A career at Colonna’s is one built on respect, pride, truth, and family.
Why work for us?
Colonna’s Shipyard is seeking skilled and enthusiastic craftsmen to join our team. Since 1875, we’ve recognized the value of a diverse workforce with the right blend of skills, experience, and education. We recruit and develop candidates at all levels for a variety of maritime industry careers. As one of America’s oldest shipyards, Colonna’s has built a reputation for excellence in ship repair, fabrication, and machining, while prioritizing a safe and productive work environment.
We value your skills, dedication, integrity, and honesty. Every team member’s contributions are respected, and we’re committed to your growth. We offer numerous job opportunities across skilled trades and professional careers, along with a competitive benefits package.
Colonna’s Shipyard is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate against any application for employment or employee because of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identify, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic prohibited under Federal, State, or local laws.
If a reasonable accommodation is needed for the application or interview process, please contact Talent Acquisition at talent@colonnaship.com or 757-545-2414 ext. 2640.
We Provide the Opportunity, You Take the First Step
Colonna’s Shipyard is committed to developing our workforce and training the next generation of leaders for our company.
Internships:
Recognized as a Top Virginia Employer for Interns, Colonna’s Shipyard offers flexible short-term, hands-on learning opportunities for students to gain experience in the ship repair industry. Interns experience a variety of different business operations including ship repair projects in both government and commercial programs, contracting, project management, and manufacturing. Interns will be involved in projects, assigned various work items, and work closely as part of team. Colonna’s Shipyard provides interns with real world experiences within a project-based organization to immediately apply and build upon their college learning experiences.
Qualifications:
- Must be 18 years of age or older.
- Must be currently enrolled in a certified degree program and a student in good standing at a four-year university, community college, or trade school.
- Preferred degree programs include Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Information Technology, and Business Administration.
- May also consider recent graduates.
- Ability to fluently read and write English, accurately perform intermediate mathematical functions, and use all on-site management software.
- Must have the ability to work as part of a team and have excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
- Must be detail-oriented, with excellent administrative/organizational abilities with strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Must successfully pass a pre-employment drug and physical screening.
Management Trainee Program:
An 18-month rotational program that exposes participants to all facets and departments within Colonna’s Shipyard and its divisions. Management Trainees are taught our core business of ship repair and industrial fabrication with an emphasis on project management.
During the first 12 months, the Management Trainees will rotate through the key trades and each of the project types. The following six months the Management Trainee is placed in the department or program that the individual and company deems the best fit. There the Management Trainee will experience what a career path in that position is like. Upon completion of the program, the Management Trainee will be promoted to Assistant Superintendent within one of Colonna’s divisions.
Qualifications:
- Must have a bachelor’s degree.
- Must be proficient with core Microsoft 365 programs (specifically Word, Excel, Outlook, Project).
- Must demonstrate strong communication; verbal and written.
- Must be able to work as part of a team.
- Must have regular, reliable attendance.
Desired Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree required (see above). Majors in Maritime, Operations, Engineering, Management, Business, or other closely related program preferred.
- Prefer strong analytical/problem-solving skills with well-developed administrative/organizational/detail orientation skills.
- Knowledge of the Maritime industry and its regulations, programs, policies, and practices is preferred.
Security Requirements:
- U.S. Citizenship required.
- Must successfully pass a background check and be able to obtain/maintain access credentials to include DBIDS (for various base and shipyard access).
- Must successfully pass a pre-employment drug and physical screening.
Apprenticeship Program:
Our registered apprenticeship program combines on-the-job training with college-level technical instruction to accelerate skill development in several in-demand trades. Apprentice graduates earn a Journeyworker credential and join our workforce as highly skilled professionals.Applications for Our Next Apprentice Cohort Open November 2025!
About the Apprenticeship Program:
Colonna’s Apprenticeship is a registered apprenticeship program that combines classroom/college level instruction with on-the-job training under the guidance of experienced educators, skilled tradespeople, and industry leaders.
This opportunity allows apprentices to earn while they learn and join the next generation of skilled craft workers!
For questions or additional information about the program, please contact us at Talent@ColonnaShip.com.
Program Minimum Qualifications:
- Must be a United States Citizen and at least 18 years of age or older.
- Must have a High School Diploma or GED.
- Must submit Virginia Placement Test (VPT) results dated after November 4, 2024 to abroemeling@colonnaship.com. To be eligible for an interview, the “Placement based upon results” must say:
o For Math: Eligible for MAT 111
o For English: Eligible for ENF 3, EDE 11 or ENG 111. - Must register and attend a virtual information session.
- Must demonstrate a reasonable amount of mechanical aptitude including the ability to read a ruler and perform accurate measurements.
- Must successfully pass a background check and be able to obtain/maintain access credentials to include DBIDS (for various base and shipyard access).
- Must successfully pass a pre-employment drug and physical screening.
- Must have a valid Virginia Driver’s License with a clean driving record.*
*Only required for Industrial Tank Cleaning Apprentices
Apprenticeship pathways may include:
- Inside Machinist
- Outside Machinist
- Marine Painter
- Marine Pipefitter
- Industrial Tank Cleaning
- Rigging
- Marine Electrician
- Combination Fitter/Welder
- Dry Dock Mechanic
- Quality Assurance
We are proud to offer our employees a comprehensive benefits package.
Health Insurance
Employees may enroll themselves and eligible dependents in group medical, dental, and vision insurance plans. These plans provide comprehensive coverage, including wellness and preventive coverage.
Life and Accidental Death and Dismemberment (“AD&D”) Insurance
CSI provides employees company-paid basic insurance that is payable to a designated beneficiary upon the employee’s death, or to the employee in the event of dismemberment. Employees are also given the opportunity to purchase additional insurance at group rates.
Disability
Short-Term and Long-Term disability programs are offered to employees to provide compensation in the event the employee is unable to work due to an injury or illness.
401k Retirement Plan
Eligible employees are offered the opportunity to participate in the Colonna’s Shipyard, Inc. Retirement Plan, which offers a diversified way to save for retirement. Employees may contribute pre-tax deferrals up to the annual IRS contribution limit; CSI offers a discretionary match on deferrals.
Paid Time Off
CSI provides employees flexible paid leave to handle personal needs such as time off for vacation, illness, doctor appointments, observed holidays, etc.
Tuition Reimbursement
Eligible employees may request reimbursement for approved courses that improve technical and professional skills.
Employee Assistance Program (“EAP”)
Employees and their household members are offered an Employee Assistance Program which provides access to counseling at no cost to the employee.
Legal Resources
Employees may elect to participate in a pre-paid legal services program which provides 100% coverage for certain legal services and a 25% discount on non-covered services.