Tugboat Captain Jobs (NOW HIRING)

TUGBOAT CAPTAIN/DESIGNATED DUTY ENGINEER
Location:
Newport News, Virginia, United States
Date: Sep 3, 2026
Req ID: 49446
Team: X36 WTRFT SUPPORT SERV
Entity: Newport News Shipbuilding
US Citizenship Required for this Position: Yes
Full-Time
Shift: Multiple
Relocation: No relocation assistance available
Virtual/Telework Opportunity: No - Not eligible for telework
Travel Requirements: No
Clearance Required: No - Clearance Not Required to Start
Salary Range: $82,000.00 to $103,000.00
The anticipated salary range represents the estimated base pay for this role. Final compensation will be determined based on experience, qualifications, and other job-related factors, and may vary from the posted range
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. 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
Must be licensed by the U.S. Coast Guard ( U.S. Coast Guard License, Radar License). A minimum of three years experience on tugboats is required prior to examination by U.S. Coast Guard. Must have a specialized knowledge of local winds, current tides reading, and weather and shipping hazards. The candidate must be able to supervise the work of hourly deck hands, motivate and train these employees, and possess strong communication, interpersonal and leadership skills. An incumbent must possess a thorough technical knowledge of the tug boats, and Ship movement, and have a solid educational base, generally gained through working as a Tug Boat Deck Hand or the equivalent in education and training. The job may involve exposure to extreme weather and other environmental conditions encountered in working on the water and must be able to work a variable work schedule.
Must Have
This position requires a high school graduate or equivalent. Apprentice graduate is desirable. Must be licensed by the U.S. Coast Guard ( U.S. Coast Guard License, Radar License ) and have a minimum of three years experience on tugboats is required prior to examination by U.S. Coast Guard. Must have a specialized knowledge of local winds, current tides reading, and weather and shipping hazards. The candidate must be able to supervise the work of deck hands, motivate and train these employees , and possess strong communication, interpersonal and leadership skills. An incumbent must possess a thorough technical knowledge of the tug boats, and Ship movement, and have a solid educational base, generally gained through working as a Tug Boat Deck Hand or the equivalent in education and training.
Nice to Have

• Engine operation and watchkeeping: Running and monitoring the main propulsion plant, ensuring safe and efficient operation.
• Maintenance and repairs: Performing routine maintenance, troubleshooting, and repairing machinery and systems.
• System oversight: Managing electrical, sewage treatment, lube oil, bilge, and oily water separation systems.
• Fueling and lubrication: Ensuring proper fuel handling, storage, and lubrication of machinery.
• Safety and compliance: Adhering to U.S. Coast Guard and STCW safety, pollution prevention, and watchkeeping standards.
• Documentation: Maintaining accurate logs and records of engine-room operations and maintenance.

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.