Machinist

OUTSIDE MACHINIST TRAINEE - COMPLETE 3 WEEKS OF FREE TRADES TRAINING

Location:
Newport News, Virginia, United States

Date: Feb 21, 2026

Req ID: 45164
Team: X43 MACH INSTALL
Entity: Newport News Shipbuilding


US Citizenship Required for this Position: Yes


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


Travel Requirement: No


Clearance Required: No - Clearance Not Required to Start

Meet HII's Newport News Shipbuilding
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.

The Role

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), 7:00am - 3:30pm (Monday thru 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 Have

Must be able to pass a 3-week (UNPAID) program (120 hours), 7:00am - 3:30pm (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

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 [email protected] 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 1-844-849-8463 for assistance. Press #2 for Newport News Shipbuilding.