Shipfitter 1St Class

Join to apply for the SHIP FITTER 1ST CLASS role at HII

Req

Team: 07 Shipfitters

Entity:
Ingalls Shipbuilding

US Citizenship

Required:

No

Full-Time

Shift: Multiple

Relocation:
No relocation assistance available

Virtual/Telework:
Not eligible

Travel Requirement:
No

Seniority level:
Mid-Senior level

Employment type:

Full-time

Job function:
Other (Defense and Space Manufacturing)

We’re building tomorrow’s fleet today. With more than 11,000 employees, HII’s Ingalls Shipbuilding Division is the largest manufacturing employer in Mississippi and a major contributor to the economic growth of Alabama. For nearly 85 years we’ve designed, built, and maintained amphibious ships, destroyers, and cutters for the U.S. Navy and the U.S. Coast Guard. We’re pioneering technologically advanced, highly capable ships for the surface navy fleet.

An Ingalls First-Class Ship fitter, also referred to as a Journeyman Ship fitter or a Boilermaker, is responsible for using various tools and equipment to fabricate, assemble, and erect metal components during the construction of a marine vessel. Shipyard production may involve working at different heights, confined spaces, varying weather conditions, and multiple 24‑hour shifts. Shipfitters may work day or night depending on the ship schedule.

Safety practices are a top priority, meeting or exceeding industry standards.

• Minimum 3 years of trade experience
• Basic math, reading, and comprehension skills
• Read and interpret blueprints using both metric and standard measurements
• Knowledge of layout, fit‑up, and fabrication of steel plate and beam
• Experience with trade‑specific tools such as grinder, hand torch, hydraulic and ratchet jack, chain fall and/or come‑along, combination square, framing square, hand level, and plumb bob

• 6 years of marine, shipbuilding, and construction experience
• Knowledge of setting and erecting units with proficiency in the use of datum lines
• Familiarity with fit‑up, alignment tolerances, and advanced blue‑print reading skills

We offer comprehensive benefits including medical, prescription drug, dental, and vision plans; on‑site health centers; tele‑medicine; wellness resources; employee assistance programs; savings plans (401K); financial education and planning tools; life insurance; tuition reimbursement; employee discounts; early childhood and post‑secondary education scholarships, and more. Some benefits may vary by division or location.

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 workforce includes skilled tradespeople, AI/ML experts, engineers, technologists, scientists, logistics experts, and business professionals. Recognized as a top large employer, we are values‑driven and put people’s safety and well‑being first. At HII, you’ll find a supportive environment, competitive benefits, and educational and training programs for career growth.

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 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  and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information. Reasonable accommodations are considered on a case‑by‑case basis. Only inquiries concerning accommodations will be replied to from this e‑mail address. Additionally, you may call for assistance. Press #1 for Ingalls Shipbuilding.