Advanced Shipfitter
NOW HIRING: First-Class Shipfitters
Work on U.S. Navy Nuclear Submarines & Aircraft Carriers
Location: Newport News, VA
Pay up to $45/hr + $140/day per diem + Attendance Bonuses, PTO and holiday pay
Long-Term Opportunity – Up to 2 Years
Are you ready to take your shipfitting skills to the next level—building nuclear submarines and aircraft carriers for the nation’s leading defense contractor?
This isn’t just another job—it’s a chance to be a part of history. We’re hiring experienced First-Class Shipfitters for a long-term project (up to 2 years) in Newport News, VA, where you’ll help fabricate some of the most advanced naval vessels in the world.
What’s in it for you?
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Top Pay – Earn up to $45/hour, based on experience
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$140/day per diem paid for 7 days if you work a minimum of 50 hours per week
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.50/hour attendance bonus – paid out weekly, Holiday and PTO available
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Paid Weekly
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Full Benefits Package – medical, dental, vision, and 401(k) offered at time of hire
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Job Security – This is a multi-year federal project with national importance
What You’ll Be Doing:
You’ll be part of a skilled team building the structural backbone of U.S. Navy ships—setting, fitting, and welding steel for submarines and aircraft carriers.
What We Need From You:
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4+ years of commercial or naval experience as a First-Class Shipfitter
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Proficient in:
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Multi-pass tack welding (SMAW)
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Reading complex blueprints, sketches, and structural drawings
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Laying off and assembling structural piece parts with precision
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Using vibratory tools, torches, and air carbon arc gouging
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Installing hull inserts, penetrations, and complex foundations
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Setting up shell plates, decks, bulkheads, trunks, etc.
Comfortable working in physically demanding environments
Knowledge of OSHA safety regulations
Bonus Skills (Not Required, But Great to Have):
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Experience with rigging and material handling
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Tank testing or shipwright work
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Mobile equipment operation (JLG, scissor lift)
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Use of optical instruments (levels, transits)
Qualification Requirements:
All Shipfitters must pass a Multi-Pass Tack Welder Qualification Test (SMAW) in both vertical and overhead positions at the Newport News Welding School before starting work. The test includes:
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One hour of practice
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One hour vertical weld
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One hour overhead weld
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Level I visual weld inspection (6 hours)
Drug Test Requirement:
Must pass a hair follicle drug screening (3-month lookback) prior to starting.
Ready to build something that matters? If you’re a shipfitter who takes pride in your craft and wants to contribute to one of the most important defense projects in the nation, we want to hear from you.
? Apply today and let’s get to work.
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Any offer of employment is contingent upon meeting the hiring standards of CraftForce and our clients which include the following:
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Completion of a satisfactory background check
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Passing a drug test (saliva, urine, or hair tests may be required)
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Satisfactory reference checks
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Satisfactory employment verification
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Additional licenses, certifications, and security clearance may be required
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Additional skills evaluations may be required
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In some cases, federal, state, or local laws or federal contracts may require US Citizenship
We invite you to self-identify as a veteran! https://forms.gle/q8aRVv2FD3AuX2Qu9
CraftForce is an E-Verify employer.
CraftForce is an equal employment opportunity employer.
You can find important information about labor laws on our website: https://www.craftforce.com/about/department-of-labor-policies/
For security reasons and to meet the legal requirements of this contract to fill certain positions, CraftForce is required to ensure that any personnel performing work for this client are U.S. Citizens.
Citizenship Status Discrimination
“Under the anti-discrimination provision of the Immigration and Nationality Act, employers are not allowed to limit job applicants or hires to U.S. citizens unless they are required to do so by federal, state, or local laws or federal contracts that require specific positions to be filled only by U.S. citizens.”