1

Apprentice Drill Ship Jobs (NOW HIRING)

$59K - $62K/yr

Newport News Shipbuilding US Citizenship Required for this Position: Yes Full-Time Shift: Multiple ... such as saws, drill presses, optical equipment, mills, portable machines, boring equipment ...

Newport News Shipbuilding US Citizenship Required for this Position: Yes Full-Time Shift: Multiple ... such as saws, drill presses, optical equipment, mills, portable machines, boring equipment ...

The candidate shall have completed of high school, GED or trade school is required.-Apprentice ... and marine/shipboard systems is desirable The candidate shall have Experience in monitoring ...

Proficiently use standard machine ship equipment such as lathe, milling machine, drill press, band ... Technical school, 4 yr. apprenticeship and/or equivalent experience. * 2+ years' experience as a ...

Proficiently use standard machine ship equipment such as lathe, milling machine, drill press, band ... Technical school, 4 yr. apprenticeship and/or equivalent experience. * 2+ years experience as a ...

Repair and replacement of ships' piping systems such as auxiliary salt water, potable water ... drill presses, and brazing equipment. * Additional tasks associated with this position are the ...

Repair and replacement of ships' piping systems such as auxiliary salt water, potable water ... drill presses, and brazing equipment. * Additional tasks associated with this position are the ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Apprentice Drill Ship information

See salary details

$12

$22

$37

How much do apprentice drill ship jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 20, 2026, the average hourly pay for apprentice drill ship in the United States is $22.02, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.31 and $24.04 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are apprentice drill ship workers?

Apprentice drill ship workers are entry-level personnel who assist with drilling operations on offshore drilling ships while gaining practical experience and training. They typically work under the supervision of experienced crew members and learn about safety protocols, equipment handling, and the basics of oil and gas drilling. This role serves as a stepping stone to more advanced positions on a drill ship, providing hands-on exposure to the unique environment and challenges of offshore drilling. Apprentices often rotate through different duties to build a broad skill set essential for a career in the industry.

What is the difference between Apprentice Drill Ship vs Junior Offshore Technician?

AspectApprentice Drill ShipJunior Offshore Technician
Required CredentialsBasic safety certifications, technical trainingTechnical certifications, safety training
Work EnvironmentOnboard drilling vessels, offshoreOffshore platforms, drilling rigs
Employer & Industry UsageOil & gas exploration, drilling companiesOil & gas industry, offshore operations
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

The Apprentice Drill Ship and Junior Offshore Technician roles both operate in offshore oil and gas environments, requiring safety and technical certifications. The Apprentice Drill Ship is typically an entry-level position focused on learning onboard drilling operations, while the Junior Offshore Technician may have more technical responsibilities. Both roles are essential in offshore exploration and are often compared by job seekers entering the industry.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Apprentice Drill Ship, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Apprentice Drill Ship worker, you need a basic understanding of mechanical systems, safety protocols, and a high school diploma or equivalent, often supplemented by industry-specific safety certifications. Familiarity with drilling equipment, safety management systems, and offshore operations software is commonly required. Strong teamwork, attention to detail, and a willingness to learn are crucial soft skills for excelling in this role. These abilities ensure apprentice workers can operate safely, adapt quickly, and contribute effectively to offshore drilling operations.

What are some typical responsibilities and learning opportunities for an Apprentice on a Drill Ship?

As an Apprentice on a Drill Ship, you will assist experienced crew members with various operational tasks, such as equipment maintenance, deck operations, and safety drills. You’ll gain hands-on experience in rig operations, safety protocols, and marine procedures under the supervision of senior staff. The learning curve can be steep, but the role offers valuable exposure to offshore drilling operations and the chance to advance into specialized technical or leadership positions over time. Teamwork and adaptability are essential, as you'll collaborate closely with engineers, drillers, and other crew members.
More about Apprentice Drill Ship jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Drill Ship jobs? The most popular types of Drill Ship jobs are:
What job categories do people searching Apprentice Drill Ship jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Apprentice Drill Ship jobs are:
Infographic showing various Apprentice Drill Ship job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 95% Full Time, and 5% Part Time. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $45,806 per year, or $22 per hour.
MACHINIST (CERTIFICATION REQUIRED)-Newport News,Virginia

MACHINIST (CERTIFICATION REQUIRED)-Newport News,Virginia

HII

Smithfield, VA • On-site

$59K - $62K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 10 days ago


Huntington Ingalls Industries rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Huntington Ingalls Industries

Based on 144 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

7.4

Company rating compared to similar companies: 7.4 out of 10

Manufacturers average

Based on 71,359 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

MACHINIST (CERTIFICATION REQUIRED)
Location:
Newport News, Virginia, United States
Date: Jun 30, 2026
Req ID: 47603
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 Requirements: No
Clearance Required: No - Clearance Not Required to Start
Salary Range: $59,675.20 to $62,067.20
The anticipated salary range represents the estimated base pay for this role. Final compensation will be determined based on experience, qualifications, and other job-related factors, and may vary from the posted range
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. 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
Outside machinists are assigned responsibility for installing, grooming and testing the ship's major mechanical components and systems. Work occurs on commercial or naval ships in various stages of new construction, overhaul or repair. Examples of ship's components work on are steam turbines, reduction gears, propellers, reactor components, catapults, weapons systems, periscopes and can be as diverse as laundry, food service or refrigeration equipment. Outside machinist operate a wide variety of tools and machinery. The tools range from wrenches and screwdrivers to complex and sophisticated equipment such as saws, drill presses, optical equipment, mills, portable machines, boring equipment, precision grinders, instruments and lathes.
Watch this Machinist video to learn more: https://youtu.be/Duq-ybvw61U?si=BH3aRbn2h2uASIBq
This position is for job seekers who have received and provide a certificate or diploma in Machining or directly related field. Directly related fields include Automotive Repair, Diesel Maintenance, Heavy Equipment Maintenance, HVAC, Refrigeration, Engine Maintenance, Machining and Tooling, CNC/CAD, Aviation Maintenance, Small Engine Repair, Gas Turbine Systems, and/or Commercial/Industrial Maintenance.
Candidates with no experience or certifications are encouraged to apply to the Outside Machinist Trainee requisition.
Must Have:
Present one or more certificates of completion or diploma in machining or a directly related field from a high school vocational program, community college, trade school, technical college, apprentice program, post-secondary institution, or military equivalent.
Must Have
Must Have:
Present one or more certificates of completion or diploma in machining or a directly related field from a high school vocational program, community college, trade school, technical college, apprentice program, post-secondary institution, or military equivalent.
Must be able to kneel, squat, crawl, bend, stoop, and climb
Must be able to lift 40lbs
Must be able to do overhead work
Must be able to work at expreme heights and confined spaces
Must be able to work outdoors
Nice to Have
Prior Mechanical experience such as Automotive Repair, Plant Maintenance, Machinery Installation/Repair is a plus. Successful completion of a technical/vocational program in Machining, Diesel Technology, Automotive, HVAC, Mechanical.
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 buildyourcareer@hii-co.com 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.

Working at Huntington Ingalls Industries

About Huntington Ingalls Industries, in their own words

From Huntington Ingalls Industries

Our 44,000-strong team includes skilled tradespeople; artificial intelligence and machine learning experts; engineers; technologists; scientists; logistics experts; and business administration professionals. Recognized as one of America's top large employers, we are a values and ethics driven organization that puts people's safety and well-being first. Here you'll find a collaborative environment, competitive benefits, and valuable educational and training programs that span our shipbuilding apprentice schools in Virginia and Mississippi to tuition reimbursement programs that support continual career growth at every stage of your career.

Our values of integrity, safety, respect, engagement, responsibility and performance are the foundation of HII's ethical culture that inspires employees to do the right thing each day, regardless of the circumstances.


What Huntington Ingalls Industries employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom