insulator trainee or certification

Req ID: 44051 

Team: X33 SURF PREP & TREAT DE 

Entity: Newport News Shipbuilding

US Citizenship Required for this Position: Yes 

Full-Time

Shift: Multiple 

Relocation: Relocation assistance will be available 

Virtual/Telework Opportunity: No - Not eligible for telework 

Travel Requirement:  No 

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.

This Job Listing is for recent or upcoming 2026 High School Graduates. Newport News Shipbuilding, a division of HII, is offering a $500 sign-on bonus to Trade Trainee hires. In addition, Newport News Shipbuilding is offering $500 in relocation bonus to Trade Trainee new hires that live 50 miles or greater from Newport News, VA. Job seekers who apply are eligible for the sign-on bonus and relocation bonus. Newport News Shipbuilding offers competitive pay, weekly paychecks, paid time off, paid holidays, medical benefits including an on-site health center, 401K company match, employee discounts, and more. The sign-on bonus is for external new hires. Current Newport News Shipbuilding employees are ineligible for the sign-on bonus.

This position is for job seekers with no trades experience willing to complete two weeks of unpaid training in the Insulator trade or for job seekers with a certificate in a related trades field.

Newport News Shipbuilding has partnered with the Virginia Ship Repair Association and local Virginia community colleges and maritime training facilities to offer several course-to-hire Marine Trades Training (MTT) programs for individuals interested in learning a trade and working full-time for Newport News Shipbuilding. Courses are offered once a month with 8-10 students per class. The Insulator program is offered at QED Systems (Norfolk, VA). This (UNPAID) program is 2-weeks (80 hours), 7:00am – 3:30pm (Monday thru Friday).

Candidates who have received and provide a certificate or diploma in Insulation or directly related field are encouraged to apply and may be eligible to waive the completion of the trainee program. Directly related fields include Residential/Commercial/Industrial Insulation, and/or Flooring/Tile Installation.

To learn more about the Marine Trades Training (MTT) programs and how the process works, please visit:  

Insulators are responsible for the removal, repair, and installation of various types of insulation, including fiberglass, calcium silicate, and rubatex materials. This role is crucial in ensuring thermal efficiency, noise reduction, and safety of piping systems, ventilation systems, and other structural elements throughout the ship. Their expertise is essential in preventing heat loss, minimizing condensation, and protecting against fire hazards, all of which contribute to the overall performance and longevity of aircraft carriers and submarines. By selecting and applying the appropriate insulation materials, Insulators help enhance the comfort and safety of the ship while ensuring compliance with stringent marine industry standards and regulations.

Working at Newport News Shipbuilding often involves performing tasks in various weather conditions, at extreme heights on scaffolding, ladders, or elevated platforms and in small, confined spaces such as tanks, compartments, or voids in a ship. These environments require a strong focus on safety, precision, and adaptability, as well as physical agility and comfort working in challenging conditions.

MTT Program Video: Marine Trades Trainee Program 

X33 Marine Insulator: 

Must be able to pass a 2-week (UNPAID) program (80 hours), 7:00am – 3:30pm (Monday – Friday) OR present one or more certificates of completion or diploma in Insulation or a directly related field from a high school vocational program, community college, trade school, technical college, apprentice program, post–secondary institution, or military equivalent.

Must be willing to undergo a background investigation and drug screen

Must be able to pass physical agility test

Must be able to kneel, squat, crawl, bend, stoop, and climb on a daily basis

Must be able to lift at least 40 pounds

Must be able to perform overhead work

Must be able to work overtime as needed

Must be able to be clean shaven to wear a respirator

Must be able to perform work outdoors, year- round, in all weather conditions

Must be able to work at extreme heights

Must be able to work in small, tight, confined spaces

Must be willing to work any shift

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.

Today's challenges are bigger than ever, and the nation needs the best of us. It's why we're focused on hiring, developing and nurturing our diversity. We believe that diversity among our workforce strengthens the organization, stimulates creativity, promotes the exchange of ideas and enriches the work lives of all our employees. 

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 - 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 for assistance. Press #2 for Newport News Shipbuilding.

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