Self Employed Prototype Designer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Requisition Number: 27566
Required Travel: 0 - 10%
Employment Type: Full Time/Hourly/Non-Exempt
Anticipated Salary Range: $24.27 - $38.13
Security Clearance: None
Level of Experience: Mid
This opportunity resides with Warfare Systems (WS), a business group within HII's Mission Technologies division. Warfare Systems comprises cyber and mission IT; electronic warfare; and C5ISR systems.
HII works within our nation's intelligence and cyber operations communities to defend our interests in cyberspace and anticipate emerging threats. Our capabilities in cybersecurity, network architecture, reverse engineering, software and hardware development uniquely enable us to support sensitive missions for the U.S. military and federal agency partners.
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
Job Description
Mission Technologies, a dividision of HII, is hiring a Prototype Machinist at our Alexandria, VA location. In this hands-on, fast-paced role, you won't just fabricate parts-you'll help shape the future of advanced technology.
You'll work with an impressive mix of CNC and traditional machine tools, from knee mills and lathes to CNC routers, waterjets, and lasers. Your creations will range from precision‑milled brackets to custom sheet‑metal enclosures, crafted from aluminum, steel, stainless, and modern plastics.
Every day brings a new challenge. You'll collaborate directly with engineers, turning concept sketches, verbal ideas, and engineering drawings into real-world components. Your insights will help refine designs for manufacturability, influence prototype development, and solve unconventional problems involving complex geometries and tight packaging.
You'll also play a key role in keeping the machine shop safe, clean, and operating at peak performance-plus lend support with facilities maintenance and coordination with outside contractors.
Career Growth at HII Mission Technologies
This role is built for individuals who want to grow. As you develop expertise with advanced fabrication technologies and collaborate daily with engineering teams, you'll gain exposure to design-for-manufacture principles, rapid prototyping workflows, and cutting‑edge production methods. High performers have opportunities to expand into lead machinist roles, cross-train in new machining technologies, or transition into engineering support and manufacturing development positions. You'll be part of a team that invests in your learning, encourages exploration, and helps you build a long-term technical career.
Essential Job Responsibilities
You will be responsible for machining components from scratch per print, on-time and within budget. Be required to inspect your own parts to confirm they meet specifications. You will be required to plan, set-up and run manual CNC machines. You will work both independently and as part of our machining team.
Minimum Qualifications

• 2 years of related experience with High School diploma/GED and/or certification in assigned area preferred
• Experience programming and operating CNC tools
• Must be experienced using conventional lathes and milling machines
• Must be proficient in the use and reading of various measurement devices including but not limited to rulers and scales, micrometers, calipers, gauges, etc.
• Experience reading and interpreting engineering drawings

Preferred Requirements

• Associate's degree or other 2 year technical degree in related discipline
• Experience programming and operating a CNC mill, lathe or router
• Demonstrated experience inspecting parts to ensure quality with tools such as micrometers and calipers
• Experience with Mastercam and/or similar CAM software
• Self-motivated individual with ability to work under direction or alone with good attention to detail
• Knowledge of safety and quality control steps and procedures

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.
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.