MGR DOCKING PILOT 3

Location:

Newport News, Virginia, United States

Date: Jan 16, 2026

Req ID: 45067
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 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.

The Role

Responsible for the safe and efficient transfer, movement, docking and undocking of vessels, including aircraft carriers, submarines, container ships, tankers, barges, etc. The incumbent must apply adaptive judgment and extensive specialized knowledge and skill to pilot and direct ship movements considering the variability of factors, including wind, weather, tides, currents, ship conditions, and limitations of piers, dry-docks and shipways. May direct the movement and docking of ships that have been damaged, or are without the benefit of ships power, and require the coordination of multiple tugboats to maneuver the vessel. Takes command of customer vessels, and directs the work of ships crews during the docking operation. An incumbent must develop and maintain collaborative relationships with dockmasters and Project and Trades personnel, as well as ship captains, officers and agents. The incumbent works collaboratively with docking pilots and tugboat operators working through towing companies and the Independent Docking Pilots Association. Plans and directs the docking, undocking, and movement of vessels under construction, repair or overhaul, including related navigation of the adjacent river, harbor, and waterways in accordance with Company, customer, and Coast Guard requirements. Develops appropriate strategies to address variable weather, water, regulatory, mechanical and logistical factors. Determines the number of tugboats and manpower required for movements, and arranges and coordinates involvement of contract towing personnel, where appropriate. Command and navigate, as a pilot, ship movements on the river and adjacent waterways, and into and out of dry-docks, shipways, and piers. From the vessels bridge, direct helmsmen and ship officers involved in steering and engine controls. Direct Company and contract tugboat crews, as necessary, to rig towlines and maneuver vessels. Direct the conduct of depth soundings on the shipyard waterfront to ensure water depth will accommodate vessels.

Must Have

Bachelor's Degree and 8 years of applicable, progressive professional and/or supervisory work experience. Must have a minimum of a First Class Pilot USCG Credential from Newport News Point to James River Bridge

One of the following may be used as equivalent to Bachelor's Degree to meet minimum qualifications:

NNS Apprentice School graduate
Navy Nuclear Power School (NNPS) graduate
Associate's Degree or other formal 2 year program and 2 years of relevant exempt experience or 4 years of relevant non-exempt experience
Military Paygrade E-5 or above military experience
High School/GED and 4 years combined of Manufacturing, Shipbuilding, Trades, Military experience or other relevant exempt experience
High School/GED and 8 years combined of Manufacturing, Shipbuilding, Trades, Military experience or other relevant non-exempt experience

Competencies

General Work Experience

Knowledge, skills and related experience

Communication skills

Educational Background

Team environment experience

Leadership skills

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.

Apply now »