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Entry Level Ship Fitter Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Sales Assistant | Nuclear

Philadelphia, PA · On-site

$17.50 - $23/hr

Tioga is a privately held supplier of pipe, tubing, fittings, flanges, and related products in ... U.S. Military Shipbuilding Tioga operates from three Regional Centers located in Pennsylvania ...

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Entry Level Ship Fitter information

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How much do entry level ship fitter jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 24, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level ship fitter in the United States is $25.32, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $21.88 and $26.92 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by entry level ship fitters during their first few months on the job?

Entry level ship fitters often encounter challenges such as adapting to physically demanding work environments, learning to interpret complex blueprints, and mastering the use of specialized tools. Adjusting to working in confined spaces or at heights can also be difficult. However, most shipyards provide thorough on-the-job training and mentorship to help new hires develop the necessary skills and ensure safety. Building teamwork and communication skills is essential, as ship fitters regularly collaborate with welders, engineers, and other tradespeople.

What are entry level ship fitters?

Entry level ship fitters are workers who assist in the construction, repair, and maintenance of ships and other marine vessels. They typically work under the supervision of experienced ship fitters, using tools to cut, shape, and assemble metal parts according to blueprints and specifications. Their duties often include measuring and marking materials, fitting and tack-welding structural components, and ensuring the alignment and fit of assembled sections. This role is suitable for individuals starting their careers in the shipbuilding or maritime industries, and it provides hands-on experience and opportunities for advancement.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Entry Level Ship Fitter, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level Ship Fitter, you need basic mechanical aptitude, ability to read blueprints, and a high school diploma or GED. Familiarity with hand and power tools, welding equipment, and safety protocols is often required, and some employers may seek OSHA certification. Attention to detail, teamwork, and strong communication skills distinguish top performers in this role. These skills are vital to ensure precise assembly, safe working conditions, and efficient collaboration on shipbuilding projects.
What are the most commonly searched types of Ship Fitter jobs? The most popular types of Ship Fitter jobs are:
What states have the most Entry Level Ship Fitter jobs? States with the most job openings for Entry Level Ship Fitter jobs include:
Trades Assistant - 28767

Trades Assistant - 28767

Huntington Ingalls Industries

Hampton, VA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 24 days ago


Huntington Ingalls Industries rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Huntington Ingalls Industries

Based on 148 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

7.4

Company rating compared to similar companies: 7.4 out of 10

Manufacturers average

Based on 72,569 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Requisition Number: 28767
Required Travel: 51 - 75%
Employment Type: Full Time/Hourly/Non-Exempt
Anticipated Salary Range: $36,920.00 - $41,600.00
Security Clearance: Ability to Obtain
Level of Experience: Entry Level
This opportunity resides with Global Security (GS). Mission Technologies' Global Security (GS) group comprises live, virtual, constructive (LVC) solutions; fleet sustainment; nuclear and environmental; and Australia business.
As a trusted partner to our military customers, HII designs, develops and operates the largest LVC enterprise that prepares warfighters for cross-domain battle. With advanced technologies to enable mission readiness, HII understands that preparation requires full coordination-not readiness in piece-parts.
For more than 40 years, the U.S. Navy has entrusted HII to maintain and modernize the vast majority of its fleet. With a holistic approach to life-cycle maritime defense systems-from small watercraft to submarines, surface combatants and aircraft carriers-HII ensures a high state of readiness.
HII supports the Department of Energy's national security mission through the management and operation of its sites, as well as the safe cleanup of legacy waste across the country. HII meets clients' toughest nuclear and environmental challenges.
Leadership Mindset at HII - Mission Technologies
Leadership at HII is a mindset, not a title. Through our Leadership Capability Framework, we define how every team member contributes to our mission and culture:
  • Know & Grow Your People - Commit to learning and supporting team success.
  • Build Relationships - Communicate openly, collaborate well, and build trust.
  • Take Ownership - Deliver on commitments and take pride in your work.
  • Customer First - Focus on the mission and those we serve.
  • Shape the Future - Bring ideas, curiosity, and continuous improvement.
  • Act with Urgency - Take initiative and follow through with purpose.

These capabilities guide how all employees contribute to our shared success across Mission Technologies.
Who We Are
Join HII as we keep the world's most powerful Navy afloat! This Trade Assistant position supports contracted skilled-trades work on ITSIS related systems aboard U.S. Navy ships. You will assist in the maintenance, repair, installation In relation to shipboard and industrial environments, supporting day-to-day operations under the guidance of more experienced trades personnel. This is a full-time position located in Virginia Beach, VA, supporting the ITSIS program. Travel within or outside the continental U.S. may be required. Your work will directly contribute to the readiness of the U.S. Navy and national defense.
What You Will Do
  • Perform entry-level technical trade duties supporting repairs, installations, and maintenance.
  • Assist with work performed from blueprints, drawings, and technical manuals.
  • Use basic hand tools to complete a range of tasks that vary based on project, customer requirements, and technical needs.
  • Perform semi-skilled and unskilled labor relating to mechanical and electrical systems.
  • Support work outside standard duties, as needed, to complete installations or assigned tasks.
  • Work closely with senior trades personnel and shipboard teams to support safe, effective operations.

What You Must Have
  • High School Diploma or equivalent. Must have a valid drivers license and must provide own hand tools.
  • Experience with basic hand tools.
  • Ability to work in a shipyard environment, including aboard U.S. Navy ships.
  • Ability to work effectively in a team setting and follow safety protocols.
  • Ability to obtain base access credentials within 60 days of hire and maintain them.
  • Ability to obtain and maintain a DoD Secret security clearance.

Bonus Points For...
  • Experience in a mechanical, electrical, welding, HVAC, or fitting trade.
  • Current, active DoD Security Clearance or higher.
  • Recent completion (within the last two years) of a vocational or skilled trades training program.
  • Ability to read and interpret blueprints and technical documentation.

Physical Requirements
Must be able to lift, carry and transport heavy equipment and boxes. The exact weight requirements will be determined by the specific job, but no less than 30 lbs. Able to work on and climb ladders, work in extreme temperature environments, aboard ships, in shipyards, under industrial conditions and in confined spaces. Able to perform other duties as required which may involve high heat, humidity, noise and dirty conditions, working aloft or over the sides of vessels. May ride ships at sea for extended periods. May require wearing a respirator. Travel may be required within and outside of the continental United States.
The listed salary range for this role is intended as a good faith estimate based on the role's location, expectations, and responsibilities. When extending an offer, HII's Mission Technologies division takes a variety of factors into consideration which include, but are not limited to, the role's function and a candidate's education or training, work experience, and key skills.
Meet HII's Mission Technologies Division
Our team of more than 7,000 professionals worldwide delivers all-domain expertise and advanced technologies in service of mission partners across the globe. Mission Technologies is leading the next evolution of national defense - the data evolution - by accelerating a breadth of national security solutions for government and commercial customers. Our capabilities range from C5ISR, AI and Big Data, cyber operations and synthetic training environments to fleet sustainment, environmental remediation and the largest family of unmanned underwater vehicles in every class. Find the role that's right for you. Apply today. We look forward to meeting you.
To learn more about Mission Technologies, click here for a short video: https://vimeo.com/732533072
HII is more than a job - it's an opportunity to build a new future. We offer competitive benefits such as best-in-class medical, dental and vision plan choices; wellness resources; employee assistance programs; Savings Plan Options (401(k)); financial planning tools, life insurance; employee discounts; paid holidays and paid time off; tuition reimbursement; as well as early childhood and post-secondary education scholarships. Bonus/other non-recurrent compensation is occasionally offered for qualified positions, and if applicable to this role will be addressed by the recruiter at the screening phase of application.
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. Our 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.
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.
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 email address. Additionally, you may also call 1-844-849-8463 for assistance. Press #3 for HII Mission Technologies.

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.


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