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Shipbuilder Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Ship Fitters

Houma, LA · On-site

$28 - $30/hr

Would you be a great Ship Fitters? To succeed as a Shipfitter at TREO Staffing, LLC, you will need a solid foundation of practical skills and familiarity with essential tools used in the shipyard.

Ship Fitter

Charleston, MO · On-site

$28 - $31/hr

CDR General Services is seeking a Ship Fitter to join our team in Charleston, MO . This position is ideal for an experienced professional in shipyard or barge repair environments. The ideal candidate ...

Ship Superintendent - Norfolk VA

Norfolk, VA · On-site

$75.25K - $127.93K/yr

Person Required Yes Travel Percentage Required Education, Experience, & Skills A Bachelor's Degree and 4 years of experience in a ship repair, shipbuilding, or maritime environment, or equivalent 6-8 ...

Qualifications Standards Minimum two years of on the job experience, demonstrated knowledge of blueprint reading, ship terminology and different metals required. Good burning, welding and ...

Ship Fitter

Seattle, WA

$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

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$14

$29

$45

How much do shipbuilder jobs pay per hour?

As of May 31, 2026, the average hourly pay for shipbuilder in the United States is $29.79, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $23.32 and $34.13 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 are shipbuilders?

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 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.

More about Shipbuilder jobs
What cities are hiring for Shipbuilder jobs? Cities with the most Shipbuilder job openings:
What states have the most Shipbuilder jobs? States with the most job openings for Shipbuilder jobs include:
Infographic showing various Shipbuilder job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, 7% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $61,961 per year, or $29.8 per hour.
Ship Fitter

$26.35 - $35.65/hr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 23 days ago


General Dynamics Information Technology rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 61 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

68th of 203 rated it services


Job description

REQ#: RQ212590Public Trust: None Requisition Type: Regular Your Impact

Own your opportunity to support our nation's defense. Make an impact by connecting and securing critical operations across the globe, keeping our country safe and secure.

Job Description

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 temperatures of high heat in the summer and cold in the winter preforming the following tasks:


Installs, maintains, repairs, overhauls, troubleshoots, modifies, constructs, and tests mechanical equipment and related devices.
Troubleshoots and corrects structural placement.
Makes recommendations for improvements or modifications to correct problems.
May provide operation and maintenance instruction to customer personnel.
Performs preventative maintenance.
Participates in special projects, as required.
WHAT YOULL NEED TO SUCCEED:
Education: Associates of Arts/Associates of Science.
Required Experience: Associates Degree in a related technical discipline, or the equivalent combination of education, technical certifications or training, or work experience. 1-3 years of directly related experience supporting engineering operations.

Location: On Customer Site.
US Citizenship Required.

Certifications:

May require TAC welding certification.
GDIT IS YOUR PLACE:
401K with company match
Comprehensive health and wellness packages
Internal mobility team dedicated to helping you own your career
Professional growth opportunities including paid education and certifications
Cutting-edge technology you can learn from
Rest and recharge with paid vacation and holidays

#hireshipyardcareersgdit

Work Requirements
Years of Experience

3 + years of related experience

* may vary based on technical training, certification(s), or degree

Certification
Travel Required

10-25%

Citizenship

U.S. Citizenship Required

Salary and Benefit Information

The likely hourly rate for this position is between $26.35 - $35.65. This is not, however, a guarantee of compensation or salary. Rather, salary will be set based on experience, geographic location and possibly contractual requirements and could fall outside of this range.
View information about benefits and our total rewards program.

About Our Work

We are GDIT. A global technology and professional services company that delivers technology and mission services to every major agency across the U.S. government, defense and intelligence community. Our 26,000 experts extract the power of technology to create immediate value and deliver solutions at the edge of innovation. We operate across over 50 countries worldwide, offering leading capabilities in digital modernization, AI/ML, cloud, cyber and application development. Together with our customers, we strive to create a safer, smarter world by harnessing the power of deep expertise and advanced technology.

Join our Talent Community to stay up to date on our career opportunities and events at gdit.com/tc.

Equal Opportunity Employer / Individuals with Disabilities / Protected Veterans


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About General Dynamics Information Technology

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GDIT is a global technology and professional services company that delivers technology solutions and mission services to every major agency across the U.S. government, defense, and intelligence community. Its 30,000 experts extract the power of technology to create immediate value and deliver solutions at the edge of innovation. The company operates across 50+ countries worldwide, offering leading capabilities in digital modernization, AI/ML, cloud, cyber, and application development.

Industry

It services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Falls Church, VA, US