Quick Answer

Conditional, Bath Iron Works (BIW) does hire individuals with felony convictions for certain positions, though employment presents unique challenges as a major U.S. defense contractor. As a General Dynamics subsidiary employing approximately 6,700 workers in Bath, Maine, BIW specializes in designing and building advanced U.S. Navy surface combatants including Arleigh Burke-class destroyers. Employment decisions are conditional upon passing a background check and, for most positions, obtaining shipyard access authorization through a Security Threat Assessment (STA).

The law prohibits companies from having a blanket policy excluding all felons. Instead, they must conduct an individualized assessment of the conviction to determine if it is job-related and consistent with business necessity. However, BIW's work on classified Navy contracts creates additional federal security requirements beyond typical employment.

The greatest barriers are created by dishonesty or omissions on security forms (automatic disqualifier), espionage, treason, or terrorism-related offenses (severe barrier), and patterns of criminal activity or recent convictions (significant scrutiny). Financial crimes, drug offenses, and crimes demonstrating poor judgment also face heightened review for security clearance eligibility.

Best opportunities exist in entry-level skilled trades positions such as welder, shipfitter, pipefitter, and general laborer where high-volume hiring occurs. BIW's 4-year apprenticeship program requires no prior experience and offers debt-free associate's degrees while earning competitive wages ($26-$33/hour). Maine's Fair Chance in Employment law prohibits criminal history questions on initial applications, giving qualified applicants the opportunity to demonstrate their qualifications before background discussions occur.

Table of Content

1. Quick Answer

2. Felon-Friendly Scorecard

3. Eligibility Checklist

4. Critical Regulatory Information

5. Company Overview

6. Hiring Policy Analysis

7. Background Check Process

8. Application Strategy

9. Tips for Applicants with Records

10. Benefits Overview

11. Frequently Asked Questions

12. Alternative Second Chance Employers

13. Conclusion

14. Disclaimer

Felon-Friendly Scorecard

Eligibility Checklist

Before applying, honestly assess whether you meet these baseline requirements:

• No Blanket Exclusion: BIW cannot automatically exclude you solely for having a felony. Maine's Fair Chance in Employment law and EEOC guidelines require individualized assessment.

  
  

• Security Clearance Eligibility: Must be able to pass a Security Threat Assessment (STA) for shipyard access. Criminal convictions are not automatic disqualifiers but require demonstrated rehabilitation and mitigating factors.

  
  

• Complete Honesty: Must be willing to disclose ALL criminal history including arrests, charges, and convictions even if expunged or sealed. Dishonesty is an automatic disqualifier.

  
  

• Physical Requirements: Must be able to perform physical work in shipyard environment including standing, walking, climbing, lifting up to 50 lbs, and working at heights or in confined spaces.

  
  

• Drug Screen: Must pass mandatory pre-employment drug test. BIW maintains strict drug-free workplace policy. Testing typically screens for cannabis, opiates, amphetamines, cocaine, and PCP.

  
  

• Work Authorization: Must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident with legal work authorization. Defense contractor work typically requires U.S. citizenship for security clearance eligibility.

  
  

• Age Requirement: Must be at least 18 years of age at the time of hire.

Critical Regulatory Information

Understanding the legal landscape for criminal records in defense contractor employment is essential for Second Chance applicants. Bath Iron Works operates under multiple overlapping regulatory frameworks: federal EEOC guidelines, Maine's Fair Chance in Employment law, and federal security clearance requirements that govern access to classified Navy programs and facilities.

EEOC Guidelines

The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission advises employers not to automatically refuse to consider an applicant because of a criminal record. Employers must conduct an individualized assessment considering the Green Factors:

(1) Nature and gravity of the offense;

(2) Time elapsed since the offense and/or completion of sentence;

(3) Nature of the job sought and its relationship to the offense. Blanket policies excluding all felons are prohibited under Title VII when they result in disparate impact.

FCRA Requirements

When a third party conducts the background check and a job offer is denied based on the report, BIW must comply with the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) adverse action procedures:

(1) Provide pre-adverse action notice with a copy of the report and summary of FCRA rights;

(2) Allow reasonable time to dispute inaccuracies;

(3) Provide final adverse action notice if the decision stands after review.

State-Specific Considerations

Maine has strong Fair Chance protections through "An Act Relating to Fair Chance in Employment" (effective October 2021). Employers cannot ask about criminal history on initial job applications and cannot state that people with criminal histories may not apply. Criminal history inquiries are permitted during interviews or after determining an applicant is otherwise qualified. Applicants must be given the opportunity to explain circumstances and rehabilitation. Violations carry penalties of $100-$500 per violation.

Defense Contractor-Specific Considerations

As a U.S. Navy contractor building classified surface combatants, BIW has security requirements beyond typical employers. Most positions require Security Threat Assessment (STA) for shipyard access. Higher-level positions require formal security clearance through the Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency (DCSA). The Standard Form 86 (SF-86) requires disclosure of ALL criminal history including arrests and charges, even if records were sealed or expunged. State expungement orders do not bind federal security processes.

A criminal record is not an automatic disqualifier for security clearance. Adjudicators consider mitigating factors including: time elapsed since the offense, whether it was isolated or part of a pattern, evidence of rehabilitation, positive changes in lifestyle, and current trustworthiness. Many people with criminal records successfully obtain clearances when they demonstrate honesty, rehabilitation, and reliability.

Company Overview

Bath Iron Works (BIW) is one of America's premier shipbuilders, specializing in designing and building complex surface combatants for the United States Navy. Founded in 1884 as a brass and iron foundry on the Kennebec River, BIW has been building naval ships for over 140 years and has served as lead shipyard for more non-nuclear surface ship classes than any other U.S. shipyard since the 1950s. The company was acquired by General Dynamics Corporation in 1995 and operates as part of General Dynamics Marine Systems.

BIW is the lead designer and builder of the Arleigh Burke-class AEGIS guided missile destroyer (DDG 51), the most technologically advanced surface combatant in the world and the longest-running surface combatant program in Navy history. The shipyard also builds Zumwalt-class destroyers (DDG 1000), capable of performing deterrence, sea control, power projection, and command and control missions. The company's reputation for quality is captured in the motto: "Bath Built Is Best Built."

Headquartered at 700 Washington Street in Bath, Maine, BIW employs approximately 6,700 workers and ranks as Maine's fourth-largest private employer. The company represents 2.3% of all private-sector jobs in Maine and 12.4% of the state's manufacturing workforce. In 2023, BIW's economic impact reached $2.5 billion with a payroll of $447 million. The shipyard operates multiple facilities in the mid-coast Maine region including the main yard in Bath, structural fabrication in Brunswick, and warehouse operations in West Bath.

Company Fast Facts

• Founded: 1884 (Bath, Maine)

• Headquarters: 700 Washington Street, Bath, Maine 04530

• Employees: Approximately 6,700 in Maine

• Parent Company: General Dynamics Corporation (NYSE: GD)

• President: Charles F. Krugh

• Union: IAM Local S6 (4,000+ production workers)

• Primary Products: U.S. Navy destroyers (DDG 51, DDG 1000)

• Economic Impact: $2.5 billion annually (2023)

Hiring Policy Analysis

Bath Iron Works follows fair chance hiring principles while meeting federal security requirements for defense contractors. The company complies with Maine's Fair Chance in Employment law, meaning criminal history questions are not included on initial applications and cannot be asked until the interview stage or after an applicant is determined otherwise qualified. BIW is actively recruiting workers and has invested $11 million in recruitment and $90 million in training over recent years to build its workforce.

The shipyard conducts background checks after conditional job offers are extended. All positions require at minimum a Security Threat Assessment (STA) for shipyard access. Higher-level positions with access to classified information require formal security clearance investigation. The hiring process typically includes: online application, phone screening, in-person interview(s), skills assessment for trades positions, conditional offer, background check and drug test, security assessment, and final hiring decision.

Production workers are represented by IAM Local S6, which has approximately 4,000 members. Union membership provides additional job protections, grievance procedures, and negotiated wage scales. Starting wages for new employees increased an average of 15% per year between 2021 and 2023.

Position-Specific Barriers

Barrier levels are determined by security clearance requirements, access to classified information, and job-related risk factors.

Available Positions and Pay

Pay data compiled from Glassdoor, Indeed, PayScale, and BIW job postings. Actual compensation varies by experience, shift, and grade level. Union positions follow negotiated wage scales.

Career Path Examples

BIW emphasizes internal advancement and offers extensive training programs. The BIW Apprentice School has produced over 1,200 graduates since 1950, and community college partnership programs have 93% retention rates.

Skilled Trades Track: General Laborer ($21-$27/hr) → Apprentice ($26-$28/hr + education) → Journeyman Tradesperson ($30-$34/hr) → Lead/Working Foreman → Front Line Supervisor ($38K-$72K/yr). Advancement requires 4-year apprenticeship completion, demonstrated skill, and clean safety record.

Production Support Track: Material Handler ($29-$32/hr) → Warehouse Lead → Logistics Coordinator → Planning Technician ($39K-$57K/yr). Advancement based on performance, reliability, and organizational skills.

Technical/Design Track: Design Apprentice → Marine Draftsman → Designer → Senior Designer → Section Manager ($123K+/yr). Requires apprenticeship program completion, additional education, and security clearance.

Background Check Process

Understanding BIW's background check process is crucial for applicants with criminal records. The process is more extensive than typical employers due to defense contractor security requirements. Background checks occur after conditional job offers, giving you the opportunity to demonstrate your qualifications first.

• What They Check: Criminal history at county, state, and federal levels; identity verification through SSN trace and address history; employment history verification; education verification for positions requiring specific credentials; Security Threat Assessment (STA) for shipyard access; drug screening; credit history for positions with financial responsibilities; military service records if applicable.

  
  

• Lookback Period: Federal security investigations have no time limitation for serious offenses. The SF-86 asks about felonies "EVER" committed. Employment verification typically covers 7-10 years. The focus is on evaluating current risk and trustworthiness rather than arbitrary time limits.

  
  

• Timeline: The hiring process typically takes 2-4 weeks from application to conditional offer. Basic background checks take 1-2 weeks. Security assessments may take additional time depending on complexity. Security clearance investigations for higher-level positions can take several months.

  
  

• Process Flow: Application submitted → Phone screening → In-person interview(s) → Skills assessment (trades) → Conditional offer extended → Background check and drug test authorization signed → STA initiated → Results reviewed using individualized assessment → Final hiring decision → Orientation and training.

Disqualifying Factors

Automatic Disqualification: Dishonesty or omissions on security forms (SF-86); current unlawful drug use or addiction to controlled substances; being mentally incompetent as determined by mental health professional; acts of espionage, treason, terrorism, or sabotage.

High Risk for Disqualification: Patterns of criminal conduct demonstrating poor judgment; crimes involving foreign influence or foreign preference; severe financial irresponsibility; recent violent crimes; drug trafficking or distribution; crimes involving dishonesty, fraud, or theft; sexual offenses; weapons violations.

Lower Risk (Case-by-Case): Isolated incidents in the distant past; youthful offenses with demonstrated maturity; non-violent offenses unrelated to job duties; convictions with clear evidence of rehabilitation; charges that were dismissed or resulted in acquittal. All subject to individualized assessment considering rehabilitation evidence.

Your Rights as Applicant

• Maine Fair Chance Law: Employers cannot ask about criminal history on initial applications. You must be given the opportunity to explain circumstances and rehabilitation.

  
  

• FCRA Protections: You must receive written notice and provide consent before a background check. If denied based on the report, you're entitled to a copy and the right to dispute inaccuracies.

  
  

• Pre-Adverse Action Notice: Before a final decision, you must receive notice with a copy of the report and summary of your rights. Reasonable time to respond.

  
  

• EEOC Protection: You have the right to individualized assessment. Blanket exclusions based solely on criminal record are prohibited.

  
  

• Security Clearance Appeal: If denied clearance, you have the right to respond to a Statement of Reasons (SOR) and may request a hearing before the Defense Office of Hearings and Appeals (DOHA).

Application Strategy

1. Target Entry-Level Trades Positions: Focus on General Laborer, Material Handler, Sandblaster, or production helper roles which have the highest volume hiring and lowest security barriers. These positions provide opportunity to establish a track record with the company.

   
   

2. Apply Through Official Channels: Submit your application through careers.gdbiw.com. BIW also posts positions on Indeed and Glassdoor. Check the careers page regularly as production positions are posted frequently.

   
   

3. Consider Apprenticeship Programs: BIW's 4-year apprenticeship program accepts candidates with no prior shipbuilding experience. You earn while you learn, receive a debt-free associate's degree, and gain valuable credentials. Contact the Apprentice School director directly to express interest.

   
   

4. Prepare for Complete Honesty: Unlike typical employers, defense contractors require disclosure of ALL criminal history including arrests and expunged records. Prepare a comprehensive, accurate history before applying. Dishonesty is worse than any underlying offense.

   
   

5. Develop Your Narrative: Have a clear, honest explanation ready: acknowledge the offense without excuses, describe what you learned, and emphasize demonstrated rehabilitation. Focus on stability, personal growth, and trustworthiness. Keep it concise (2-3 minutes).

   
   

6. Document Extensive Rehabilitation: Gather evidence of positive changes: completion of treatment programs, educational certificates, vocational training, stable housing and employment, community involvement, resolution of financial issues, and strong character references.

   
   

7. Research Security Clearance Process: Understand what the SF-86 requires and what factors adjudicators consider. Being prepared demonstrates responsibility and shows you take the process seriously.

   
   

8. Follow Up Professionally: After applying, follow up with the recruiting team if you don't hear back within 2-3 weeks. If you receive a pre-adverse action notice, respond promptly with rehabilitation documentation.

Tips for Applicants with Records

1. BIW Has Aggressive Hiring Goals: The shipyard plans to hire 3,500 employees by 2026 and hired 1,800 workers in 2020 alone. More than half the current workforce has fewer than 5 years experience. Don't be discouraged—keep applying.

   
   

2. Understand Security Requirements Are Different: BIW is not a typical employer. The federal government, not BIW, makes security clearance decisions. This creates additional barriers but also means mitigating factors are formally considered.

   
   

3. Run Your Own Background Check First: Know exactly what will appear before the employer sees it. Order your criminal background check from a consumer reporting agency. Dispute any errors in advance.

   
   

4. Complete All Recommended Training: BIW partners with Southern Maine Community College to offer free pre-hire training. Completing this training demonstrates commitment and has 93% retention rate.

   
   

5. Pass the Drug Test: BIW maintains strict drug-free workplace. Address any substance issues before applying. Testing is comprehensive and failure results in immediate offer rescission.

   
   

6. Resolve Financial Issues: Financial irresponsibility is a security concern. Pay down debts, resolve collections, and establish stable financial patterns before applying for positions requiring clearance.

   
   

7. Emphasize Stability and Reliability: Shipbuilding requires dependable workers. Demonstrate stable housing, consistent employment history (even informal work), and reliable transportation to Bath.

   
   

8. Consider Transportation Options: BIW has partnered with transportation services to offer commuter bus routes from Portland, Lewiston, and Lisbon Falls to Bath. This can solve transportation challenges.

Benefits Overview

Bath Iron Works offers a comprehensive benefits package for full-time employees. Benefits may vary by job classification (union vs. salaried) and typically begin after completion of a probationary period.

• Compensation: Entry-level production positions $21-$34/hr depending on trade and grade level. Supervisory positions $38K-$72K/yr. Management and engineering $72K-$150K+/yr. Starting wages increased 15% annually from 2021-2023. Union positions follow negotiated wage scales with regular increases.

  
  

• 401(k) and Retirement: Salaried employees receive 100% match on first 4% of contributions plus 50% match on next 2% (effective 6% match). Hourly employees receive $0.35 per $1.00 match on first 6%. Some classifications include pension plan.

  
  

• Health Benefits: Medical insurance with multiple plan options including HSA-eligible plans. Dental and vision coverage. Life insurance and AD&D. Short-term and long-term disability. Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for confidential counseling and support.

  
  

• Time Off: Paid vacation (accrual increases with tenure). Paid holidays. Sick time. Union positions have negotiated PTO flexibility.

  
  

• Additional Benefits: Tuition reimbursement for continuing education. Health club reimbursement. Dependent care spending accounts. Health care spending accounts (FSA/HSA). Group auto and home insurance discounts. Commuter transportation subsidies. Free parking.

Employee Perspectives

Pros: Good wages with union protection; comprehensive benefits package; stable employment with defense contracts; proud tradition of shipbuilding; overtime opportunities; apprenticeship program provides debt-free education; strong sense of community.

Cons: Physically demanding work environment; weather exposure; some management concerns; mandatory overtime during production crunch; commute challenges for non-local workers; housing costs in Bath area increasing.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Does Bath Iron Works hire people with felonies?

   Yes, but with important conditions. BIW cannot automatically exclude applicants solely for having a felony conviction under EEOC guidelines and Maine law. However, as a defense contractor, all employees must pass security assessments. A criminal record is not an automatic disqualifier for security clearance—adjudicators consider mitigating factors including time elapsed, rehabilitation evidence, and whether the conduct was isolated. The best opportunities are in entry-level trades positions where thousands of new hires are needed.

   
   

2. What is the background check process at Bath Iron Works?

   BIW conducts background checks after extending conditional job offers, complying with Maine's Fair Chance law. The process includes: criminal history check at county, state, and federal levels; identity verification; employment history verification; Security Threat Assessment (STA) for shipyard access; and drug screening. Higher-level positions require formal security clearance investigation through the Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency (DCSA). The basic hiring process takes 2-4 weeks; clearance investigations take longer.

   
   

3. How far back does the background check go at Bath Iron Works—what is the lookback period?

   Federal security investigations have no time limitation for serious offenses. The Standard Form 86 (SF-86) asks about felonies "EVER" committed and requires disclosure of all arrests and charges, including expunged records. Employment verification typically extends 7-10 years. However, the focus is on evaluating current trustworthiness and risk, not arbitrary time limits. Older offenses with strong rehabilitation evidence are viewed more favorably than recent ones.

   
   

4. What types of convictions make hiring more difficult at Bath Iron Works?

   Most difficult: Espionage, treason, terrorism, or sabotage (often disqualifying); dishonesty on applications or security forms (automatic disqualifier); current drug use or addiction; crimes involving foreign influence. Significant barriers: Patterns of criminal conduct; drug trafficking; violent crimes; financial crimes showing irresponsibility; sexual offenses. Lower barriers: Isolated incidents in distant past; youthful offenses with maturity; non-violent offenses unrelated to job duties; convictions with clear rehabilitation.

   
   

5. What are the best entry-level roles at Bath Iron Works for applicants with a record?

   General Laborer ($21-$27/hr) has lowest barriers and highest hiring volume. Material Handler ($29-$32/hr) and Sandblaster ($27-$31/hr) are also good entry points. Apprenticeship programs in welding, shipfitting, pipefitting, and other trades accept candidates with no prior experience and provide debt-free education while earning competitive wages. These positions require basic Security Threat Assessment but not formal security clearance.

   
   

6. Does Bath Iron Works drug test, and what kind of test do they use?

   Yes, BIW requires mandatory pre-employment drug testing for all positions and maintains a strict drug-free workplace. Testing typically uses urine analysis screening for cannabis/THC, opiates, amphetamines, cocaine, and PCP. Failure to pass or refusal to submit results in offer rescission. Defense contractors have zero tolerance policies due to federal security requirements. Random testing may occur during employment.

   
   

7. When during the hiring process will Bath Iron Works ask about criminal history?

   Under Maine's Fair Chance in Employment law, BIW cannot ask about criminal history on initial job applications. The company may inquire during interviews or after determining you're otherwise qualified for the position. Full criminal history disclosure occurs after conditional offer when completing security forms. You must be given opportunity to explain circumstances and rehabilitation before final decisions.

   
   

8. Can someone advance to management at Bath Iron Works if they have a felony?

   Advancement is possible but faces increased scrutiny. Management and supervisory positions typically require higher security clearance levels, meaning more extensive background investigation. Success depends on: the nature and age of the conviction; demonstrated rehabilitation; years of reliable performance at BIW; clean record during employment. Many successful BIW managers started in production roles. Building a strong track record with the company is essential.

   
   

9. How long does the hiring and background check process take?

   The basic hiring process from application to conditional offer typically takes 2-4 weeks. Background checks take 1-2 weeks after authorization. Security Threat Assessments for basic shipyard access may take an additional 1-2 weeks. Formal security clearance investigations for positions requiring classified access can take 3-12 months depending on complexity and investigation backlog. Total time to start date varies from 4 weeks to several months.

   
   

10. What can applicants do to improve their chances of getting hired at Bath Iron Works?

    Key strategies:

    (1) Target entry-level production positions with lowest security requirements;

    (2) Complete BIW-partnered community college training programs;

    (3) Prepare for complete honesty—document your full criminal history accurately;

    (4) Gather extensive rehabilitation evidence including certificates, references, and stable employment history;

    (5) Resolve financial issues and demonstrate financial responsibility;

    (6) Address any substance issues well before applying;

    (7) Develop a clear, concise narrative explaining your past and demonstrating growth;

    (8) Apply persistently—BIW has aggressive hiring goals.

Alternative Second Chance Employers

If Bath Iron Works doesn't work out due to security requirements, consider these employers known for fair chance hiring in manufacturing and related industries:

Conclusion

Bath Iron Works offers challenging but potentially rewarding opportunities for individuals with criminal records, particularly in skilled trades positions. As America's premier builder of Navy surface combatants, BIW provides stable employment with excellent wages ($21-$34/hr for production workers), comprehensive benefits, and genuine career advancement through apprenticeship programs. The company's aggressive hiring goals—3,500 new employees by 2026—mean opportunities exist for qualified applicants.

However, applicants must understand that BIW is not a typical employer. Federal security requirements create additional barriers beyond standard background checks. Complete honesty is mandatory—dishonesty on security forms is worse than underlying offenses. The good news is that criminal records are not automatic disqualifiers; adjudicators formally consider mitigating factors including rehabilitation, time elapsed, and current trustworthiness.

Key Success Factors: Target entry-level trades positions; complete community college training programs; prepare comprehensive, accurate criminal history disclosure; document extensive rehabilitation; demonstrate stability and reliability; resolve financial issues; develop clear narrative of growth; apply persistently.

Biggest Barriers: Federal security requirements (indefinite lookback for serious offenses); espionage/treason/terrorism convictions (often disqualifying); dishonesty on forms (automatic disqualifier); patterns of criminal conduct; drug trafficking; crimes showing financial irresponsibility.

For those who can navigate the security process successfully, BIW offers the opportunity to build ships that defend the nation—meaningful work with a proud 140-year legacy. The skilled trades you learn are valuable throughout shipbuilding, construction, and manufacturing industries. Take the time to prepare thoroughly, be completely honest, and demonstrate the rehabilitation and trustworthiness that security adjudicators need to see.

Disclaimer

This guide provides general information and should not be considered legal advice. Hiring policies vary by position, location, and individual circumstances. While we strive for accuracy using publicly available sources including company websites, job postings, employee reviews (Glassdoor, Indeed), salary databases (PayScale, ZipRecruiter), and government resources, employment information and security requirements may change without notice. Always verify current practices directly with Bath Iron Works.

Inclusion in this guide does not guarantee employment. Security clearance decisions are made by the federal government, not BIW, and are based on individual circumstances. Background check laws, expungement procedures, and fair chance hiring requirements vary by state and should be confirmed with legal professionals. Consult with an employment attorney or legal aid organization for specific legal advice about your situation.

Apply Now: https://careers.gdbiw.com