Ship Painter Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Position: Marine Painter 2nd Class intermediate Marine Painter
Job Type: Full-time
Reports to: Painting Contract Supervisor
Location: Newport News, VA (Huntington Ingalls Shipyard)
Mills Marine
A growing ship repair company focused on repairing and building ships to support the Military's Mission. We are committed to providing Safe, Quality and Process Driven services for our customers in the ship new construction and repair.
Position Summary
Qualified intermediate-level preservation mechanic capable of independently performing routine surface preparation, containment, brush-and-roll painting, material mixing, spray support, and pump-operation duties with limited supervision.
What will you Do?
PUMP OPERATOR:
• Inspect and set up pumps, hoses, fittings, filters, tips, guards, suction equipment, and material stations.
• Verify product information and follow coating mixing, induction-time, pot-life, and thinner requirements.
• Mix and strain coatings, prime the pump, monitor pressure and cycling, maintain communication with the Sprayer, and track material levels.
• Recognize and correct common pressure, suction, blockage, leak, filter, tip, and material-delivery problems within qualification.
• Depressurize, flush, clean, and store pumps, hoses, guns, and related equipment.
BRUSH AND ROLL:
• Apply approved primers and coatings using brushes and rollers.
• Perform stripe coating on welds, edges, corners, bolts, stiffeners, and irregular surfaces.
• Select proper brushes, rollers, extension handles, containers, and application techniques.
• Maintain even coverage while avoiding runs, sags, lap marks, holidays, contamination, and excess coating buildup.
• Perform touch-up and repair work and recognize obvious preparation or coating defects.
LABORER / PREPARATION:
• Wrap and mask equipment and adjacent surfaces, build and remove containment, manually move materials and equipment, scrape, sand, feather, clean, vacuum, handle spray hoses, support mixing and staging, maintain housekeeping, and dispose of waste correctly.
Qualifications
Ability to read and write effectively.
High school diploma or equivalent preferred
Minimum of 1 year experience direct work as a marine painter
Marine Pump operator experience preferred
Ability to wear required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
Strong attention to detail and commitment to workplace safety.
Physical Requirements
Ability to stand and walk for extended periods.
Lift and carry up to 60 pounds.
Ability to work in confined spaces.
Continuous visual awareness and mental focus.
Ability to work 8-12-hour shifts.
Availability to work 5-7 days per week, including overtime as needed.
Employment Requirements
Successful completion of a pre-employment drug screening.
Required physical examination and respirator fit testing.
Subject to random drug and alcohol testing.
Background check, including verification of the past seven years of employment history.
Benefits
At Mills Marine, we recognize that our employees are our greatest asset. We offer a competitive compensation package based on experience, along with industry-leading benefits that support you and your family.
Benefits Include
Competitive pay based on experience
Paid vacation accrual
Medical, dental, and vision insurance
Company-paid life and accidental death insurance
Optional life and disability insurance
Legal Resource Benefit
401(k) Retirement Plan with Company Match
Full-time, long-term employment opportunities
Equal Opportunity Employer
Mills Marine is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to fostering a workplace free from discrimination and harassment. Employment decisions are based on qualifications, merit, and business needs.
Proud V3 (Virginia Values Veterans) Certified Employer is proud to be a Virginia Values Veterans (V3) Certified Employer committed to hiring talented individuals who value safety, teamwork, and excellence. If you're dependable, safety-focused, and ready to work in a fast-paced shipyard environment, we encourage you to apply.