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Irving Shipbuilding Graduate Development Program

Halifax, Nova Scotia
Mid Level
full_time

About the role

Job Description Kickstart your career with Irving Shipbuilding’s Graduate Development Program! We are seeking seven engineering graduates across various disciplines and three non-engineering graduates (Commerce, Business Administration, Computer Science, Supply Chain and Logistics, or other related fields) to be a part of this program.

If you graduated in 2025 or are set to graduate in Spring of 2026, don't miss out on this exciting opportunity that only happens every two years!

Responsibilities Over two exciting years, you’ll rotate through four key departments, gaining hands-on experience and a deep understanding of how our operations connect. You’ll explore your career interests, build a strong professional network, and join a select group of 10 high-potential grads shaping the future of Canadian shipbuilding.

Experience a fast-paced environment where you’ll tackle challenging technical work and lead meaningful projects. As part of Irving Shipbuilding’s Graduate Development Program, you’ll connect with senior leaders and industry experts, receive personalized coaching from a dedicated Program Coordinator, and explore diverse career paths. With continuous learning, role-specific training, and professional development built into the program, you’ll be set up for long-term success.

Qualifications

  • Engineering Stream: Applicants must have completed or are on track to complete an undergraduate degree in Engineering, such as Mechanical, Electrical, Industrial, or Naval Architectural Engineering.
  • General Stream: Applicants must have completed or are on track to complete an undergraduate degree in any non-engineering discipline, such as Business Administration, Commerce, Computer Science, Supply Chain and Logistics, or other related fields.
  • A strong interest in working in a fast-paced, production-oriented environment.
  • Demonstrated leadership through work experience or extracurricular involvement.
  • Solid academic performance and a commitment to excellence.
  • A passion for shipbuilding and a desire to grow within the industry.
  • Excellent communication, interpersonal, and problem-solving skills.
  • An innovative mindset focused on continuous improvement and fresh ideas.
  • All successful applicants must meet requirements for Canadian Controlled Goods Program (CGP), Canadian Government Security clearance, and U.S. International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR).

Additional Application Requirements:

  • In conjunction with your resume, please ensure to include a detailed cover letter that outlines your qualifications and experiences that would make you a great candidate for this program.
  • Proof of education (Please attach an official or unofficial transcript if still in school and photo of diploma).
  • To support your application, please include one letter of reference from either an academic advisor, professor, or professional supervisor who can speak to your qualifications, character, and potential for success in a high-performance environment. This reference should highlight your leadership, work ethic, and readiness to contribute meaningfully to Irving Shipbuilding’s Graduate Development Program.

To Apply for this Career Opportunity: Please submit your completed application online by end of day January 2, 2026. As this is an extremely competitive program, please ensure to include any previous work experience, co-op experience (if applicable) and all extra-curricular involvement within your resume and cover letter.

Interviews will commence in January of 2026, and full-time employment will be starting in Spring of 2026.

We appreciate your interest in this opportunity, however only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.

About Us Founded in 1882, J.D. Irving, Limited (JDI) has operations in Canada and the United States and are a team of 20,000 dedicated employees. At J.D. Irving, Limited, you are part of a dynamic team of professionals who lead with integrity and are passionate about delivering results. With a culture that nurtures talent and creates an inclusive workplace, you can grow your career across our various operating divisions.

We are committed to creating accessible environments for our colleagues, candidates, and customers. Requests for accommodation due to a disability (which may be visible or invisible, temporary, or permanent) can be made at any stage of application and employment. We encourage candidates to make their accommodation needs known so that we can provide equitable opportunities.

Worried you do not meet all the requirements? Studies have shown that many applicants apply only to job opportunities when they feel they meet 100% of the criteria. We promote an inclusive environment where everyone is appreciated, recognized, and empowered to contribute fully. If you are interested in this position but are worried you did not meet all the requirements, we would encourage you to still apply.

We appreciate your interest in our company however only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.

About The Team Irving Shipbuilding is proud to be Canada's National Shipbuilder. Our team is constructing more than 20 modern patrol ships and destroyers for the Royal Canadian Navy and Canadian Coast Guard as part of the largest defence procurement project in Canadian history.

By joining our team of more than 2,400 shipbuilders, you can enjoy a dynamic and exciting career with a company dedicated to your success, development, and safety.

At Irving Shipbuilding, we're making history - why not make it with us? Learn more about careers at Irving Shipbuilding: shipsforcanada.ca/opportunities.

We invite applications from all qualified candidates, including racially visible persons, women in underrepresented roles, persons with disabilities, Indigenous persons, and members of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, and encourage applicants to self-identify.

About Irving Shipbuilding

Shipbuilding
1001-5000

Irving Shipbuilding Inc. is the most modern shipbuilder and in-service ship support provider in North America. Headquartered in Halifax, Nova Scotia, our skilled team and innovative facilities provide efficient building, fabrication, conversion and servicing of vessels and offshore platforms. As Canada’s National Shipbuilder, Irving Shipbuilding Inc. is working with the Royal Canadian Navy on the next class of River Class Destroyers and Arctic and Offshore Patrol Ship (AOPS) vessels under the National Shipbuilding Strategy (NSS). We are proud to continue our long history as a trusted partner in Canadian shipbuilding.

Irving Shipbuilding Inc. is a member of the J.D. Irving, Limited group of companies, a diverse family owned company with operations in Canada and the United States.

Learn more at www.ShipsforCanada.ca.

If you are interested in a career with Irving Shipbuilding visit www.ShipsforCanada.ca/Careers