Naval Hull Fabrication Specialist

Location: Newport News, VA
Job Type: Full-Time
Industry: Shipbuilding / Ship Repair / Maritime Trades

Is this you?

• Do you thrive turning complex blueprints into precisely fit steel structures?
• Can you sequence layout, cutting, and fit-up so welding and inspection run smoothly?
• Are safety, quality, and productivity your default settings in a high-tempo yard?

Role overview

You’ll fabricate and fit critical ship structures—foundations, bulkheads, decks, frames, stiffeners, and brackets—using expert layout techniques and a full range of tools. You will interpret drawings and work packages, align structures with chain falls and jacks, tack components, and verify tolerances with precision instruments while collaborating across trades to keep milestones on track.

What you will accomplish

• Analyze and interpret shipyard drawings, sketches, and specifications.
• Lay out and assemble structural steel modules for marine vessels.
• Cut material using hand tools, power tools, and thermal methods.
• Tack weld components prior to final weld-out.
• Set alignment with come‑alongs, chain falls, wedges, and jacks.
• Validate dimensions and tolerances using precision measuring devices.
• Inspect completed work to shipyard and customer standards.
• Coordinate with welders, riggers, supervisors, and other trades.
• Maintain housekeeping and adhere to OSHA and shipyard safety rules.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Minimum qualifications

• 4 years of shipfitting experience in shipbuilding or repair.
• Pass a hands-on shipfitter trade test.
• Advanced blueprint/structural drawing literacy.
• Demonstrated shipboard fabrication and installation experience.
• Knowledge of safety and quality systems in a shipyard.
• Proficiency with measuring and layout tools.
• Mastery of fit-up practices and steel fabrication processes.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.

Technical toolkit

• Blueprint reading; structural layout and fabrication
• Oxy-fuel cutting (preferred); plasma cutting (preferred); carbon arc gouging (preferred)
• Tack welding; precision measurement
• Material handling; rigging awareness
• Troubleshooting and problem solving

Physical requirements

• Lift up to 50 pounds on a regular basis.
• Climb ladders/scaffolding and operate at heights.
• Enter and work within confined spaces, tanks, and compartments.
• Frequent standing, bending, kneeling, crawling, reaching.
• Work outdoors in all weather conditions.

Environment and schedule

• Production shipyard setting with exposure to noise, dust, fumes, and heavy equipment.
• Willingness to work overtime, weekends, and shifts to meet production needs.

Preferred

• Experience at major shipyards (e.g., Huntington Ingalls Industries) or naval repair facilities.
• Experience on U.S. Navy vessels.
• Current DBIDS or ability to obtain shipyard access.
• OSHA 10 Maritime.