Naval Vessel Hull & Superstructure Fitter

Nichols Brothers Shipbuilding; Freeland (WA); On-site; USD 65,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

Nichols Brothers Shipbuilding in Freeland, WA is seeking a skilled Naval Vessel Hull & Superstructure Fitter to fabricate, fit, and assemble structural components across hulls and superstructures. You’ll move between fabrication shops, modular jigs, and final on- vessel work, reading drawings and tacking welded assemblies to tight tolerances.

You will use torches, plasma cutters, grinders, and various forming tools, maintaining safety and quality in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• 3+ years’ shipbuilding or marine metalworking experience (shipfitter background preferred).
• Basic welding capability across MIG, TIG, and Stick.
• High school diploma/GED or vocational equivalent.
• Competence with core math relevant to layout and fabrication.
• Knowledge of shipfitting tools and forming equipment: torches, saws, bandsaws, rollers, presses, shears.
• Ability to read, interpret, and execute from drawings/blueprints.
• Clear written and verbal communication.
• Experience around heavy machinery; able to work overtime as needed.
• Lift/carry up to 50 lbs; work at heights of up to 60 ft.
• Enter confined spaces with a respirator and operate in tight, awkward positions.

Responsibilities

• Fabricate, form, and fit structural elements across hulls, superstructures, masts, pilothouses, and engine room structures.
• Shift between fabrication shop, modular jigs, and final on-vessel assembly.
• Lay out parts, cut and prepare materials, and complete final assembly.
• Build and use jigs to align modules and superstructures.
• Read and work from standard and metric engineering drawings.
• Tack weld and perform minor welding (MIG and Arc).
• Operate metal-forming equipment: shears, band saws, rollers, and press brakes.
• Cut with oxy-fuel torches and plasma cutters.
• Apply precision with grinders, levels, and tape measures.
• Contribute as a strong team member—communicate, adapt, interpret, and solve problems together.
• Embrace ESR safety culture and maintain top-tier housekeeping.

Skills

Shipyard/marine metalworking

Blueprint reading

Math skills

Communication

Education

High school diploma/GED or vocational equivalent

Tools

MIG welding equipment

TIG welding equipment

Stick welding equipment

Oxygen/propane torches

Plasma cutters

Band saws

Press brakes

Grinders

Levels

Tape measures

Job description

Naval Vessel Hull & Superstructure FitterWhere you’ll build: NBBB, Freeland, WA (Whidbey Island), crafting vessels since 1964—tugs, ferries, fire boats, fishing boats, barges, dinner vessels, and more. Our yard operates on robust infrastructure, including stormwater management, electrical, compressed air/gas, plumbing, structural facility upkeep, and light construction—keeping production flowing.The role at a glanceFabricate, form, and fit structural elements across all build stages—hulls, superstructures, masts, pilothouses, and engine room structures.Shift between fabrication shop, modular jigs, and final on-vessel assembly.Lay out parts, cut and prepare materials, and complete final assembly.Build and use jigs to align modules and superstructures.Read and work from standard and metric engineering drawings.Tack and perform minor welding (MIG and Arc).Run metal-forming equipment: shears, band saws, rollers, and press brakes.Cut with oxygen/propane torches and plasma cutters.Apply precision with grinders, levels, and tape measures.Contribute as a strong team member—communicate, adapt, interpret, and solve problems together.Embrace ESR safety culture and maintain top-tier housekeeping.Support a collaborative environment and mentor apprentices and learners.Jump in on additional tasks that arise in a dynamic, startup-like environment.Tools you’ll wieldGrinders, levels, tape measuresShears, band saws, rollers, press brakesOxygen/propane cutting torches, plasma cuttersMIG, TIG, and Stick welding equipment (for tacking and minor welds)Qualifications3+ years’ shipbuilding or marine metalworking experience (shipfitter background preferred).Basic welding capability across MIG, TIG, and Stick.High school diploma/GED or vocational equivalent.Competence with core math relevant to layout and fabrication.Knowledge of shipfitting tools and forming equipment: torches, saws, bandsaws, rollers, presses, shears.Ability to read, interpret, and execute from drawings/blueprints.Familiarity with materials and fabrication/repair methods in marine environments.Clear written and verbal communication.Experience around heavy machinery; able to work overtime as needed.Lift/carry up to 50 lbs; work at heights of up to 60 ft.Enter confined spaces with a respirator and operate in tight, awkward positions.Bonus pointsAluminum and steel fabrication proficiency.New construction or repair shipyard experience.Forklift or manlift certifications/experience.Shipyard Competent Person certification.Pipefitting and carpentry skills.Drive to step into future crew leadership opportunities.Our yard ecosystemYou’ll collaborate closely within a facility supported by stormwater management, electrical, air/gas, and plumbing systems, plus ongoing structural maintenance and light construction—all designed to keep production running smoothly.Pre-employment screeningAbility to pass company pre-employment screens in background check, drug test, and physical skills test.