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.
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.
Jobs in this field often come with competitive pay, union support, and comprehensive benefits packages, especially in government contracts and defense-related projects.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Naval Architect – Designs ships and marine vessels for structural integrity, stability, and performance.
Marine Engineer – Focuses on systems such as propulsion, electrical, HVAC, and steering.
Mechanical Engineer – Designs and maintains ship machinery like engines, turbines, and pumps.
Electrical Engineer – Works on power systems, automation, and onboard electronics.
Systems Engineer – Integrates various subsystems into a cohesive vessel platform.
CAD Designer / Drafter – Uses 2D and 3D modeling tools to produce ship design blueprints.
Welder – Joins metal parts using specialized welding techniques used in marine structures.
Shipfitter – Cuts, shapes, and assembles metal components for hulls and structural frames.
Pipefitter – Installs and repairs piping systems for fuel, water, and hydraulics onboard.
Electrician (Marine) – Installs and maintains electrical wiring and systems on ships.
Machinist – Operates machines to fabricate metal parts used in ship machinery.
Rigger – Handles lifting and moving heavy ship parts using cranes and rigging gear.
Project Manager (Shipbuilding) – Oversees planning, scheduling, and coordination of ship construction projects.
Production Supervisor – Manages daily shop-floor operations in shipyards.
Quality Assurance Inspector – Ensures that materials and workmanship meet naval or commercial standards.
Health & Safety Officer – Maintains safety protocols and ensures compliance with OSHA and maritime regulations.
Procurement Specialist – Sources parts, equipment, and materials for ship construction.
Inventory Manager – Oversees warehouse and stock control for shipbuilding projects.
Logistics Coordinator – Manages transport of components and finished vessels.
Test Engineer – Runs sea trials and system tests to verify ship performance.
Commissioning Specialist – Ensures systems are operational before handover to the client or Navy.
Hydrodynamics Specialist – Works on fluid flow modeling to improve hull performance.
Green Propulsion Engineer – Focuses on electric, hybrid, or alternative-fuel ship technologies.
Autonomous Systems Developer – Develops software and systems for unmanned vessels and onboard automation.
Technical Writer – Prepares documentation, manuals, and specifications for ship systems.
Contract Administrator – Manages shipbuilding contracts, budgets, and client communications.
Human Resources (Shipyard) – Handles recruitment, training, and compliance for the workforce.
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 |
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. |
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. |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 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. |