Ship Designer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

DESIGNER 2
Location:
Newport News, Virginia, United States
Date: May 14, 2026
Req ID: 47212
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
Candidates should have a desire to work with 3D models and a strong understanding of the 3D model environment. Designers will be expected to utilize 3D tools to create models and apply product model information such as dimensions and annotations for manufacturing trades
Key Responsibilities:
•Create, revise, and manage 3D CAD models for ship structures, systems, and components using tools such as Siemens NX, AutoCAD, or CATIA.
•Translate engineering sketches, requirements, and calculations into accurate design documentation.
•Perform design checks and drawing reviews to ensure adherence to NNS standards, quality requirements, and Navy specifications.
•Prepare arrangement drawings, fabrication drawings, installation layouts, and interface models.
•Support change control by incorporating redlines, engineering changes, and field revisions.
•Coordinate with engineering, manufacturing, and planning to resolve design issues and optimize build processes.
•Ensure design data integrity and compliance with configuration management procedures. Participate in design and production readiness reviews.
•Apply knowledge of materials, fabrication methods, and shipyard processes to improve design efficiency and manufacturability.
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Physical/Work Environment:
Work is performed primarily in a design office or lab environment, with occasional field visits to shipyard or production areas.
Must be able to wear appropriate PPE and adhere to all safety requirements when in production zones.
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 1 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 with ship design or marine structures, particularly within military or commercial shipbuilding environments.
Working knowledge of mechanical, structural, electrical, or piping systems in ship design.
Demonstrated ability to work independently with limited supervision.
Knowledge in areas such as: cable or pipe routing, GD&T, and weld applications are desirable.
Working computer skills and experience using computer-based software
Strong communication and teamwork skills
Willingness to learn and work collaboratively in a team environment
Ability to read and interpret written instructions, drawings, processes, and procedures
Experience with research, design, and general problem-solving
Certificate/course completion with working knowledge and experience in AutoCAD, Inventor, NX, or similar 2D/3D design software
Willing and able to visit waterfront shops and access ships under construction
Experience with U.S. Navy systems and design requirements is preferred
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.