Shipbuilding & ship machinery Jobs in Usa Apply Now

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Why Work in the Shipbuilding & Ship Machinery in USA


1. Robust Industry with National Importance

The shipbuilding and ship machinery sector is a critical component of the U.S. economy and national defense. The U.S. Navy, Coast Guard, and commercial shipping industries all rely heavily on domestically built ships, creating stable demand.


2. High Demand for Skilled Workers

There is a consistent need for engineers, welders, naval architects, marine engineers, and supply chain experts. The shortage of skilled labor in this sector increases job security and career opportunities.


3. Competitive Salaries and Benefits

Jobs in this field often come with competitive pay, union support, and comprehensive benefits packages, especially in government contracts and defense-related projects.


4. Technological Innovation

The U.S. shipbuilding industry increasingly incorporates cutting-edge technologies—such as automation, AI integration, and green propulsion systems—offering exciting opportunities for those interested in innovation.


5. Contribution to Sustainability

Modern ship machinery focuses on reducing emissions, increasing fuel efficiency, and meeting international environmental standards. You can be part of global efforts to create greener maritime transport.


6. Career Advancement Opportunities

From entry-level roles to advanced engineering or project management positions, the industry offers clear pathways for career growth, including cross-disciplinary roles in design, logistics, and operations.


7. Strategic Locations with Growth

Shipyards and related facilities are located in key economic and coastal hubs such as Virginia, California, Louisiana, and Mississippi, providing access to strong infrastructure and community support.


Creative Shipbuilding & Ship Machinery in USA for International Candidates


A Sector Shaped by Innovation

Far from being a legacy industry, U.S. shipbuilding today is driven by digital ship design, advanced propulsion systems, and environmentally sustainable engineering. From autonomous vessels to hybrid-electric propulsion, the sector is embracing innovation—and it's looking for global talent to help shape the future of maritime technology.


International Skills in High Demand

American shipyards and marine engineering firms value global expertise. Whether you're a mechanical engineer from India, a naval architect from Europe, or a project manager from Southeast Asia, your skills may align perfectly with the evolving needs of U.S. shipbuilders. These companies actively seek engineers, technicians, welders, designers, and logistics specialists who can bring new perspectives and solve complex challenges.


A Career with Global Impact

Working in shipbuilding means contributing to an industry that moves over 90% of the world’s trade. In the U.S., your work could involve building advanced military vessels, commercial cargo ships, or next-generation cruise liners. Each project shapes how the world connects and operates.


Growth, Stability, and Advancement

U.S.-based shipyards and marine engineering firms often provide long-term career stability, competitive salaries, and pathways to professional development. With many employers supporting visa sponsorship or offering training programs tailored to foreign talent, international candidates are not only welcomed but seen as vital contributors to long-term success.


Strategic Hubs of Opportunity

From the Gulf Coast to the Pacific Northwest, U.S. shipbuilding centers are located in dynamic, growing regions with thriving international communities. These regions offer not only professional opportunities but a high quality of life, educational access, and cultural diversity.


Types of Shipbuilding & Ship Machinery Jobs in USA


1. Engineering and Design Roles


2. Skilled Trade and Craft Jobs


3. Project Management and Operations


4. Logistics and Supply Chain


5. Testing and Commissioning


6. R&D and Innovation


7. Administrative and Support Roles


Average Salary of Top 20 Job Profile of Shipbuilding & Ship Machinery in USA
 

No.

Job Title

Avg. Salary (USD/year)

Equivalent (INR/year)

1

Naval Architect

$95,000

₹7,93,2500

2

Marine Engineer

$92,000

₹7,68,2000

3

Mechanical Engineer

$88,000

₹7,34,8000

4

Electrical Engineer

$86,000

₹7,17,1000

5

Systems Engineer

$90,000

₹7,51,5000

6

CAD Designer / Drafter

$65,000

₹5,42,7500

7

Welder (Marine)

$55,000

₹4,59,2500

8

Shipfitter

$52,000

₹4,34,2000

9

Pipefitter

$54,000

₹4,50,9000

10

Marine Electrician

$58,000

₹4,84,3000

11

Machinist (Shipyard)

$56,000

₹4,67,6000

12

Rigger (Shipyard)

$50,000

₹4,17,5000

13

Project Manager (Shipbuilding)

$110,000

₹9,18,5000

14

Production Supervisor

$78,000

₹6,51,3000

15

QA/QC Inspector

$70,000

₹5,84,5000

16

Safety Officer

$72,000

₹6,01,2000

17

Procurement Specialist

$68,000

₹5,68,3000

18

Logistics Coordinator

$60,000

₹5,01,0000

19

Test Engineer

$85,000

₹7,09,7500

20

Technical Writer (Marine)

$66,000

₹5,51,1000


Job Eligibility to Work in Shipbuilding & Ship Machinery in USA for International Job Applicants.
 

Category

Eligibility Criteria

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Marine, Electrical, Naval Architecture) or related technical fields. Trade certifications for skilled roles (welding, fitting, etc.).

Work Experience

1–5 years for entry/mid-level roles; 5–10+ years for senior, technical, or project leadership positions.

Technical Skills

Proficiency in CAD tools, marine systems, welding techniques, ship design software, automation tools, or machinery maintenance depending on the role.

Certifications

AWS (for welders), STCW, OSHA training, PMP (for managers), PE license (for engineers) may be preferred or required.

Language Proficiency

Strong command of English (verbal and written); TOEFL/IELTS may be required for some positions.

Work Authorization

Valid U.S. work visa (e.g., H-1B, L-1, TN, or Employment-based Green Card). Some roles (especially defense-related) require U.S. citizenship or security clearance.

Sponsorship Availability

Some U.S. shipyards and marine engineering firms offer visa sponsorship for highly skilled candidates (especially engineers, naval architects).

Background Checks

Clean criminal record and professional background verification are typically required.

Medical & Physical Fitness

For shipyard or hands-on roles, candidates must meet health and safety standards for physical labor, including medical exams.

Security Clearance

Mandatory for jobs in defense shipbuilding (e.g., Navy projects); usually requires U.S. citizenship. Not applicable to commercial shipbuilding roles.

Union Membership (if applicable)

Some trades (e.g., welders, electricians) may require union membership or willingness to join a union upon employment.


General Roles and Responsibilities in Shipbuilding & Ship Machinery Jobs in USA with 20 Job Profiles
 

No.

Job Title

General Roles and Responsibilities

1

Naval Architect

Design ship structures, assess stability, buoyancy, and hydrodynamic performance.

2

Marine Engineer

Develop and maintain onboard systems like propulsion, engines, HVAC, and fuel systems.

3

Mechanical Engineer

Design, test, and service ship machinery including pumps, turbines, and hydraulic systems.

4

Electrical Engineer

Handle wiring, power systems, automation, and onboard electrical equipment.

5

Systems Engineer

Integrate mechanical, electrical, and software systems across the vessel's design.

6

CAD Designer / Drafter

Create technical drawings and 3D models using CAD software for ship design and parts.

7

Project Manager (Shipbuilding)

Oversee shipbuilding project scope, cost, schedule, and cross-functional coordination.

8

Production Supervisor

Manage daily shipyard operations, crew assignments, and quality control processes.

9

QA/QC Inspector

Inspect components and systems for compliance with engineering standards and naval specs.

10

Safety Officer

Enforce health and safety regulations; conduct audits and training for workplace safety.

11

Welder

Perform precision welding to assemble ship hulls, frames, and mechanical parts.

12

Shipfitter

Cut, shape, and assemble metal components to build ship frames and sections.

13

Pipefitter

Install, test, and maintain shipboard piping systems (fuel, water, air).

14

Marine Electrician

Install and troubleshoot electrical systems and equipment aboard vessels.

15

Machinist

Operate tools and machines to fabricate and modify metal ship components.

16

Rigger

Set up rigging equipment and safely lift heavy ship components during assembly.

17

Procurement Specialist

Source parts, materials, and machinery; manage supplier relationships and purchase orders.

18

Logistics Coordinator

Plan and track movement of materials, tools, and finished components across the shipyard.

19

Test Engineer

Conduct sea trials, evaluate system performance, and troubleshoot onboard technologies.

20

Technical Writer

Create manuals, safety documentation, technical instructions, and compliance reports.


General Job Eligibility to work in Shipbuilding & Ship Machinery in USA with 20 Job Profiles
 

No.

Job Title

Education Required

Experience Level

Visa / Citizenship Requirement

1

Naval Architect

Bachelor's in Naval Architecture / Marine Eng.

2–5 years

H-1B possible; citizenship may be required for defense

2

Marine Engineer

Bachelor's in Marine / Mechanical Eng.

2–5 years

H-1B eligible; defense jobs may require citizenship

3

Mechanical Engineer

Bachelor's in Mechanical Eng.

1–5 years

H-1B eligible

4

Electrical Engineer

Bachelor's in Electrical Eng.

1–5 years

H-1B eligible; security clearance for defense roles

5

Systems Engineer

Bachelor's in Systems / Electrical Eng.

3–6 years

H-1B eligible; clearance may be needed for federal work

6

CAD Designer / Drafter

Associate/Bachelor’s + CAD Certification

1–3 years

H-1B limited; L-1 or TN more common

7

Project Manager

Bachelor's + PMP preferred

5–10 years

H-1B or Green Card; U.S. citizen preferred in defense

8

Production Supervisor

Associate/Bachelor’s in Engineering/Tech

3–5 years

H-1B may apply; U.S. citizen preferred in defense

9

QA/QC Inspector

Associate or Bachelor’s + QA Cert.

2–4 years

H-1B possible

10

Safety Officer

Bachelor's + OSHA Certifications

2–5 years

H-1B possible; some require U.S. work authorization

11

Welder

High School + Welding Certification (AWS)

2–5 years

Typically not H-1B; H-2B seasonal visa possible

12

Shipfitter

High School + Trade Certificate

2–4 years

H-2B eligible; not common via H-1B

13

Pipefitter

High School + Apprenticeship/Trade Cert.

2–4 years

H-2B eligible; some union-based restrictions

14

Marine Electrician

High School + Electrician License

2–5 years

H-2B or trade visa; limited H-1B use

15

Machinist

High School + Technical Training

2–5 years

H-2B or L-1 (intra-company transfer)

16

Rigger

High School + Rigging Certification

1–3 years

H-2B eligible; defense roles require U.S. citizenship

17

Procurement Specialist

Bachelor's in Supply Chain / Business

2–4 years

H-1B eligible

18

Logistics Coordinator

Bachelor's in Logistics / Business

2–3 years

H-1B possible; no clearance usually required

19

Test Engineer

Bachelor’s in Engineering

2–5 years

H-1B eligible; may need clearance for defense

20

Technical Writer

Bachelor's in English / Engineering / Comm.

2–4 years

H-1B eligible; must meet language and tech documentation skills


Experience Required to work in Shipbuilding & Ship Machinery in USA
 

Job Category

Job Roles

Experience Required

Entry-Level Roles

Junior Engineer, Assistant Drafter, Apprentice Welder, Trainee Pipefitter

0–2 years (plus relevant education or certification)

Skilled Trades

Welder, Shipfitter, Pipefitter, Marine Electrician, Rigger, Machinist

2–5 years in trade + certification or apprenticeship

Engineering Roles

Mechanical Engineer, Marine Engineer, Electrical Engineer, CAD Designer

2–5 years in relevant industry experience

Design & Architecture

Naval Architect, Structural Designer

3–6 years (design tools + ship structure experience)

Project & Site Mgmt.

Production Supervisor, Project Engineer, Project Manager

5–10 years + technical and leadership experience

Quality & Safety

QA/QC Inspector, Safety Officer, Compliance Specialist

3–5 years + certifications (OSHA, ISO, etc.)

Testing & Commissioning

Test Engineer, Commissioning Engineer

3–6 years in marine/ship systems or field testing

R&D / Technical

Systems Engineer, Green Propulsion Engineer, Hydrodynamics Specialist

4–8 years + domain-specific expertise

Supply Chain & Admin

Procurement Specialist, Logistics Coordinator, Technical Writer

2–4 years in related role + industry knowledge

Senior/Leadership

Senior Naval Architect, Chief Engineer, Program Manager

10–15+ years + strategic/project leadership


Top Hiring Companies in USA of International Candidates in Shipbuilding & Ship Machinery
 

Company Name

Industry Role

Visa Sponsorship

Locations

General Dynamics NASSCO

Major shipbuilder for Navy & commercial vessels

Yes (limited, mostly engineers)

California, Virginia

Huntington Ingalls Industries (HII)

Largest U.S. military shipbuilder

Rare (mostly for U.S. citizens)

Virginia, Mississippi

Fincantieri Marine Group (FMG)

Commercial & naval shipbuilding (U.S. subsidiary)

Yes (engineers, naval architects)

Wisconsin

Bollinger Shipyards

Naval and commercial shipbuilding

Rare (focus on U.S. workers)

Louisiana

Austal USA

Builds Navy ships (LCS, EPF)

Rare (defense contracts)

Alabama

ABB Marine & Ports (USA)

Ship automation and propulsion systems

Yes (technical roles)

Florida, Texas, California

Wärtsilä North America

Ship engines, energy systems, green technologies

Yes (frequent H-1B sponsor)

Texas, Washington, Florida

MAN Energy Solutions USA

Marine propulsion and engine systems

Yes (engineers, technicians)

New Jersey, Wisconsin

Rolls-Royce Naval Marine

Ship propulsion and automation

Yes (engineering roles)

Indiana, Virginia

Kongsberg Maritime (USA)

Ship control, navigation, and automation systems

Yes (software and marine systems)

Massachusetts, Texas, Washington

Bureau Veritas Marine & Offshore

Classification, marine compliance

Yes (technical inspectors)

Nationwide

ABS (American Bureau of Shipping)

Ship classification & engineering consultancy

Yes (international engineers)

Texas (HQ), global ports

Siemens Marine Solutions USA

Electrical systems, automation for marine vessels

Yes (frequent sponsor)

California, Georgia

GE Marine (a division of GE Power)

Ship gas turbines and propulsion technology

Yes (high-tech roles)

Ohio, New York

Technip Energies USA

Offshore/marine engineering and EPC services

Yes (project engineers, drafters)

Texas, Louisiana

Bechtel Marine Propulsion Corp.

Naval nuclear propulsion systems

U.S. citizenship preferred

New York, Pennsylvania

L3Harris Technologies

Naval systems and shipboard electronics

Rare (mostly U.S. citizens)

Nationwide (defense focus)

Bath Iron Works (a GD Company)

Navy shipbuilding (Arleigh Burke class)

U.S. citizenship required

Maine

Crowley Maritime Corporation

Marine logistics and vessel operations

Yes (shore-side engineering roles)

Florida, Alaska

MHI-MME (Mitsubishi Heavy Industries America)

Marine machinery and engine systems

Yes (Japanese expats, engineers)

California, Texas


Shipbuilding & Ship Machinery Jobs in USA, Job Profiles with Salary, Job Requirements, Top Hiring Companies, General Roles and Responsibilities
 

No.

Job Profile

Avg. Salary (USD/year)

Job Requirements

General Roles & Responsibilities

Top Hiring Companies

1

Naval Architect

$95,000

B.S. in Naval Architecture/Marine Eng., 2–5 yrs exp., CAD tools

Design ship structures, ensure stability & hydrodynamics

General Dynamics, HII, Fincantieri

2

Marine Engineer

$92,000

B.S. in Marine/Mech. Eng., 2–5 yrs exp., marine system knowledge

Design/maintain propulsion, engine, HVAC, and fluid systems

Wärtsilä, MAN Energy, ABB

3

Mechanical Engineer

$88,000

B.S. in Mechanical Eng., 1–5 yrs exp., design software, ship machinery exp.

Work on pumps, turbines, motors, gears for marine vessels

Siemens, Kongsberg, GE Marine

4

Electrical Engineer

$86,000

B.S. in Electrical Eng., 2–5 yrs, electrical codes, PLC, automation tools

Design/repair shipboard electrical systems and controls

Rolls-Royce, ABB, L3Harris

5

Systems Engineer

$90,000

B.S. in Systems/Mech/Elect. Eng., 3–6 yrs exp.

Integrate and test shipboard mechanical and electrical systems

Bechtel, GE, Technip Energies

6

CAD Designer / Drafter

$65,000

Associate/B.S., CAD Certification, 1–3 yrs

Create technical drawings & 3D ship designs

General Dynamics, Fincantieri

7

Project Manager

$110,000

B.S., PMP preferred, 5–10 yrs project exp.

Manage shipbuilding timelines, budgets, teams

HII, Technip, Bath Iron Works

8

Production Supervisor

$78,000

B.S. or Tech Diploma, 3–5 yrs shop floor exp.

Oversee daily yard operations, production schedules

Bollinger, Austal USA

9

QA/QC Inspector

$70,000

B.S./Diploma + QA certs (ISO, ASME), 2–4 yrs

Ensure compliance with safety and quality standards

ABS, Bureau Veritas

10

Safety Officer

$72,000

B.S., OSHA certification, 2–5 yrs exp.

Conduct audits, safety drills, compliance reports

HII, Austal USA, Bechtel

11

Welder

$55,000

High School + AWS Certification, 2–5 yrs exp.

Weld ship components using MIG/TIG/Arc techniques

Bollinger, Bath Iron Works

12

Shipfitter

$52,000

High School + Trade Cert., 2–4 yrs exp.

Assemble metal ship structures from blueprints

Austal USA, HII

13

Pipefitter

$54,000

High School + Piping Cert., 2–4 yrs exp.

Install and test onboard piping systems (water, oil, fuel)

Crowley, Bath Iron Works

14

Marine Electrician

$58,000

High School + Electrician License, 2–5 yrs

Install & repair electrical systems aboard vessels

Rolls-Royce, Wärtsilä

15

Machinist

$56,000

High School + Machine Shop Training, 2–5 yrs

Fabricate/repair ship parts using CNC, lathe, milling machines

HII, Fincantieri, GE Marine

16

Rigger

$50,000

High School + Rigging Cert., 1–3 yrs exp.

Set up rigging gear, move heavy equipment in shipyards

Austal USA, Bollinger

17

Procurement Specialist

$68,000

B.S. in Supply Chain/Logistics, 2–4 yrs exp.

Source ship components, manage vendors, procurement contracts

Wärtsilä, Technip, GE Marine

18

Logistics Coordinator

$60,000

B.S. in Logistics/Operations, 2–3 yrs exp.

Coordinate movement of parts, oversee inventory and deliveries

Crowley, MAN Energy

19

Test Engineer

$85,000

B.S. in Eng., 3–6 yrs exp. in system testing

Conduct sea trials, test propulsion and ship systems

Kongsberg, HII, GE Marine

20

Technical Writer

$66,000

B.A./B.S. in Tech Comm. or Engineering, 2–4 yrs exp.

Create manuals, procedures, compliance docs for marine equipment

ABS, Siemens, Bureau Veritas


Visa Options for Shipbuilding & Ship Machinery Jobs in USA
 

Visa Type

Who It's For

Duration

Eligibility & Use Case in Shipbuilding

H-1B

Skilled professionals in specialty occupations

3 years (extendable to 6)

Ideal for engineers (mechanical, marine, electrical), naval architects, CAD designers. Requires bachelor’s degree or higher.

L-1 (A/B)

Intra-company transferees (executives or specialists)

1–3 years (extendable to 5–7)

Suitable if you're working for a global marine company (e.g., Wärtsilä, MAN) and are transferred to a U.S. office.

H-2B

Temporary non-agricultural workers (seasonal/trade labor)

Up to 1 year (extendable to 3)

For shipyard trades: welders, fitters, riggers. Used by shipyards for peak seasons. Limited visa cap.

TN (USMCA)

Citizens of Canada or Mexico (NAFTA/USMCA professionals)

1–3 years (renewable)

Engineers and technicians from Mexico or Canada. Simple and fast process for qualifying occupations.

OPT (F-1)

Foreign students on U.S. student visa (Optional Practical Training)

1 year (plus 2 years for STEM)

For recent graduates in STEM fields (e.g., marine engineering) from U.S. universities. Great entry point to H-1B.

Green Card (EB-2/EB-3)

Permanent residency via employer sponsorship

Permanent

For highly skilled workers. EB-2 for advanced degrees; EB-3 for skilled trades or bachelor's degree holders.

J-1 Visa

Exchange visitor programs, internships, training

6–18 months (varies)

For internships or training in U.S. shipyards or marine engineering firms. Not for long-term employment.

O-1 Visa

Individuals with extraordinary ability (engineering, science)

3 years (renewable)

For top professionals with significant achievements in ship design, marine tech, or naval architecture.

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