About the role#
This is a paid, full-time student position at General Dynamics NASSCO. You will begin with three weeks of training that combines classroom instruction with hands-on work at the shipyard. The program covers marine coatings, surface preparation, and safety compliance. After this initial phase, you will move through four steps of trainee progression, gaining production experience and technical knowledge to work toward a journeyman position.
What you'll do#
- Study marine coatings and corrosion theory to protect ship structures from seawater.
- Learn surface preparation standards to clean and treat metal before painting.
- Operate industrial machinery like grinders and buffers using safe practices.
- Apply masking and containment techniques to protect equipment.
- Mix and apply coatings following specific Product Data Sheets.
- Inspect work to identify and prevent paint defects.
- Follow regulations for handling and disposing of hazardous materials.
What you'll need#
- At least two years of continuous, verifiable employment or training.
- Ability to understand and follow verbal and written instructions in English.
- Mechanical aptitude for disassembling and reassembling parts.
- High school education or equivalent is preferred.
- Prior trade training or experience in construction or manufacturing is helpful.
- Knowledge of Navy and commercial construction standards is a plus.
- Physical ability to lift 50 lbs, climb ladders, and work in confined spaces or at heights.
- Ability to work all shifts, including exposure to noise, fumes, and various weather conditions.
Location & details#
- Location: San Diego, California.
- Work Modality: On-site.
- Term: Rolling.
- Compensation: $19.60 per hour.
About General Dynamics NASSCO
General Dynamics NASSCO operates as a shipbuilding company with roots dating back to 1959. It maintains facilities on both the West and East Coasts of the United States. The company designs and constructs auxiliary ships for the U.S. Navy alongside commercial oil tankers and dry cargo carriers. It also provides repair services for the Navy across multiple locations including San Diego, Norfolk, Mayport, and Bremerton.
How to get in at General Dynamics NASSCO
Applying early gives you a distinct advantage at General Dynamics NASSCO because recruiters review applications before the pile grows too large. Intern Insider sends an instant alert the moment a role matching your target is published anywhere, so you can be among the first to apply. This helps you avoid the frustration of submitting your resume to an already full queue. You can reach out to the recruiters behind General Dynamics NASSCO roles directly to ask about the position or a referral, which materially improves your response rates. Intern Insider surfaces these contacts for you, allowing you to bypass generic portals and connect with the people actually hiring for the team.
