VTL/VTC Machinist – Naval Shipbuilding | Up to $92K + $10K Bonus

🔍 At a glance
Company: Newport News Shipbuilding (HII)
Location: Newport News, Virginia
Pay: $28–$42/hr DOE (up to $92,000/yr with shift differentials & overtime)
Job Type: Full-Time
Shift: Multiple shifts available
Experience: 3+ years of CNC or manual machining experience
Machines: Vertical Turning Lathes (VTL) / Vertical Turning Centers (VTC)
Controls: Fanuc

Why this job is worth considering

Newport News Shipbuilding is looking for experienced machinists to run vertical turning lathes and vertical turning centers on some of the largest, most complex turned parts in naval manufacturing — components for nuclear aircraft carriers and submarines. If you're a machinist who prefers large-diameter turning work over small-batch repetitive parts, this is that kind of shop. NNS is offering a $10,000 bonus ($5,000 sign-on plus $5,000 relocation for moves of 50+ miles), plus $1,000 in travel assistance for your pre-employment physical and drug screening. Combined with competitive hourly pay, shift differentials, overtime opportunities, and a full benefits package, this is a long-term career move, not just another production job.

What you'll be doing

• Set up and operate vertical turning lathes (VTL) and vertical turning centers (VTC) on large-scale naval manufacturing components
• Machine precision, mission-critical turned parts used in U.S. Navy aircraft carriers and submarines
• Read and interpret blueprints, engineering drawings, and work instructions for large, complex parts
• Troubleshoot machining operations and adjust processes as needed
• Verify dimensions using precision measuring equipment
• Perform first-piece and in-process inspections
• Work alongside skilled machinists, maintenance teams, and production leadership in a large industrial shipyard

Machines, controls & materials

Machines

Primary equipment is Vertical Turning Lathes (VTL) and Vertical Turning Centers (VTC). You may also work with other large-format equipment in the shop — CNC/manual lathes, mills, horizontal boring mills, and vertical machining centers — as production needs require.

Controls

Fanuc

Materials

Carbon steel, alloy steel, stainless steel, and other large structural components used in naval manufacturing.

What we're looking for

Required

• 3+ years of CNC or manual machining experience, ideally including VTL or VTC work
• Experience operating large-format turning equipment
• Strong blueprint reading skills
• Good math and problem-solving abilities
• Comfortable working in a large industrial manufacturing environment
• Able to work at heights, in confined spaces, and in varying weather conditions
• Safety-minded with strong attention to quality
• U.S. Citizenship required

Preferred

• Direct vertical turning lathe (VTL) or vertical turning center (VTC) experience
• Experience in automotive repair, plant maintenance, or machinery installation/repair
• Technical education in machining, diesel technology, HVAC, automotive technology, or mechanical trades

Pay, benefits & schedule

Base pay is $28–$42/hr DOE, with annual earning potential up to $92,000 when shift differentials and overtime are included. The bonus package totals $10,000: a $5,000 sign-on bonus plus a $5,000 relocation bonus for moves of 50+ miles, plus $1,000 in travel assistance for your pre-employment physical and drug screening. Benefits include medical, dental, and vision coverage, 401(k), life insurance, tuition reimbursement, an employee assistance program, wellness programs, employee discounts, educational scholarships, and career development support. Multiple shifts are available, with overtime based on production needs.

About Newport News Shipbuilding and how to apply

Newport News Shipbuilding, a division of HII, is the sole designer, builder, and refueler of U.S. Navy nuclear aircraft carriers, and one of only two U.S. builders of nuclear submarines. The shipyard depends on skilled machinists to manufacture and maintain mission-critical components for these vessels, with decades of backlog ensuring long-term, stable work. If you're an experienced machinist with large-part or large-equipment turning experience — especially on VTLs or VTCs — looking for a long-term career supporting one of the most advanced naval manufacturing programs in the world, apply today through hireCNC.