A Training and Development Specialist directs education or staff training programs for a company, such as large firms or distributorships, or private post-secondary educational providers.
Newport News, VA Job Details Full-time 12 hours ago Benefits Relocation assistance Qualifications Mechanical blueprint interpretation Drill presses High school diploma or GED Mechanical drawings Dimensional measurements Precision measurement in machining Milling machines
Full Job Description Shipboard Manual Machining Training Specialist Location:
Newport News, VA Position Type:
Full-Time | 1st
Shift Relocation Assistance:
Available Travel:
None A day in this role Your morning begins on the shop floor—reviewing a training plan, checking a lathe setup, and walking a small group through safe start-up procedures. By mid-morning, you're interpreting a complex blueprint with trainees, translating tolerances into real-world micrometer readings. After lunch, you pivot to the classroom for a mini-lesson on shaft alignment, then head back to the deck plates to coach live installations on shipboard equipment. You close the day documenting progress, updating qualification records, and conferring with production leadership on tomorrow's priorities. What you'll do Lead hands-on and instructor-led training that spans outside machining and shipboard mechanical tasks.
Teach core manual machining processes:
turning on engine lathes, milling (vertical/horizontal), drilling, and boring. Coach precision measurement and alignment techniques using micrometers, calipers, and dial indicators. Guide trainees in reading blueprints, technical drawings, and work packages, and applying them at the machine and onboard. Create and continually refine lesson plans, exercises, and job aids to match evolving production needs. Embed safety, quality, and shipyard procedures into every session and on-the-floor coaching moment. Assess skills through practical demonstrations, quizzes, and performance check-offs; track results accurately. Collaborate with supervisors and leads to pinpoint skill gaps and tailor training interventions. Provide real-time coaching at the point of work to reinforce best practices and drive efficiency. Who thrives here High School Diploma or GED holder.
One of the following pathways:
6+ years as an outside machinist/manual machinist, or an apprenticeship/technical degree with relevant shop experience. Depth in manual machining operations (lathe, mill, drill, boring) and shipboard mechanical installation/troubleshooting. Comfort with precision tools and alignment methods; confident interpreting drawings and specs. Clear communicator who enjoys mentoring in an industrial/shipyard setting. Preferred experience Background as a trainer, instructor, lead, or foreman. Exposure to shipbuilding, naval, or heavy industry. Hands-on work with shaft alignment, pumps, valves, turbines, or propulsion equipment. Familiarity with NAVSEA standards or comparable quality frameworks. Experience designing or facilitating structured training programs. Work setting Active shipyard environment with heavy machinery and equipment, confined spaces, heat, noise, and physically demanding tasks. Regular standing, climbing, and hands-on demonstration are required. Impact and opportunity Develop specialized machinists who support mission-critical naval systems. Influence quality, safety, and production outcomes across key programs. Build a long-term career with a leading defense contractor on stable, meaningful work. Where you'll support Support a premier shipbuilding operation in the Charleston area while based in Newport News, VA.
Compliance Work Authorization:
U.S. Citizenship Required Proficiencies you'll leverage Blueprint Reading Boring mill Drill press Engine Lathe Instruction and facilitation Micrometers and precision measurement Shipboard operations Shipboard mechanical systems Teaching and coaching Vertical/Horizontal milling machines NAVSEA systems
