Navigating the Newport News Shipbuilding Internship Landscape
Huntington Ingalls Industries (HII), a Fortune 500 company, offers a variety of internship opportunities that provide students with invaluable experience in the shipbuilding and defense technology industries. Newport News Shipbuilding (NNS), a division of HII, is a major industrial employer in Virginia and a key player in the construction of U.S. Navy nuclear-powered ships. This article delves into the internship opportunities available at Newport News Shipbuilding, outlining their requirements, benefits, and application process.
HII's Commitment to Internships
HII recognizes the value of nurturing young talent and offers a robust internship program across its divisions, including Newport News Shipbuilding, Ingalls Shipbuilding, and Mission Technologies, as well as at the corporate office. This program is designed to provide students with practical, hands-on experience, professional development, mentorship, and exposure to real-world scenarios, preparing them for future careers.
Each year, HII hosts over 350 interns from across the nation. These are paid summer internships where students work full-time (40 hours a week) for 10 consecutive weeks. In addition to competitive pay, interns may also be eligible for housing assistance and transportation in select locations. Many summer interns transition into co-op positions or receive full-time job offers after graduation.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for an internship at Newport News Shipbuilding, students must meet certain requirements:
- Citizenship: Applicants must be U.S. citizens.
- GPA: A minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.5 is typically required. Some divisions may require a 3.0 GPA.
- Enrollment: Students must be enrolled in a four-year college or university, a 2+2 program, or a master’s or doctorate degree program.
- Availability: Interns must be available to work full-time (40 hours per week) for 10 consecutive weeks during the summer.
Areas of Focus
Newport News Shipbuilding offers internship opportunities in a variety of fields, including:
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- Engineering
- Computer Science
- Business
- Communications
- Manufacturing
- Skilled Trades
- Accounting
- Finance
- IT
- Supply Chain Management
Preference is often given to students majoring in fields that align with NNS' future hiring needs, such as engineering, computer science, business, IT, finance, accounting, and supply chain management.
Application Process
The application period for summer internships typically opens in the fall. For example, applications for 2026 summer internships were being accepted through November 2, 2025. Early applications are highly recommended, as positions are limited and competitive.
Interested students must apply online through the HII careers website. The website provides details on available internship positions and specific deadlines for each job posting.
Benefits of an Internship at Newport News Shipbuilding
An internship at Newport News Shipbuilding offers numerous benefits:
- Meaningful Work: Interns are assigned to meaningful projects from their first week, working on advanced naval vessels and defense systems.
- Professional Development: The internship program includes professional development opportunities to enhance interns' skills and knowledge.
- Mentorship: Interns work closely with experienced professionals who provide guidance and mentorship.
- Networking: Interns have the opportunity to network with industry professionals and build relationships that can benefit their future careers.
- Career Advancement: Many interns transition into co-op positions or receive full-time job offers after graduation. HII executives and senior engineers often began their careers as interns.
- Competitive Pay: Interns receive competitive pay for their work.
- Additional Benefits: Housing assistance and transportation may be available in select locations.
- Exposure to Real-World Scenarios: Interns gain exposure to real-world scenarios and challenges in the shipbuilding industry.
HII's Commitment to Education and Development
HII demonstrates a commitment to supporting educational advancement and nurturing the next generation of leaders and innovators through its internship program and other initiatives. HII operates robust apprenticeship schools at both Newport News Shipbuilding and Ingalls Shipbuilding, providing hands-on training in skilled trades and maritime engineering. The Apprentice School at Newport News Shipbuilding, founded in 1919, is a preeminent apprenticeship program.
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Opportunities for Transitioning Military Personnel
HII also offers an UNPAID internship through the Hire Vets Now (HVN) SkillBridge Program for transitioning active-duty U.S. military personnel. This program allows transitioning military personnel to gain real-world experience during their final 180 days of active-duty service. HVN SkillBridge Internships are available to help transitioning active-duty military personnel gain real-world experience in the work force sometime during their final 180 days of active-duty service. The intern will actively train on meaningful projects and work closely with a mentor and with senior company leadership. This position will support facilities in either the technical services, project management, or crane engineering team.
The successful candidate will provide engineering technical support on control engineering systems. You will create, modify, maintain, repair and troubleshoot yard wide control systems software associated with equipment, complex machinery, utility infrastructure, building operating systems, Audio Video systems and submarine delivery/transportation systems by converting requirements into a functional user interface and control code. Position troubleshoots control systems, provides technical control solutions and produces engineering documentation, technical reports, drawings (sketches, drawings, diagrams and schematics) and performs mathematical calculations using established formats, formulas and configuration guidelines. Position involves specialized skills and experience with the specification and design of total controls package systems, relay interfaces, programmable logic controls (PLC), human machine interfaces (HMI), logic development, ability to program source codes, robotics/automation, and develop/review/update AUTOCAD drawings. Position involves the ability to read and produce electrical / controls schematics.
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tags: #newport #news #shipbuilding #internship #requirements
