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Shipbuilder Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

QED SYSTEMS, INC.

Ship Fitter

Virginia Beach, VA · On-site

$22 - $32/hr

QED Systems, an experienced marine engineering, planning, and ship modernization firm, is seeking Ship fitters. Candidates are responsible for working in shipyards on the construction of large ships ...

QED Systems, Inc.

Ship Fitter

Virginia Beach, VA · On-site

$22 - $32/hr

QED Systems, an experienced marine engineering, planning, and ship modernization firm, is seeking Ship fitters. Candidates are responsible for working in shipyards on the construction of large ships ...

QED SYSTEMS, INC.

Ship Fitter

Virginia Beach, VA · On-site

$22 - $32/hr

QED Systems, an experienced marine engineering, planning, and ship modernization firm, is seeking Ship fitters. Candidates are responsible for working in shipyards on the construction of large ships ...

Avail Staffing Company

Ship Fitter

Norfolk, VA

$26 - $29/hr

As a Ship Fitter, you will perform steel and aluminum structural work on a variety of marine vessels, including U.S. Naval ships, Military Sealift Command vessels, and commercial ships. Your ...

QED Systems, Inc.

Ship Fitter

Virginia Beach, VA · On-site

$22 - $32/hr

QED Systems, an experienced marine engineering, planning, and ship modernization firm, is seeking Ship fitters. Candidates are responsible for working in shipyards on the construction of large ships ...

Damco Spain SL

Ship Superintendent

Norfolk, VA · On-site

$80 - $120/hr

A Ship Superintendent is responsible for overseeing day to day technical and operational issues pertaining to the assigned vessels. The Ship Superintendent will report to the Director of Technical ...

Avail Staffing Company

Ship Fitter 007

Norfolk, VA

$26 - $29/hr

As a Ship Fitter, you will perform steel and aluminum structural work on a variety of marine vessels, including U.S. Naval ships, Military Sealift Command vessels, and commercial ships. Your ...

Lead Staffing

Ship Superintendent

Norfolk, VA · On-site

Ship Superintendent LEAD Staffing | Hampton Roads, VA Company: HII Location: Hampton Roads, VA Schedule: Full-Time | Contract | 40 hours per week (Overtime as required) About the Role HII is seeking ...

LEAD Staffing

Ship Superintendent

Norfolk, VA

Ship Superintendent LEAD Staffing | Hampton Roads, VA Company: HII Location: Hampton Roads, VA Schedule: Full-Time | Contract | 40 hours per week (Overtime as required) About the Role HII is seeking ...

GDIT

Ship Fitter

Norfolk, VA

$26.35 - $35.65/hr

Yes Ship Fitter This is a waterfront shipboard construction and re-modernization position, working within shipyards and drydocks onboard U.S. Naval ships. The incumbent will be working in varying ...

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Shipbuilder information

See Virginia salary details

$14

$29

$45

How much do shipbuilder jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 27, 2026, the average hourly pay for shipbuilder in Virginia is $29.53, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $23.12 and $33.85 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a shipbuilder?

Shipbuilders are skilled professionals who design, construct, and repair ships and other marine vessels. They work in shipyards using materials such as steel, aluminum, and composites to build everything from cargo ships to naval vessels. The job involves reading blueprints, welding, fitting parts, and ensuring vessels meet safety and quality standards. Shipbuilders may specialize in areas like metal fabrication, electrical systems, or hull assembly. Their expertise is vital to the maritime industry, supporting transportation, defense, and commerce worldwide.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a shipbuilder, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Shipbuilder, you need expertise in blueprint reading, metal fabrication, welding, and marine construction, typically backed by vocational training or an apprenticeship. Familiarity with tools such as welding equipment, CNC machines, and CAD software, along with certifications like AWS welding credentials, is often required. Strong teamwork, attention to detail, and problem-solving abilities are crucial soft skills for this role. These skills ensure the precise assembly of safe, seaworthy vessels while maintaining efficiency and quality standards in a highly collaborative environment.

What are some common challenges shipbuilders face in coordinating with different trades during a ship's construction?

Shipbuilders often work alongside professionals from various trades, such as welders, electricians, and pipefitters, which can present coordination challenges. Ensuring that each trade completes their tasks in the correct sequence is critical to avoid delays and rework. Effective communication and strong organizational skills are vital for resolving scheduling conflicts and addressing unforeseen issues as they arise. Many shipyards use digital project management tools and regular team meetings to facilitate smooth collaboration and keep projects on track.

What is the difference between Shipbuilder vs Shipfitter?

AspectShipbuilderShipfitter
Primary RoleConstructs, assembles, and installs ship components during the entire building process.Fits, installs, and repairs ship components, focusing on specific sections or systems.
Skills & CertificationsWelding, blueprint reading, basic certifications in shipbuilding trades.Welding, blueprint reading, specialized fitting skills, certifications vary.
Work EnvironmentShipyards, construction sites, indoor and outdoor settings.Shipyards, often working on specific sections or systems of ships.
Industry UsageUsed across shipbuilding companies for overall construction.Used for detailed fitting and installation tasks within shipbuilding projects.

In summary, Shipbuilders oversee the entire construction process of ships, assembling major components, while Shipfitters focus on fitting and installing specific parts and systems. Both roles require welding and blueprint skills but differ in scope and responsibilities within the shipbuilding industry.

How do I become a shipbuilder?

To become a shipbuilder, you typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, followed by specialized training or an apprenticeship in shipbuilding or welding. Skills in blueprint reading, metalworking, and familiarity with tools and safety procedures are essential, and some positions may require certifications such as OSHA safety training or welding licenses.

How much money do shipbuilders make?

Shipbuilders typically earn a median annual wage of around $50,000 to $70,000, depending on experience, location, and the complexity of the vessels they work on. Skilled shipbuilders with certifications and specialized tools can earn higher wages, especially in shipyards with union agreements or in regions with a high cost of living.

What are popular job titles related to Shipbuilder jobs in Virginia?

For Shipbuilder jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Shipbuilder jobs in Virginia look for?

The top searched job categories for Shipbuilder jobs in Virginia are:

What cities in Virginia are hiring for Shipbuilder jobs?

Cities in Virginia with the most Shipbuilder job openings:

Shipbuilder jobs near you
Infographic showing various Shipbuilder job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 1% Temporary. Highlights an 94% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $61,429 per year, or $29.5 per hour.

Ship Fitter

QED SYSTEMS, INC.

Virginia Beach, VA • On-site

$22 - $32/hr

Full-time

Posted 8 days ago

Job description

Job Description:
QED Systems, an experienced marine engineering, planning, and ship modernization firm, is seeking Ship fitters. Candidates are responsible for working in shipyards on the construction of large ships and ship parts.
Salary Range: $22-$32 Hourly
Ship fitters must be able to:
*read blueprints and diagrams in order to fabricate metal parts, such as hulls, bulkheads, and frames, and they also mark reference lines on parts and lay out positions for future welding and riveting of parts
*align parts in relation to each other using jacks, turnbuckles, wedges, mauls, and clips
*have an in-depth understanding of doors, hatches, brackets, and clips and be able to install them onto ships, and the molding of nonstandard parts for fabrication is also necessary
*must be proficient in the fabrication of parts, as well as welding and riveting, and moderate physical ability is necessary to lift at least fifty pounds
*set up, use torches, and hand/power tools to fabricate metal structural parts; modify, repair, and re-install damaged metal parts
*interpret blueprints to lay out parts, mark them, align, and assemble
  • All other duties as assigned.

U.S. citizenship required. Must meet and maintain eligibility for U.S. Secret Clearance and be able to access military facilities, naval shipyards, and private shipyards.
EOE, including disability/vets

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