Entering the machining trade in Norfolk, VA, often begins with an apprenticeship, blending hands-on experience with classroom instruction, allowing individuals to gain practical skills while earning. Apprenticeships typically last four to five years and involve extensive training under experienced professionals. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there are approximately 288,789 machinists nationwide, with 15,448 active job openings. The average machinist salary in Norfolk, VA, is around $42,147 annually, with experienced professionals often earning over $108,000 per year. Apprenticeships in Norfolk offer an average wage of $428.18 per week, with an annual overtime average of $4,852. Vocational schools, unions, and specialized training programs provide pathways to apprenticeships, leading to a rewarding career with significant earning potential.
Now Hiring: Inside & Outside Machinists Hampton Roads, VA | Full-Time | $24–$28/hr Avail Staffing is seeking experienced Inside and Outside Machinists to support critical fabrication, repair, and maintenance work across shipyard and manufacturing environments. This is a dynamic, hands-on opportunity for skilled tradespeople looking to expand their careers in a high-demand industry. Position Summary As an Inside/Outside Machinist, you will perform a variety of precision machining and mechanical tasks. From setting up and operating shop machines to installing and aligning propulsion and auxiliary systems aboard U.S. Naval vessels, you’ll play a vital role in keeping operations running smoothly and efficiently. Key Responsibilities Inside Machining • Set up and operate lathes, mills, drill presses, grinders, jig borers, and boring machines • Read blueprints, sketches, and technical documents to determine machining requirements • Measure and inspect parts using precision tools (micrometers, calipers, depth gauges, etc.) • Perform threading, finish machining, and part assembly • Troubleshoot equipment malfunctions and perform maintenance • Complete accurate Condition Found Reports (CFRs) • Maintain a clean, safe work environment Outside Machining (Shipboard) • Remove, install, align, and overhaul propulsion and auxiliary equipment including: • Pumps, compressors, condensers, blowers, cranes, elevators, firefighting systems, cargo gear • Install and repair machinery foundations and major shipboard systems • Conduct dock and sea trials for newly installed equipment • Use optical alignment and precision measuring tools • Follow NAVSEA and ABS specifications using blueprints and schematics Requirements • Inside Machinist: 5+ years operating manual or CNC machines • Outside Machinist: 5+ years working on NAVSEA/ABS-certified vessels • Ability to read and interpret technical drawings and specifications • Skilled in the use of calipers, micrometers, height/depth gauges, and optical tools • Strong mechanical aptitude and shop math skills • Must provide own tools and maintain dependable attendance • Willingness to work day shifts, overtime, and weekends as needed • Able to pass background check and obtain DBIDS badge Why Join Avail Staffing? • Competitive Pay: $24–$28/hour based on experience • Long-Term Work: 40–50 hours/week with growth potential • Referral Program • Work on high-profile U.S. Navy projects • A recruiter will reach out within 48 hours of application Apply Today Take your career to the next level with a company that values your trade skills. Whether you're a seasoned machinist in the shop or shipyard, we want to hear from you! Job Type: Full-time Pay: $24.00 - $28.00 per hour Expected hours: 40 – 50 per week Benefits: • Referral program Schedule: • 8 hour shift • Day shift • Overtime • Weekends as needed Shift availability: • Day Shift (Preferred) Ability to Commute: • Norfolk, VA 23510 (Required) Ability to Relocate: • Norfolk, VA 23510: Relocate before starting work (Required) Work Location: In person
See More Details >>Job purpose Inside Machinists operate various machines (manual and/or CNC) such as; lathes, mills, vertical machining centers, horizontal boring mills, etc. Inside machinists troubleshoot operations and take appropriate actions to correct. The machinists perform quality inspections, verifying dimensions of work piece are in accordance with drawing specifications. Master, 1st, 2nd and 3rd class levels are based on proficiency, knowledge, skills and abilities. This job description applies to all positions listed below: Master Class: 1st Class: 2nd Class: 3rd Class: Duties and responsibilities The Machinist shall have completed a formal machinist training course at a Vocational Technical School or have completed an apprenticeship at a company or organization with a formal machinist training program. He or she shall have good math skills with proficiency in descriptive geometry, trigonometry, algebra and Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerance’s. The Machinist shall be knowledgeable concerning vertical milling operations, lathe operations, grinding, sawing and good shop practices. He or she shall be proficient at reading and interpreting engineering drawings. CNC Programming experience using Mastercam or similar software. With a full understanding of G&M codes. Must be able to perform setups adjustments and operate CNC 3 Axis and 5 Axis Machines according to instructions with limited or no supervision. Sets up and operates a variety of machine tools such as lathes, milling machines, shapers, planers, and precision grinders to make metal parts, mechanisms, tools, or machines to exacting tolerances and dimensions. Interprets blueprints, sketches, and engineering specifications; determines sequence of operations, number of cuts required, and method of setup; uses a variety of machinist's hand tools and precision measuring instruments; makes standard shop computations relating to dimensions of work, tooling, feeds, and speeds; measures, marks, and scribes dimensions and reference points to lay out stock for machining; fits and assembles precision parts into mechanical equipment and determines material, parts, and equipment required. May modify numerically controlled programs on numerically controlled (NC) machines. May monitor and verify quality in accordance with statistical process or other control procedures. Typically requires completion of a formal apprenticeship or equivalent training and experience. • Machines, fabricates, refurbishes, and completes mechanical repair and testing in the shop and onboard ships. • Performs machine repairs, manufactures, removals, repairs, overhauls, installations, alignments, troubleshoots, modifies, and tests on various ship’s components. • Determines speeds and feeds, coolants, lubricants or abrasives to be used to cut, turn, drill, mill, bore, tap, thread, ream, lap, hone, shape, and grind or finish item. • Machines materials such as Stainless steels 300/400 series, Monel, K-Monel, copper, brass, nylon, Teflon, 6061-T6 Aluminum, 4140, 4130, various plastics. • Uses shop mathematics including trigonometry and geometry and hold tolerances .0001 of an inch. • Maintains dimensional accuracy by inspection of part using various precision measuring instruments, including, but not limited to, sine plates, comparator, micrometers, calipers, v-blocks, angle plates, indicators, dial height gage, go/no-go gages, thread gages, surface gages and other measuring tools. • Utilizes lathe turning tools, boring bars, inner diameter (ID) groovers, outer diameter (OD) groovers, part off tools, facing tools, special tools, knurling tools. • Sets up and operates conventional machine tools, including horizontal lathes, vertical turret lathes, horizontal boring machines, radial arm drills, vertical and horizontal milling machines, bench grinders, • ID and OD grinders, surface grinders, jig boring machines, hones, and other manual machine tools as required. Competencies • Technical Capacity • Communication Proficiency • Problem Solving/Analysis • Initiative • Results Driven • Thoroughness • Time Management. • Strong Mathematics skills Work Environment Work is regularly performed in outside weather conditions, including rain and extreme heat, near moving mechanical parts and includes occasional exposure to wet and/or humid conditions and to vibration. Physical Demands The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. The employee is required to sit; climb or balance; and stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 50 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 70 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus. The employee performs heavy repair work that could involve climbing, rigging, stooping, bending in confined spaces and exposure to high pressure steam and other fluids. Must be able to withstand extreme weather conditions (hot and cold). Position Type/ Expected Hours of Work This is a full-time position. Days and hours of work could be Sunday through Sunday. This position periodically requires long hours and weekend work and nights. Regular and predictable on-site attendance is an essential function and a prerequisite to perform other essential functions of the position. Travel Travel is primarily local during the business day, although periodic out-of-the-area and overnight travel may be expected. Required Education and Experience • High school degree or equivalent • Apprentice or trade school • Master Class – 7+ years of exp. in trade, 1st Class – 5+ years of exp. in trade, 2nd Class – 3+ years of exp. in trade, 3rd Class – 1+ years of exp. in trade • Verifiable marine or industrial experience. • Obtain and maintain a Confidential Clearance and base access credentials. • Sound interpersonal skills needed to interface, coordinate with company personnel, customers, and outside contacts • Ability to pass PQS 301 Craftsmen qualifications, if given. • Ability to read schematics, blue prints, technical manuals and repair standards • Ability to read, interpret, and follow detailed written instructions, MRC cards or drawings Preferred Education or Experience Education based on requirements that are job-related and consistent with the business necessity. • Must provide own hand tools as designated per trades specialty Additional Eligibility Qualifications • Must be able to work ALL assigned shift hours as production needs dictate. • Must be able to learn to read, interpret and utilize blueprints. • Must be able to use a variety of tools and measuring devices during this process. • This is an industrial environment involving extreme heights, confined spaces, physical labor and various weather conditions within a shipyard environment. • Must be able to pass Physical Agility Test. AAP/EEO Statement Equal Employment Opportunity has been, and continues to be, a fundamental principle at Lyon Shipyard, Inc. It is the company's policy that opportunities be available to all persons without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, disability, citizenship status, or any other category protected under state or local law. This policy applies to employees and applicants and to all phases of employment including hiring, promotion, demotion, and treatment during employment, rates of pay or other forms of compensation, and termination of employment. Lyon Shipyard is proud to be a drug free workplace. Other Duties Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
See More Details >>Now Hiring: Inside & Outside Machinists Hampton Roads, VA | Full-Time | $24–$28/hr Avail Staffing is seeking experienced Inside and Outside Machinists to support critical fabrication, repair, and maintenance work across shipyard and manufacturing environments. This is a dynamic, hands-on opportunity for skilled tradespeople looking to expand their careers in a high-demand industry. Position Summary As an Inside/Outside Machinist, you will perform a variety of precision machining and mechanical tasks. From setting up and operating shop machines to installing and aligning propulsion and auxiliary systems aboard U.S. Naval vessels, you’ll play a vital role in keeping operations running smoothly and efficiently. Key Responsibilities Inside Machining • Set up and operate lathes, mills, drill presses, grinders, jig borers, and boring machines • Read blueprints, sketches, and technical documents to determine machining requirements • Measure and inspect parts using precision tools (micrometers, calipers, depth gauges, etc.) • Perform threading, finish machining, and part assembly • Troubleshoot equipment malfunctions and perform maintenance • Complete accurate Condition Found Reports (CFRs) • Maintain a clean, safe work environment Outside Machining (Shipboard) • Remove, install, align, and overhaul propulsion and auxiliary equipment including: • * Pumps, compressors, condensers, blowers, cranes, elevators, firefighting systems, cargo gear • Install and repair machinery foundations and major shipboard systems • Conduct dock and sea trials for newly installed equipment • Use optical alignment and precision measuring tools • Follow NAVSEA and ABS specifications using blueprints and schematics Requirements • Inside Machinist: 5+ years operating manual or CNC machines • Outside Machinist: 5+ years working on NAVSEA/ABS-certified vessels • Ability to read and interpret technical drawings and specifications • Skilled in the use of calipers, micrometers, height/depth gauges, and optical tools • Strong mechanical aptitude and shop math skills • Must provide own tools and maintain dependable attendance • Willingness to work day shifts, overtime, and weekends as needed • Able to pass background check and obtain DBIDS badge Why Join Avail Staffing? • Competitive Pay: $24–$28/hour based on experience • Long-Term Work: 40–50 hours/week with growth potential • Referral Program • Work on high-profile U.S. Navy projects • A recruiter will reach out within 48 hours of application Apply Today Take your career to the next level with a company that values your trade skills. Whether you're a seasoned machinist in the shop or shipyard, we want to hear from you!
See More Details >>