Join our team building ships in Canada for the next 30 years

Halifax Shipyard will build 15 Canadian Surface Combatants based on BAE Systems’ Global Combat Ship.

Irving Shipbuilding has a proud history as Canada’s shipbuilder. We have built over 80% of Canada’s current naval fleet and our Halifax Shipyard has been at the forefront of Canadian Shipbuilding for over 130 years.

We are the most modern shipbuilder and in-service support provider in North America and we’re growing our team to help revitalize Canada’s combatant fleet.

Over the next 30 years, we’ll construct 23 modern patrol ships and surface combatants for the Royal Canadian Navy and Canadian Coast Guard. More than $400 million has been invested in our world-class team, facilities and technology, making us North America’s most modern shipyard.

  • 30 years of employment building up to 23 modern patrol vessels and surface combatants
  • Opportunity to become a Canadian citizen
  • Work in the most innovative and efficient shipbuilding facility in North America
  • Join a skilled, globally diverse team

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.


Why join Irving Shipbuilding?

At Irving Shipbuilding, we are committed to building the best ships, with the best workforce in the best facilities. By joining our team of more than 2,000 shipbuilders you can enjoy a dynamic, diverse and family friendly career with a company dedicated to your success, health, wellness and safety.

Irving Shipbuilding is proud to provide our workforce with stable, good paying jobs you can raise a family and build a future on.

What we offer you and your family:

  • Travel to Halifax, Nova Scotia for you and your family.
  • Immigration support and assistance through to permanent residency.
  • Assistance integrating into the community.
  • Buddy program to ease transition into the workforce.
  • Generous relocation package.

All successful applicants must be proficient in English and meet requirements for Canadian Controlled Goods Program (CGP), Canadian Security clearance, and United States International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR).


North America’s most modern shipyard

Since 2012, Irving Shipbuilding has invested over $400 million to create the most modern, innovative and cost effective shipbuilding facility in North America.

Our facilities are custom designed for the efficient building of Canada’s naval ships. At 408 metres in length and 46 metres in height, our Assembly and Ultra Hall facilities provide the largest undercover shipbuilding operation in North America.



  • A dedicated steel fabrication facility in neighbouring Dartmouth, Nova Scotia providing over 9,000 square metres for steel burning, cutting, forming and fabrication services
  • A steel assembly area containing a 12 metre wide panel line and sub-assembly area
  • 11 unit assembly/pre-oufit/3D unit workstations
  • Two state of the art paint booths designed for painting of outfitted units
  • A 47 metre high Ultra Hall facility used for Block and Mega Block Assembly
  • A state of the art weld fume extraction system that allows for 100 simultaneous welding operations while maintaining safe air quality
  • A newly constructed land level construction point where final ship erection will occur prior to launch
  • A service outfitting pier (165 metres in length) located alongside the land level construction point
  • The best and newest technology on projects that will span 30+ years

Testimonials from International Recruits

About Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada

Halifax, the capital city of Nova Scotia, is vibrant and bustling with activity. Consistently ranked as one of the best places to live in Canada, it is safe, affordable and home to a diverse population of over 431,000. Halifax offers excellent public and private education opportunities for kindergarten to high school students, as well as six degree-granting post-secondary institutions and three community colleges offering trades training. Halifax is home to historical landmarks and a thriving art and culture sector. The unique atmosphere of the city is warm and inviting, providing a balance of small town charm with the amenities of a large urban centre.

Located on the East Coast of Canada, Halifax is blessed with four seasons of moderate weather, with temperatures less extreme than other Canadian cities. Halifax is blessed with idyllic summer days that give way to leisurely falls, mild winters and vibrant springs.

Halifax Stanfield International Airport is two hours closer geographically by air to Europe than any other North American destination.

Learn more about Halifax


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