet nondestructive testing requirements (visual, ultrasonic, radiographic) and receive training in visual inspection, fire watch protocols, and troubleshooting minor welding equipment issues.

Work may involve extreme heights, confined spaces, or varying weather conditions; a strong focus on safety, precision, and physical agility is required.

We build the world’s most powerful, survivable naval ships and defense technology solutions. Our diverse workforce includes skilled tradespeople, AI/ML experts, engineers, scientists, and more. We offer comprehensive benefits, educational and training programs, and a supportive environment.

• Pass a three‑week (unpaid) training program or present a certificate/diploma in welding or a related field.
• Undergo background investigation and drug screen.
• Pass a physical agility test.
• Be able to kneel, squat, crawl, bend, stoop, and climb daily.
• Lift at least 40 pounds.
• Perform overhead work and work outdoors year‑round in all weather.
• Work at extreme heights and in small, tight, confined spaces.
• Work overtime and shift as needed.
• Be clean shaven to wear a respirator.
• Be willing to work any shift.

• High school graduate or equivalent preferred.

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, 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, please send an e‑mail to buildyourcareer@hii‑ Additionally, you may call 1‑844‑849‑8463 for assistance (Press #2 for Newport News Shipbuilding).

To learn more about the Marine Trades Training programs and how the process works, visit

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