Refueler Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

REFUELER

Location:

Newport News, Virginia, United States

Date: Sep 4, 2026

Req ID: 48863

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: Yes- Final Clearance Required to Start

​Salary Range: $57,283.20 to $85,196.80

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

Newport News Shipbuilding, a division of Huntington Ingalls Industries, is offering $2500 in relocation to TRADE Experienced new hires that live 50 miles or greater from Newport News, VA, and a $2,500 sign-on bonus is eligible for candidates with a current active security clearance . The sign-on bonus is for external new hires. Current Newport News Shipbuilding employees are ineligible for the sign-on bonus .

The Refueler is responsible for the safe, efficient, and compliant Fueling, Defueling, Refueling, Storage and Handling of Nuclear Fuel in support of Naval Nuclear Reactors. This position may also entail Equipment Installation and Maintenance to support these efforts. Refuelers will be required to qualify for billeted positions in accordance with Naval Nuclear standards. The role ensures adherence to all NNPI, CUI, and Naval Nuclear Propulsion Information (NNPI) handling requirements, as well as HII‑NNS safety and environmental policies.

• Perform rigging operations, machining operations, verbatim procedural compliance, and strong team work efforts

• Follow NNPI/CUI handling procedures, hazardous material regulations (DOT, OSHA, EPA), and shipyard safety manuals; complete pre task safety briefings and post task inspections

• Inspect, clean, and perform routine maintenance on refueling equipment, pumps, filters, and spill containment gear; coordinate repairs with Maintenance Control

• Implement spill prevention measures; respond to spills per the Emergency Response Plan; ensure proper disposal of contaminated waste

• Maintain current certifications (e.g., Confined Space, NNPI awareness, Rigging Qualifications, Radiological and Nuclear Qualifications; attend refresher courses and safety drills as required

• Identify opportunities to streamline refueling processes, reduce waste, and enhance safety; suggest procedural updates to the Refuel Operations Lead

Must Have

• Must have an active confidential or higher security clearance.

• Candidates must able to work at extreme heights or small confined spaces.

• Must be able to kneel, squat, crawl, bend, stoop, and climb.

• Must be able to lift 40 lbs and must take and pass a respirator fit test.

• Must be able to work indoors/outdoors year round in all weather conditions.

• Must be able to work assigned shift as production needs.

• Must be able to pass a Physical Agility Test.

• Candidates must be able to successfully complete radiation and mobile equipment operator physicals.

• Candidate must be able to successfully complete radiological training.

• Qualified candidates must have one (1) or more years experience as a machinist, machinist mate, mechanic/automotive repairman, engine man, heavy equipment repairman or similar experience.

Nice to Have

Mechanical background preferred, and high school graduate or equivalent preferred.

Successful completion of a technical/vocational program in Machining, Diesel Technology, Automotive Technology, HVAC, or Mechanical Maintenance.

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.

​