PAINTER-SKILLED (OCTOBER 2026 HIRING EVENT)

Location:

Pascagoula, Mississippi, United States

Date: Oct 2, 2026

Req ID: 50007
Team: 27 Paint
Entity: Ingalls Shipbuilding

US Citizenship Required for this Position: No

Full-Time
Shift: Multiple
Relocation: No relocation assistance available
Virtual/Telework Opportunity: No - Not eligible for telework

Travel Requirement: No

We’re building tomorrow’s fleet today
With more than 11,000 employees, HII’s Ingalls Shipbuilding division is the largest manufacturing employer in Mississippi and a major contributor to the economic growth of Alabama. For nearly 85 years, we’ve designed, built and maintained amphibious ships, destroyers, and cutters for the U.S. Navy and the U.S. Coast Guard. The largest supplier of U.S. Navy surface combatants, we’re simultaneously building four classes of ships and have pioneered the development and production of technologically advanced, highly capable ships for the surface Navy fleet for decades. Think that’s cool? Keep reading:

The Role

Protection. Detail. Craftsmanship. Become a Skilled Painter.
Do you have the precision and expertise needed to apply advanced marine coatings that protect the U.S. Navy’s most powerful ships? Ingalls Shipbuilding is seeking Skilled Painters who take pride in high‑quality blasting and coating work in demanding industrial environments.

As a Painter at Ingalls, you perform blasting and painting operations using specialized marine coatings that meet strict contract specifications. You understand coating requirements such as blast profiles, surface preparation standards, and millage measurements — ensuring every application protects the ship’s steel structure for decades of service.

If you’re ready to apply your painting expertise at “America’s Shipyard,” a rewarding career at Ingalls Shipbuilding — Mississippi’s largest private employer — is waiting.

What You Can Earn
• Earn up to $35.99 per hour, depending on experience and qualifications
• Additional opportunities for overtime and long‑term career growth

What You’ll Do
• Perform industrial blasting and painting using approved marine coatings
• Apply coatings according to contract specifications, including surface prep standards, blast profiles, and millage requirements
• Operate blasting, painting, and coating equipment under the direction of supervision
• Inspect surfaces and verify coatings meet thickness, finish, and durability requirements
• Work in shipyard environments that may involve heights, confined spaces, and varying weather conditions
• Support production needs across multiple shifts in a 24/7 manufacturing environment
• Follow Ingalls’ strong safety procedures in every task and work area

Why This Work Matters
Painters protect the ship. Your work preserves structural integrity, prevents corrosion, and extends the life of vessels that serve the fleet for decades. Every blast and every coat contribute to mission‑readiness across the globe.

What You Bring
• Hands-on experience in industrial painting, blasting, or coatings application
• Understanding of surface preparation standards, blast profiles, and coating millage requirements
• Ability to operate blasting and painting tools and equipment safely and effectively
• Strong commitment to safety, quality, and craftsmanship
• Willingness to work in an active industrial environment supporting ship construction

Must Have

Requires a minimum of 1 year experience as a painter/blaster. - Must be able to perform all blast requirements and functions utilizing all applications. - Identify and correct blast and paint deficiencies as required by the contract specifications. Testing will consist of the ability to hook up airlines to the manifold and spray horizontal, vertical and side to side. - Able to sand blast and demonstrate how to utilize each part of the blast equipment.

Nice to Have

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 #1 for Ingalls Shipbuilding.

Apply now »