Riggers & Stage Builders
Moving What Matters
Riggers and stage builders work hand in hand. As a rigger, you’ll operate cranes and forklifts throughout the shipyard These shipbuilders also operate the shipyard’s tugboats and mooring ships. In this position, you’ll handle every component of a ship. As a stage builder, you’ll support the construction, installation and dismantling of scaffolding systems used in shipbuilding. These shipbuilders transport, organize and stage materials such as planks, pipes, couplers and ladders.
There are openings for experienced and entry-level riggers and stage builders. If you don’t have experience, we’ll train you!
What You'll Do
Handle various components throughout the yard.
Safely transport materials.
Collaborate with other trades to complete projects.
Help build the most powerful ships in the world.
Discover What it's Like to be a Shipbuilder
Voices From the Yard
“I was a boatswain’s mate in the Navy and when I got out, I decided to stay in Virginia. I learned about the shipyard and thought it would be a good fit. ”
Keith Mack
Rigger
“Stage builders serve as support rather than direct application. It allows you to see the build from the ground up, to see the structure grow through the entire process. ”
Eduardo Trinidad
Stage Builder
“This was the job I wanted to get into. I love building things with my hands, and with staging you can see it as you build – like Legos for adults”
James West
Stage Builder
“My work matters because at the end of the day, lives are going to depend on these ships. We’ve got to put in quality work. It takes a lot of thought and planning to put these ships together.”
Dezmond Harrell
Crane Rigger and Operator
“I was a boatswain’s mate in the Navy and when I got out, I decided to stay in Virginia. I learned about the shipyard and thought it would be a good fit. ”
Keith Mack
Rigger
“Stage builders serve as support rather than direct application. It allows you to see the build from the ground up, to see the structure grow through the entire process. ”
Eduardo Trinidad
Stage Builder
“This was the job I wanted to get into. I love building things with my hands, and with staging you can see it as you build – like Legos for adults”
James West
Stage Builder
“My work matters because at the end of the day, lives are going to depend on these ships. We’ve got to put in quality work. It takes a lot of thought and planning to put these ships together.”
Dezmond Harrell
Crane Rigger and Operator
Shipbuilders in Action
