Shipyard Powertrain Installation Machinist

100Hires, Inc.; Freeland (WA); On-site; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) with matching

Medical, dental, vision

HSA option

Paid time off

9 paid holidays

Employee Assistance Program

Job summary

Nichols Bros. Boat Builders on Whidbey Island (Freeland, WA) seeks a skilled Machinery Assembler/Journeyman Machinist to install and align engines, gear boxes, pumps, shafts, and drives.

You’ll form and fabricate foundations from blueprints, perform MIG/Arc welding, and lay out and machine parts for final assembly. You will operate lathes, mills, grinders, drills, and precision measuring tools, inspecting to tolerances and documenting results.

Qualifications

• 3+ years as Machinery Assembler or Journeyman Machinist.
• High school diploma or vocational education.
• Shipyard safety knowledge and vessel terminology.
• Blueprint reading; ability to interpret specs; solid math basics.
• Experience with hand/power tools, lathes, and milling machines.
• Willingness to work overtime; tolerate heavy equipment and heights.

Responsibilities

• Install and align engines, gear boxes, pumps, shafts, jet drives, propellers.
• Form, fit, and fabricate foundations from blueprints; weld as needed.
• Lay out, cut, machine, and prep parts for final assembly.
• Operate lathes, mills, grinders, drills; use calipers, micrometers, indicators.
• Inspect to tolerances; document results and work within safety rules.
• Mentor teammates; support apprentices; uphold shipyard safety culture.

Skills

Machining experience

Blueprint reading

Vessel familiarity

Teamwork & communication

Education

High school diploma/GED

Vocational education

Tools

Lathes

Milling machines

Grinders

Drills

Calipers

Micrometers

Dial indicators

Torque wrenches

Oxy-fuel torches

Plasma cutters

Job description

Are you the machinist who makes vessels come alive?If aligning engines, truing shafts, and fabricating rock-solid foundations is your craft, you’ll fit right in at Nichols Bros. Boat Builders on Whidbey Island. Since 1964, our Freeland, WA yard has produced ferries, tugs, fire boats, fishing vessels, barges, dinner boats, and more—just an hour from Seattle. We’re part of Ice Cap Holdings, alongside Everett Ship Repair (ESR) and Shared Ice Services.Your missionInstall and precisely align main engines, gear boxes, pumps, shafts, jet drives, propellers, rudders, and Z-drives.Form, fit, and fabricate machinery foundations (steel/aluminum) from blueprints; perform layout plus MIG/Arc welding and tack-up.Lock down engines and gear boxes during sea trials after final alignment.Lay out, cut, form, machine, and prep parts for final assembly.Operate lathes, mills, grinders, drills; use calipers, torque wrenches, micrometers, and dial indicators.Inspect to owner and regulatory tolerances; document results.Switch seamlessly between standard/metric; convert SAEmetric and fractionsdecimals.Run metal forming equipment (shear, brake, roll, press, band saw) and work with oxygen–propane torches and plasma cutters.Keep an orderly, safe work area; follow shipyard safety policies to the letter.Collaborate or work solo; communicate clearly; solve problems on the fly.Back up the inside machine shop when needed: turning, milling, drilling, molding, small/large assemblies, machining steels/alloys to prints on conventional machines.Lead by example on safety and housekeeping; support and mentor teammates and apprentices.Tackle other tasks as the build demands.Must-haves3+ years as a Machinery Assembler or Journeyman Machinist.High school diploma/GED or vocational education.Shipyard safety know-how and vessel terminology.Blueprint reading; ability to interpret specs; solid basic math.Clear written and verbal communication.Experience with hand/power tools, lathes, and milling machines.Willingness to work overtime; comfort around heavy machinery.Physically able to lift/carry 50 lbs, work at heights to 60 ft, and enter confined spaces with a respirator; work at odd angles and in tight spaces.Nice-to-havesShipyard (new construction or repair) or marine construction background.Laser alignment (Rotoline, Pinpoint) proficiency.Shipyard Competent Person certification.Experience with multiple alloys/materials (steel, aluminum).Knowledge of NAVSEA standard items.OSHA 10 certification.Forklift and manlift certifications/experience.Desire to grow into crew leadership roles.Proficiencies we valueTroubleshooting and mechanical troubleshootingMechanical assembly; machine building/assemblyEquipment installation and equipment installation & wiringManual machining; blueprint readingBearing installation and removalPropulsion systems, shaft alignment, rotating equipment maintenanceMaritime, shipyard, NAVSEA familiarityBenefits & rewards401(k) with matchingMedical, dental, visionHSA optionGroup life insurance + optional supplemental life and disabilityPaid time off and 9 paid holidaysEmployee Assistance ProgramState-certified Apprenticeship Programs and a culture of learningEqual Employment Opportunity: Nichols Bros. Boat Builders is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate based on race, political affiliation, religion, sex, marital status, national origin, age, or the presence of any sensory, mental or physical disability.Nichole Bros. Boat Builders is a drug free workplace, and all applicants are subject to a pre-employment drug screen and a background check.