What General Dynamics NASSCO Does

General Dynamics NASSCO is a shipyard in San Diego, California, that designs and builds large naval vessels for the U.S. Navy. The company specializes in amphibious transport dock ships (called LPD-17 class ships) and supply ships (called T-AKE class ships). NASSCO stands for National Steel and Shipbuilding Company, and it has been operating since 1974. The yard employs thousands of workers in skilled trades, engineering, and management roles.

NASSCO operates as a division of General Dynamics, one of the largest defense contractors in the United States. The shipyard receives contracts directly from the U.S. Navy to build vessels according to military specifications. Each ship takes several years to construct and involves hundreds of different job roles, from welders and electricians to naval architects and project managers.

Key Takeaways

  • NASSCO is located in San Diego and builds amphibious transport dock ships and supply ships for the U.S. Navy under long-term contracts.
  • The shipyard employs thousands of workers in skilled trades, engineering, quality control, and administrative positions that typically require trade certifications or college degrees.
  • Jobs at NASSCO often require U.S. citizenship or permanent residency and a security clearance due to the defense contracting nature of the work.
  • The company hires through its careers website and works with local trade unions and apprenticeship programs to fill positions.
  • Pay rates vary by position and experience, but skilled trades at NASSCO typically pay above the local average due to union representation and federal contract requirements.

Types of Jobs Available at NASSCO

NASSCO hires for three broad categories of work: production (the people who build the ships), engineering and design, and support functions. Production roles include welders, electricians, pipefitters, machinists, and structural workers. These positions require trade certifications or apprenticeships, often obtained through union programs or community colleges. Many production workers at NASSCO are members of the International Association of Bridge, Structural, Ornamental and Reinforcing Iron Workers or other maritime trade unions.

Engineering roles include naval architects, systems engineers, mechanical engineers, and electrical engineers. These positions typically require a bachelor's degree in engineering or a related field. Support functions include quality assurance inspectors, planners, schedulers, human resources staff, and administrative workers. The shipyard also hires for specialized roles like welding inspectors, non-destructive testing technicians, and safety coordinators.

Entry-level positions at NASSCO often go to people with high school diplomas who are willing to enter apprenticeships or trade programs. The company works with local community colleges and union training programs to develop workers from the ground up. Experienced workers from other shipyards or manufacturing facilities can also move into NASSCO roles if they meet security and citizenship requirements.

How to Find and explore for NASSCO Jobs

NASSCO posts open positions on the General Dynamics careers website (generaldynamics.com/careers) and on the NASSCO-specific jobs page. You can search by job title, location, or job category. The site allows you to create an account, upload your resume, and track applications you have submitted. Job postings include the position title, a description of daily responsibilities, required qualifications, and the salary range or hourly wage.

You can also contact NASSCO's human resources department directly by phone or email. The shipyard sometimes works with local workforce development agencies and union hiring halls to fill positions, especially for apprenticeships and entry-level trades. If you are interested in a specific trade, reaching out to the relevant union local in San Diego can connect you to training programs and job leads.

The process process typically includes submitting a resume, completing an online process form, and passing a background check and drug screening. For positions that involve access to classified information or sensitive areas of the shipyard, you will need to obtain a security clearance, which can take several weeks to several months. NASSCO will inform you during the hiring process whether a clearance is required for your position.

Security Clearance and Citizenship Requirements

Most positions at NASSCO require U.S. citizenship or permanent residency because the company works on defense contracts for the federal government. Some roles, particularly those involving classified information or restricted areas of the shipyard, require a Secret or Top Secret security clearance. The clearance process involves a background investigation by the Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency (DCSA) and can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months, depending on the level of clearance needed.

To obtain a clearance, you must have lived in the United States for a certain period (usually at least three years), have no serious criminal history, and pass a financial background check. NASSCO and General Dynamics handle the clearance paperwork, but you are responsible for providing accurate information and disclosing any relevant history. If you have questions about whether you meet the citizenship or clearance requirements for a specific job, ask during the process process or contact NASSCO's human resources department.

Pay, Benefits, and Working Conditions

Pay at NASSCO varies by position, experience level, and whether the role is union or non-union. Production workers in skilled trades typically earn hourly wages that reflect union contracts negotiated between General Dynamics and maritime unions. These wages are generally higher than the San Diego area average for similar work, partly because federal defense contracts have wage requirements. Engineers and salaried positions receive annual salaries, benefits packages, and retirement contributions.

NASSCO offers health insurance, dental and vision coverage, a 401(k) retirement plan, paid time off, and tuition reimbursement for employees pursuing further education. Union workers receive additional benefits negotiated through their union contracts, such as pension plans and job security provisions. The shipyard also provides safety training and personal protective equipment for all workers on the production floor.

Working at a shipyard involves physical demands and safety hazards. You will work in loud environments, at heights, around heavy machinery, and with hazardous materials. NASSCO has an occupational safety program and requires all workers to follow safety protocols. The work is often shift-based, and production schedules can require overtime, especially when a ship is nearing completion or launch.

NASSCO's Role in the Defense Industry and Job Stability

NASSCO's business depends on contracts awarded by the U.S. Navy. The company typically works on multi-year contracts to build a series of ships, which provides some job stability. However, contract awards can change based on federal budget decisions, military priorities, and competition from other shipyards. When a contract ends or a ship is completed, the shipyard may reduce its workforce or shift workers to new projects.

The U.S. Navy has historically maintained a steady demand for amphibious transport ships and supply vessels, and NASSCO has been awarded contracts to build additional ships in recent years. The shipyard's long history and reputation for quality work make it a stable employer in San Diego, but like all defense contractors, it is subject to the ups and downs of federal spending and military strategy.

Training and Apprenticeship Programs

If you do not have a trade background, NASSCO and General Dynamics work with local organizations to offer apprenticeships and training programs. The San Diego Workforce Partnership and local community colleges offer welding, electrical, and pipefitting programs that can prepare you for entry-level positions at the shipyard. Union locals in the San Diego area also run apprenticeship programs that combine classroom instruction with on-the-job training.

Some of these programs are free or low-cost and may include wage support while you train. Completing an apprenticeship typically takes three to five years, during which you earn while you learn. After completing an apprenticeship, you become a journeyperson in your trade and can work at NASSCO or other shipyards and construction sites. NASSCO sometimes hires apprentices directly and allows them to complete their training while working at the yard.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to live in San Diego to work at NASSCO?

No, but most workers do live in or near San Diego because the shipyard is located there. Some workers commute from surrounding areas in Southern California. If you are relocating to take a job at NASSCO, the company does not typically provide relocation information, but you can contact human resources to ask about any programs that may be available.

What is the difference between a union and non-union job at NASSCO?

Union jobs are covered by collective bargaining agreements that set wages, benefits, and working conditions. Non-union positions (typically engineering and administrative roles) have individual employment agreements. Union jobs generally offer higher wages and stronger job protections, while non-union positions may offer different career advancement paths and benefits structures.

How long does it take to get hired at NASSCO?

The timeline depends on the position and whether a security clearance is required. For non-clearance positions, hiring can take two to four weeks from process to start date. If a clearance is required, add several weeks to several months for the background investigation. NASSCO will keep you informed of the timeline during the process.

Can I transfer to other General Dynamics locations if I work at NASSCO?

General Dynamics has shipyards and facilities in other locations, and internal transfers are sometimes possible. However, you would need to meet the requirements for the new position and location, including any different security clearance levels. Contact human resources to learn about transfer opportunities within the company.

What happens if I lose my security clearance?

If your clearance is revoked or suspended, you may no longer be able to work in your current position. NASSCO would typically move you to a non-clearance role if one is available, or your employment could be terminated. Clearances can be suspended or revoked for criminal activity, financial problems, dishonesty, or other issues. If you have concerns about your clearance status, speak with your supervisor or human resources when ready.