SHIPFITTER 1ST CLASS - EXPERIENCED HIRING EVENT (JUNE 2026) -

Req ID: 47222
Team: 07 Shipfitters
Entity: Ingalls Shipbuilding

ship Required for this Position: No

Full-Time
Shift: Multiple
Relocation: No relocation assistance available
Virtual/Telework Opportunity: No - Not eligible for telework

Travel Requirement: No

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. The largest supplier of U.S. Navy surface combatants, we're simultaneously building four classes of ships and have pioneered the development and production of technologically advanced, highly capable ships for the surface Navy fleet for decades. Think that's cool? Keep reading:

The Role

Shape the Steel. Shape the Future. Become a Shipfitter

Are you ready to transform raw steel into the backbone of America's most advanced ships? As a Shipfitter , you'll be the true craftsman behind the form, structure, and strength of our world-class naval vessels. This is hands-on, high-impact work where your skill and precision directly influence the quality of every ship that leaves our yard.

If you're looking for a career where craftsmanship meets purpose, your future at Ingalls Shipbuilding - "America's Shipyard" and Mississippi's largest private employer - is waiting.

What You Can Earn
Earn up to $39.04 per hour based on experience and qualifications.
Additional opportunities for overtime and long-term career advancement.

What You'll Do
Cut, grind, bend, shape, and fit steel components to build the structure of our battle-tested ships.
Work from blueprints, drawings, and templates to assemble and erect metal components with precision.
Use a variety of tools and equipment to fabricate and install structural ship parts.
Work in all production environments, including heights, confined spaces, and varying weather conditions.
Support ship construction across multiple shifts as needed to meet production demands.
Demonstrate safe work practices that meet - and often exceed - industry standards.

Why This Work Matters
Since 1938, Ingalls has built nearly 70% of the U.S. Navy fleet - and Shipfitters have been at the heart of that mission. Your work becomes the foundation of vessels that protect our nation and operate around the world for decades.

What You Bring
Proven shipfitting experience with strong technical expertise
Ability to read and work from blueprints and measurements
Strong mechanical aptitude and proficiency with fabrication tools
Commitment to safety, teamwork, and high-quality workmanship

Must Have
Minimum 3-5 Yrs. trade experience
Basic math, reading and comprehension skills
Read and interpret blueprints utilizing both metric and standard measurements
Knowledge of the layout, fit-up and fabrication of steel plate and beam
Experience with various trade specific tools such as: grinder, hand torch, hydraulic and ratchet jack, chain fall and/or come-a-long, combination square, framing square, hand level and plumb bob

Nice to Have
6+ Yrs 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 blueprint reading skills

Why HII
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 America's top large company employers, we are a values and ethics driven organization that puts people's safety and well-being first. Regardless of your role or where you serve, at HII, you'll find a supportive and welcoming environment, competitive benefits, and valuable educational and training programs for continual career growth at every stage of your career.

Working at HII is more than a job - it's an opportunity to build a future. We offer comprehensive benefits including: medical, prescription drug, dental and vision plan choices, on-site health centers, tele-medicine, wellness resources, employee assistance programs, savings plan options (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 depending on your specific division or work location.

Together we are working to ensure a future where everyone can be free and thrive.

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.

Do You Need Assistance?
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. Please note that only those inquiries concerning a request for reasonable accommodation will be responded to from this e-mail address.

Additionally, you may also call 1- for assistance. Press #1 for Ingalls Shipbuilding.