Associate Designer Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

DESIGNER 3
Location:
Newport News, Virginia, United States
Date: May 14, 2026
Req ID: 47214
Team: E01 ENGRG & DESIGN
Entity: Newport News Shipbuilding
US Citizenship Required for this Position: Yes
Full-Time
Shift: 1st
Relocation: No relocation assistance available
Virtual/Telework Opportunity: No - Not eligible for telework
Travel Requirement: Yes, 10%-25% of the time
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
The Designer Level 3 role is an experienced technical position responsible for the design, development, and integration of complex ship systems, components, and arrangements. Level 3 Designers work independently or as project leads, applying advanced design principles and shipbuilding knowledge to support major programs and initiatives.
Designers at this level are expected to lead design efforts within their discipline, serve as key liaisons between engineering, manufacturing, and planning teams to ensure accuracy, manufacturability, and compliance with all technical and regulatory requirements.
Key Responsibilities:
•Develop, modify, and manage 3D CAD models for ship structures, systems, and equipment installations using Siemens NX, AutoCAD, or CATIA.
•Perform design integration and interference checks between multiple ship systems and disciplines to ensure proper fit and function.
•Generate and review detailed arrangement, fabrication, and installation drawings in accordance with Navy and company standards.
•Interpret engineering data, specifications, and calculations to create manufacture designs that meet functional and safety requirements.
•Provide technical leadership to Level 1 and 2 Designers, ensuring consistency, accuracy, and adherence to design standards.
•Participate in and often lead design and production readiness reviews, supporting cross-discipline collaboration.
•Coordinate with engineering, planning, procurement, and production to resolve complex design and construction issues.
•Solve complex issues while meeting system and overall ship requirements
•Translate operational capabilities and technology selections into workable design requirements
•Implement design changes and manage revisions through configuration and document control processes.
•Apply knowledge of materials, manufacturing methods, and shipyard processes to optimize design efficiency and reduce production cost.
•Physical/Work Environment:
•Work is primarily performed in an office or design lab environment with periodic visits to production areas and ships under construction.
Must be able to wear required personal protective equipment (PPE) when in industrial area
Designs components or portions of systems and modifies existing designs to develop or improve products and facilitate manufacturing operations. Utilizes computer-aided design equipment and/or graphic tools such as, CAD, CAM, NX, or CATIA. Gathers information, makes studies, computes calculations, and prepares original rough layouts, sketches to present design proposal. Coordinates design criteria with engineering, manufacturing, tooling, material, and planning group such as ease of manufacture, availability of materials, and contractual specifications. Exclude classifications in which incumbents predominantly perform drafting assignments.
Must Have
Associate's Degree and 3 years of relevant experience
One of the following may be used as equivalent to Associate's Degree to meet minimum qualifications:

• NNS Apprentice School graduate
• Navy Nuclear Power School (NNPS) graduate
• High School/GED and 2 years of related Manufacturing, Shipbuilding, Trades, Military experience
• High School/GED and 4 years of non-related Manufacturing, Shipbuilding, Trades, Military experience

Nice to Have
Experience in naval or marine ship design, particularly in structural, mechanical, piping, or electrical systems.
Familiarity with ANSI, ASME, MIL-SPEC, and NAVSEA standards.
Experience with Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) systems and model-based design environments.
Proven track record in mentoring junior team members and leading small project teams.
Knowledge in Cable or pipe routing ,Geometric Dimensioning & Tolerancing (GD&T) or Weld applications
Strong computer skills/experience using computer based software
Strong written and verbal communication skills
Experience in reading and interpreting written instructions, drawings, tech manuals or other technical documents, and following processes and procedures
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.