Marine Structural Welder — Hulls, Decks & Vessel Build

Nichols Brothers Shipbuilding; Freeland (WA); On-site; USD 39,000 - 58,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) with matching

Medical, dental, vision

Health Savings Account

Paid time off

OSHA 10 Certification

Job summary

Nichols Bros. Boat Builders on Whidbey Island is seeking a structural welder to fabricate, assemble, and erect hulls, superstructures, and engine rooms. You’ll use wire feed and stick processes to build joints and panels, while upholding our ESR safety culture.

You will read blueprints, set up welders for root passes and skip welds, and work across aluminum, mild steel, stainless, and copper-nickel in a demanding shipyard setting.

Qualifications

• 3+ years welding experience.
• Blueprints and specs reading from drawings.
• Strong basic math and clear written/oral communication.
• Experience around heavy machinery.
• Fit for confined spaces (with respirator) and small work envelopes.

Responsibilities

• Weld out panels, assemblies, modules, and participate in final vessel build; meet deadlines safely.
• Grind and prep seams for tacking and post-weld inspection.
• Set up arc welders for root passes, hanger welds, and repairs.
• Operate MIG for watertight and skip welds; lay out skip patterns.
• Air Arc back‑gouge and remove defective welds.
• Sub‑arc large hull and deck plates.
• Set up ventilation and lighting for confined spaces to shipyard standards.
• Execute alloy welds across aluminum, mild steel, stainless steel, and copper‑nickel.
• Maintain tools and work areas to top safety and housekeeping standards.

Skills

Welding experience

Blueprint reading

Math skills

Communication skills

Confined spaces

Safety knowledge

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Vocational training welcomed

Tools

MIG welding

TIG welding

Stick welding

SMAW

FCAW

Job description

Nichols Bros. Boat Builders on Whidbey Island is seeking a structural welder to fabricate, assemble, and erect hulls, superstructures, and engine rooms. You’ll use wire feed and stick processes to build joints and panels, while upholding our ESR safety culture.

You will read blueprints, set up welders for root passes and skip welds, and work across aluminum, mild steel, stainless, and copper-nickel in a demanding shipyard setting.