Shipfitter: Hull & Superstructure for Marine Vessels

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

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.