Quick Answer

General Dynamics Electric Boat may hire individuals with felony convictions, but employment is highly conditional and extremely restricted by mandatory federal regulations. America's primary submarine builder for the U.S. Navy since 1899, designing and constructing Virginia-class and Columbia-class nuclear submarines with approximately 24,000+ employees across Connecticut (Groton, New London) and Rhode Island (Quonset Point).

The greatest barrier is the requirement for a U.S. government security clearance (often Secret level) for most positions. The federal government—not Electric Boat—makes clearance decisions using individualized assessment under SEAD 4 guidelines.

The greatest barriers are created by felonies related to national security crimes (espionage, treason, terrorism) (federal defense contractor requiring DoD security clearances), fraud and dishonesty (including theft, forgery, falsification) (integrity is paramount for classified work; lying on SF-86 forms is a federal crime), and drug trafficking and substance abuse (Bond Amendment prohibits drug users from holding security clearances).

Entry-level entry-level trades (welder, pipefitter, shipfitter, painter, rigger) offer the most accessible opportunities due to high-volume hiring for submarine production, paid training programs, and some positions may allow interim clearances while investigations proceed.

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:

• U.S. Citizenship: Must be a U.S. Citizen for all roles requiring a DoD security clearance. Green card holders cannot obtain clearances.

  
  

• No Clearance Disqualification: Must NOT have a felony conviction that would lead to denial or revocation of a U.S. government security clearance (espionage, treason, terrorism are permanent bars).

  
  

• No Current Drug Use: Bond Amendment prohibits granting clearances to current drug users or addicts. Must be able to pass hair follicle drug test (90-day detection window).

  
  

• Physical Requirements: Must be able to perform physically demanding work including standing, climbing, working in confined spaces, lifting up to 50 lbs, working at heights, exposure to industrial environments.

  
  

• Honesty is Paramount: Must be 100% truthful on all applications and SF-86 forms. Submission of false, fraudulent, or fictitious statements in connection with government contract work is a federal crime. Lying about criminal or drug history is an automatic, permanent bar.

  
  

• Work Authorization: Must be legally authorized to work in the United States and able to provide required I-9 documentation.

Critical Regulatory Information

Employment at Electric Boat is uniquely governed by federal defense contracting requirements that supersede standard employment laws. Understanding these requirements is critical for Second Chance applicants because most positions require DoD security clearances that are controlled by federal government adjudicators, not by Electric Boat. The company must comply with both federal security mandates and state fair chance hiring laws.

EEOC Guidelines

Standard EEOC guidelines advising employers against automatic exclusion of applicants with criminal records are superseded by federal national security requirements for defense contractor positions requiring security clearances. While individualized assessment occurs, the federal government—through DCSA—makes clearance decisions based on SEAD 4 National Security Adjudicative Guidelines, not standard EEOC Green Factors.

FCRA Requirements

If a third party conducts the background check and a job offer is denied based on the report, General Dynamics Electric Boat 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 decision stands after review. However, security clearance denials by DCSA follow federal procedures rather than FCRA.

State-Specific Considerations

Both Connecticut and Rhode Island have Ban the Box laws. Connecticut (effective 2017) prohibits employers from asking about criminal history on initial applications, with exceptions for positions requiring security bonds or federal law compliance. Rhode Island (effective 2014) similarly delays criminal history inquiries until the first interview. However, because most Electric Boat positions require federal security clearances, the federal requirements for disclosure on SF-86 forms override these state protections.

Defense Contractor-Specific Considerations

As a DoD contractor building nuclear submarines, Electric Boat is subject to strict federal requirements. The Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency (DCSA) adjudicates security clearances using SEAD 4 National Security Adjudicative Guidelines. The Bond Amendment prohibits granting clearances to current drug users or addicts. For Special Access Programs (SAP), Restricted Data (RD), and Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI), felony conviction with 1+ year incarceration, dishonorable military discharge, or mental incompetence determination are disqualifying factors (though meritorious waivers exist). All applicants must complete SF-86 forms requiring full disclosure of criminal and drug history.

Company Overview

General Dynamics Electric Boat is America's premier submarine builder, a subsidiary of General Dynamics Corporation that has been designing and building submarines for the U.S. Navy for over 125 years. Headquartered in Groton, Connecticut, the company designs, constructs, repairs, and provides life cycle support for Virginia-class fast-attack submarines and Columbia-class ballistic missile submarines. The company employs approximately ~24,000 (15,000+ in Connecticut) workers across facilities in Connecticut (Groton shipyard, New London engineering), Rhode Island (Quonset Point hull fabrication).

Electric Boat delivered the first submarine (USS Holland) to the U.S. Navy in 1900 and built the first nuclear submarine (USS Nautilus) in 1954. The company hired 4,100 employees in 2024 and plans to hire 3,000+ in 2025 to support submarine production. Recent $2.2 billion capital investments in Connecticut and Rhode Island are expanding shipyard capacity. The Virginia-class submarine was named 2024 Coolest Thing Made in Connecticut.

Company Fast Facts

• Founded: 1899 (Elizabeth, New Jersey)

• Headquarters: Groton, Connecticut

• Employees: ~24,000 (15,000+ in Connecticut)

• Industry Rank: Primary U.S. Navy submarine builder (since 1899)

• Operations: Connecticut (Groton shipyard, New London engineering), Rhode Island (Quonset Point hull fabrication)

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

• President: Mark Rayha (December 2024)

• Business Model: Nuclear submarine design, construction, and life cycle support

• Recognition: 126 years of submarine building, delivered 24 Virginia-class submarines, 2024 Coolest Thing Made in Connecticut

Hiring Policy Analysis

Electric Boat's hiring process is uniquely structured due to federal security requirements. Employment offers are conditional upon passing a background check, hair follicle drug screening, and in most cases, obtaining a DoD security clearance. The security clearance process can be lengthy and often runs concurrently with employment, sometimes allowing applicants to start work with an "interim" clearance or "white badge" while investigations proceed. Electric Boat does not make clearance decisions; these are adjudicated by the federal government using the "whole person" concept under SEAD 4 guidelines. The company conducts high-volume hiring for submarine production, with programs like "Hire Hartford" and "Project Providence" actively recruiting workers, including from non-traditional backgrounds. Entry-level positions offer paid training programs lasting 5 weeks to 3 months before placement.

Position-Specific Barriers

Barrier levels are determined by security clearance requirements, access to classified information, and facility access needs.

Available Positions and Pay

Pay data compiled from Glassdoor, Indeed, PayScale, and job postings. Actual compensation varies by location, shift, and experience.

Career Path Examples

Electric Boat offers extensive career development opportunities. Many successful employees start in entry-level trades and advance through certification and experience. The company invests heavily in workforce development and training programs.

Welding Track: Entry-Level Welder ($23-$29/hr) → Semi-Skilled Welder ($26-$32/hr) → Skilled Welder ($32-$42/hr) → X-Ray Welder/Lead. Certification progression through various welding processes (GMAW, GTAW, SMAW, FCAW). High school signing day programs recruit graduates directly.

Pipefitting Track: Entry-Level Pipefitter ($23-$29/hr) → Semi-Skilled Pipefitter ($26-$32/hr) → Skilled Pipefitter ($30-$38/hr) → Supervisor/Lead. Fabrication and installation of complex piping systems for submarine systems.

Production Support Track: Material Tech Aide ($20-$26/hr) → Material Service Representative ($24-$30/hr) → Logistics/Planning Roles → Supervisor. Supports production operations with material handling, inventory, and logistics.

Background Check Process

Understanding General Dynamics Electric Boat's background check process is critical because it involves both company screening and federal government security clearance investigations. The process differs significantly from standard employers.

What They Check: Criminal history at state and federal levels (7-year lookback for non-clearance access, indefinite for serious offenses on clearance applications); Drug screening via hair follicle test (90-day detection window); Identity verification through SSN trace; Employment history verification; SF-86 security questionnaire covering residence, employment, education, criminal history, drug use, foreign contacts, and financial history.

Lookback Period: 7-year lookback for unescorted access badge. Security clearance investigations may consider serious offenses (espionage, treason, violent felonies) indefinitely. Financial considerations, drug use, and criminal conduct are evaluated under SEAD 4 whole-person guidelines.

Timeline: Hiring process averages 3-4 months from application to start date. Entry-level positions requiring pre-hire training add 5 weeks to 3 months. Security clearance investigations take approximately 40 days for Secret level (may take longer with background issues). Some applicants report waiting 6+ months for clearance completion.

Process Flow: Application submitted → Interview conducted → Conditional offer extended → Hair follicle drug test → Background check authorization signed → SF-86 completed (for clearance positions) → DCSA investigation → Federal adjudication using whole-person concept → Clearance granted/denied → Final hiring decision → Start date confirmed (interim clearance may allow earlier start).

Disqualifying Factors

High Risk for Disqualification: National security crimes (espionage, treason, terrorism) - permanent disqualifiers. Current drug use or addiction - prohibited by Bond Amendment. Fraud, falsification, and dishonesty offenses - critical for integrity-focused work. Violent felonies and weapons offenses - high concern for safety-sensitive facility. Drug trafficking - demonstrates poor judgment incompatible with clearance. Recent offenses within 2-3 years - face highest scrutiny regardless of type.

Lower Risk (Case-by-Case): Non-violent offenses older than 7 years with demonstrated rehabilitation. Traffic offenses and minor infractions not involving dishonesty. Offenses unrelated to job duties for non-clearance positions. Completed probation with no new arrests. Strong evidence of rehabilitation and stable conduct. All subject to individualized assessment under whole-person concept.

Your Rights as Applicant

• 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.

  
  

• Security Clearance Appeals: If clearance is denied, you receive a Statement of Reasons (SOR) explaining the basis. You may respond with mitigating information and, in some cases, request a hearing before the Defense Office of Hearings and Appeals (DOHA).

  
  

• Ban the Box: Connecticut and Rhode Island Ban the Box laws delay criminal history inquiries, but federal security requirements for SF-86 disclosure override these protections for clearance positions.

  
  

• Dispute Rights: You can dispute inaccurate information on background reports with the reporting agency. For security clearances, provide documented evidence of rehabilitation and mitigation.

Application Strategy

1. Target Entry-Level Trade Positions: Focus on entry-level trade positions (welder, pipefitter, shipfitter, painter) which have paid training programs and may allow work with interim clearances. Avoid engineering, security, supervisor, and inspector roles initially if your record includes clearance-affecting offenses.

   
   

2. Apply Online and Through Job Fairs: Submit your application through ebcareers.com. Electric Boat participates in job fairs including RecruitMilitary events, Hire Hartford initiative, and Project Providence (Rhode Island). The company holds High School Signing Day events recruiting graduates. In-person job fairs have resulted in significant hiring increases.

   
   

3. Prepare for Extended Process: The hiring process averages 3-4 months. Be patient and maintain communication. Use waiting time productively by preparing for the drug test and gathering rehabilitation documentation.

   
   

4. Be Completely Honest—This is Critical: Never lie about your criminal history or drug use. Dishonesty on SF-86 forms is a federal crime. Lying is an automatic, permanent disqualifier and can result in prosecution. The government verifies information through extensive investigation.

   
   

5. Prepare Your Narrative: Have a brief, honest explanation ready: acknowledge the offense without making excuses, describe what you learned, and explain how you've changed. Focus on rehabilitation, personal growth, and stability. Keep it concise (30-60 seconds). Emphasize why you want to support national defense.

   
   

6. Document Rehabilitation Thoroughly: Gather comprehensive evidence of positive changes: completion of treatment programs, educational certificates, vocational training, stable housing, employment history, community involvement, and character references. Security investigators will verify your claims.

   
   

7. Understand Expungement Limitations: Connecticut Clean Slate Act (2023) provides automatic erasure of certain misdemeanors after 7 years and low-level felonies after 10 years for offenses after January 1, 2000. However, federal security clearance forms (SF-86) require disclosure of expunged records. Absolute pardons (available 3 years after misdemeanor, 5 years after felony disposition) result in complete erasure. However, SF-86 forms for security clearances require disclosure of expunged records—federal forms override state expungement protections.

   
   

8. Pass the Drug Test First: Hair follicle test detects 90 days of drug use. Plan ahead. If you fail initial test, you can retest in 30 days via saliva. Third failure bans reapplication for one year. Cannabis is federally illegal regardless of state laws.

Tips for Applicants with Records

1. High-Volume Hiring Creates Opportunities: General Dynamics Electric Boat hired 4,100 people in 2024 and plans to hire 3,000+ in 2025. The company needs workers to support submarine production. Programs like Hire Hartford and Project Providence actively recruit from diverse backgrounds.

   
   

2. Start Entry-Level, Advance Within: Many successful careers begin in welders, pipefitters, shipfitters, painters, and riggers. Many employees advance from entry-level to skilled positions within 2-3 years through internal training and certifications. Build track record of reliability and trustworthiness.

   
   

3. Understand the Whole-Person Concept: Security clearance adjudicators consider your entire life, not just individual incidents. Demonstrate pattern of positive behavior, stable lifestyle, and responsible choices since your offense. Older offenses with strong rehabilitation evidence have better outcomes.

   
   

4. Address Financial Issues: Financial irresponsibility is the #1 reason for clearance denials. Pay down debt, establish payment plans, resolve tax liens, and demonstrate responsible money management. Document your efforts.

   
   

5. Pass the Drug Test: Hair follicle test detects drug use up to 90 days prior. If you fail initial test, you may retest within 30 days via saliva swab. Third failure results in 1-year reapplication ban. Medical marijuana cards do NOT exempt you.

   
   

6. Prepare for Physical Work: Be prepared for physical work in industrial environments including submarines, confined spaces, heights, and potentially radiological areas. All shifts required. Work supports U.S. national defense.

   
   

7. Connect Through Job Fairs and Programs: Current employees can provide referrals. Connect with Electric Boat at job fairs and workforce development events for direct hiring paths.

   
   

8. Be Flexible and Patient: All shifts available. Must be flexible on shift assignments. Some positions require weekend and holiday work during critical production periods. The clearance process can take months. Use waiting time productively.

Benefits Overview

General Dynamics Electric Boat offers a competitive benefits package. Electric Boat offers competitive benefits for the defense industry.

Compensation: Entry-level trades start at $23-$29/hr. Skilled trades earn $30-$42/hr. Engineers earn $38-$46/hr. Regular raises based on performance and position advancement.

401(k) and Retirement: 401(k) with full 6% employer match. Employees can change election at any time. Pension plan available for employees hired before 2007.

Health Benefits: Multiple competitive medical plan choices including HSA options with company deposit or match. Free preventive generic medications for certain categories. Free diabetic medications, supplies, and lifestyle counseling through on-site pharmacy. On-demand telehealth. Dental with orthodontia options.

Time Off: Paid time off bank for personal use. 10 paid holidays per calendar year. Bereavement leave, jury duty, and military training leave. Flexible work weeks available for certain positions with management approval.

Additional Benefits: Company-paid life and AD&D insurance. Voluntary supplemental life and AD&D available. Business Travel Accident insurance. Free confidential EAP through Optum. On-site health clinic with licensed EAP counselors. On-site fitness center with comprehensive assessments. Wellness coaching. Employee discounts.

Training and Development: Paid training programs for entry-level trade positions (5 weeks to 3 months). State-sponsored basic training for trades. Internal advancement opportunities with ongoing professional development.

Employee Perspectives

Pros: Excellent job security in defense industry. Interesting work building nuclear submarines. Strong union representation for trades. Competitive pay for skilled positions. Good 401(k) match. Health benefits options. Mission-driven work supporting national defense.

Cons: Parking can be challenging. Management quality varies by department. Lengthy hiring and clearance process. Physical demands including confined spaces, heights, and shift work. Some report compensation lagging for engineers. Bureaucratic processes. Remote work limited for most positions.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Does General Dynamics Electric Boat hire people with felonies?

   Yes, but with significant limitations due to federal security clearance requirements. Electric Boat conducts individualized assessments, but the DoD makes clearance decisions using the whole-person concept. Best chances are with non-violent offenses older than 7 years, demonstrated rehabilitation, and entry-level trade positions. Current drug use is an automatic disqualifier. Espionage, treason, and terrorism-related offenses are permanent bars.

   
   

2. What is the background check process at General Dynamics Electric Boat?

   After conditional offer:

   (1) Hair follicle drug test,

   (2) 7-year state and federal criminal background check for unescorted access,

   (3) SF-86 security questionnaire for clearance positions,

   (4) DCSA investigation and adjudication. You receive results and can dispute inaccuracies. The process follows FCRA adverse action requirements.

   
   

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

   7 years for standard unescorted access badge background check. Security clearance investigations may look back indefinitely for serious offenses including espionage, treason, violent felonies, and national security concerns. Financial history and drug use patterns are also examined comprehensively.

   
   

4. What types of convictions make hiring more difficult at General Dynamics Electric Boat?

   Highest barriers: espionage, treason, terrorism, national security crimes (permanent disqualifiers). High barriers: current drug use/addiction (Bond Amendment prohibition), fraud/falsification, dishonesty offenses, violent felonies, weapons offenses, drug trafficking. Moderate barriers: recent offenses within 2-3 years, theft-related crimes. Financial irresponsibility is the #1 clearance denial reason.

   
   

5. What are the best entry-level roles at General Dynamics Electric Boat for applicants with a record?

   Entry-level trades offer best opportunities: Welder ($23-$29/hr), Pipefitter ($23-$29/hr), Shipfitter ($23-$29/hr), Painter ($23-$29/hr). These positions provide paid training, may allow interim clearances while investigations proceed, and have high-volume hiring. Target positions through ebcareers.com and job fairs.

   
   

6. Does General Dynamics Electric Boat drug test, and what kind of test do they use?

   Yes. Hair follicle drug test is standard, detecting use up to 90 days prior. If you fail, you can retest within 30 days via saliva swab. Testing for marijuana (cannabis is federally illegal and disqualifies for clearance regardless of state laws). Medical marijuana cards provide no exemption. Random testing may occur during employment, especially after accidents.

   
   

7. When during the hiring process will General Dynamics Electric Boat ask about criminal history?

   Connecticut and Rhode Island Ban the Box laws prohibit initial application inquiries about criminal history. However, for positions requiring security clearances, you must complete SF-86 forms that require full disclosure of all criminal history (including expunged records) to the federal government. This typically occurs after conditional offer. Complete honesty is mandatory—lying is a federal crime and permanent disqualifier.

   
   

8. Can someone advance to management at General Dynamics Electric Boat if they have a felony?

   Advancement is possible but faces additional scrutiny. Supervisory and leadership positions typically require higher clearance levels with more comprehensive investigations. Demonstrate reliability through consistent attendance, strong performance, and no new incidents. Build track record of trustworthiness. Advancement from entry-level to skilled trades is common within 2-3 years.

   
   

9. How long does the hiring and background check process take at General Dynamics Electric Boat?

   Overall process averages 3-4 months. Entry-level pre-hire training adds 5 weeks to 3 months. Security clearance investigations take approximately 40 days for Secret level (longer with background issues). Some applicants wait 6+ months for clearance completion. Drug test and physical typically 1-2 days. Interim clearances may allow earlier start.

   
   

10. What can applicants do to improve their chances of getting hired at General Dynamics Electric Boat?

    Target entry-level trade positions. Be 100% honest on all applications and SF-86 forms—lying is a federal crime. Pass hair follicle drug test (clean 90+ days). Document rehabilitation thoroughly. Prepare brief narrative about offense and personal growth. Be flexible on shifts and locations. Attend Electric Boat job fairs (Hire Hartford, Project Providence). Apply through ebcareers.com. Be patient with lengthy process. Demonstrate stability and reliability.

Alternative Second Chance Employers

If General Dynamics Electric Boat's security clearance requirements create insurmountable barriers, consider these employers known for fair chance hiring practices:

Conclusion

General Dynamics Electric Boat presents a challenging but potentially rewarding opportunity for individuals with criminal records. As America's primary submarine builder with 24,000+ employees actively hiring 3,000+ workers annually, the company offers paths to stable employment—but federal security clearance requirements create significant barriers that standard second chance employers don't have.

The work is physically demanding in industrial shipyard environments, including confined spaces, heights, and various shifts. The compensation is competitive, starting at $23-$29/hr for entry-level trades with skilled positions earning $30-$42/hr. The benefits package includes 401(k) with 6% match, comprehensive health options, paid training, and job security in defense industry. Many employees advance from entry-level to skilled positions within 2-3 years through internal training.

Key Success Factors: Target entry-level trade positions with paid training. Be 100% honest—lying is a federal crime. Pass the hair follicle drug test. Document rehabilitation thoroughly. Address financial issues. Be patient with lengthy process. Paid training programs for entry-level trades provide skill development and certification opportunities.

Biggest Barriers: National security crimes, current drug use, fraud/dishonesty, and violent felonies create the greatest challenges due to federal security clearance requirements and the critical nature of submarine construction for national defense. Engineering, security, supervisor, and inspector positions face higher clearance requirements than entry-level roles. Federal adjudicators—not Electric Boat—make clearance decisions.

For those who can meet clearance requirements, General Dynamics Electric Boat offers mission-driven work supporting national defense, strong job security, and genuine career advancement opportunities. Start with entry-level trade positions like welder, pipefitter, and shipfitter, prove your reliability, and use internal training to advance your career in America's premier submarine-building company.

Disclaimer

This guide provides general information and should not be considered legal advice. Security clearance eligibility, hiring policies, and federal requirements vary by position and individual circumstances. While we strive for accuracy using publicly available sources including company websites, job postings, employee reviews (Glassdoor, Indeed), salary databases (PayScale), and federal guidelines, employment information and policies may change without notice. Security clearance decisions are made by federal government adjudicators, not General Dynamics Electric Boat. Always verify current practices directly with the company.

Inclusion in this guide does not guarantee employment or security clearance eligibility. Background check laws, expungement procedures, and fair chance hiring requirements vary by state and should be confirmed with legal professionals. Security clearance questions should be directed to a security clearance attorney or the Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency (DCSA). Consult with an employment attorney or legal aid organization for specific legal advice about your situation.

Apply Now: https://ebcareers.com