Vessel Machinery Fitter (Outside) — Marine Systems

Nichols Brothers Shipbuilding; Freeland (WA); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) with matching

Health insurance (medical, dental, vis

Health Savings Account (HSA)

Group life insurance with optional &d=

Paid time off and 9 paid holidays

Employee Assistance Program

Culture of learning with state-funded/

Job summary

Nichols Bros. Boat Builders, based in Freeland, WA, seeks a skilled Machinery Assembler/Journeyman Machinist to install and align propulsion systems and to fabricate foundations from blueprints in steel or aluminum.

You will work on shipyard projects, including engines, gear boxes, and rotating equipment, ensuring precision for sea trials. Applicants should have 3+ years of experience, shipyard safety knowledge, blueprint interpretation, and the ability to read both SAE and metric measurements.

Qualifications

• 3+ years as a Machinery Assembler or Journeyman Machinist.
• High school diploma/GED or vocational training.
• Knowledge of shipyard safety practices and vessel terminology; blueprint and spec interpretation; sound basic math.
• Effective written and verbal communication.
• Experience with hand/power tools; exposure to lathes and milling machines.
• Available for overtime; comfortable around heavy machinery.
• Shipyard (new build or repair) or marine construction experience.
• Laser alignment skills (Rotoline, Pinpoint).
• Shipyard Competent Person certification.
• Experience across multiple materials (steel, aluminum).
• Knowledge of NAVSEA standard items.
• OSHA 10 certification.
• Forklift and manlift certifications/experience.

Responsibilities

• Bring vessels to life by installing and aligning propulsion and machinery systems: engines, gear boxes, pumps, shafts, jet drives, propellers, rudders, Z-drive systems.
• Build the foundation—literally—by fabricating structural machinery foundations from blueprints in steel or aluminum, including layout, MIG/Arc welding, and tack-up.
• Finalize alignments and lock-downs during sea trials for engines and gear boxes.
• Own the workflow: layout, cutting, forming, machining, and preparation for final assembly.
• Verify precision using lathes, mills, grinders, drills, torque wrenches, micrometers, dial indicators, and calipers to meet owner and regulatory tolerances.
• Cross the bulkhead into inside machining as needed: turning, milling, drilling, molding, and assembling steel/alloy components to blueprint specs on conventional machines.
• Support our safety culture and mentor apprentices by sharing trade knowledge.
• Step up for additional tasks in our dynamic yard.

Skills

Machinist

Journeyman

Blueprint reading

Safety compliance

Lathes & milling

Overtime ready

Forklift & manlift

Communication

Problem solving

Education

High school diploma/GED or vocational training

Tools

Rotoline laser alignment

Pinpoint laser

Welding equipment

Job description

Power the fleet. Perfect the craft.Join a builder with deep roots. Since 1964, Nichols Bros. Boat Builders has delivered ferries, tugs, fire boats, fishing vessels, barges, dinner boats, and more from Freeland, WA on Whidbey Island—an hour from Seattle. With Everett Ship Repair (ESR) and Shared Ice Services, we anchor Ice Cap Holdings’ maritime footprint across the Pacific Northwest.The impact you’ll makeBring vessels to life by installing and aligning propulsion and machinery systems: engines, gear boxes, pumps, shafts, jet drives, propellers, rudders, Z-drive systems.Build the foundation—literally—by fabricating structural machinery foundations from blueprints in steel or aluminum, including layout, MIG/Arc welding, and tack-up.Finalize alignments and lock-downs during sea trials for engines and gear boxes.Own the workflow: layout, cutting, forming, machining, and preparation for final assembly.Verify precision using lathes, mills, grinders, drills, torque wrenches, micrometers, dial indicators, and calipers to meet owner and regulatory tolerances.Switch effortlessly between standard and metric; convert SAEmetric and fractionsdecimals.Shape and cut with shear, brake, roll, press, band saw; work with oxygen–propane torches and plasma cutters.Model safety and orderliness; keep tools and workspaces clean and compliant.Contribute as a teammate and an independent problem-solver; communicate clearly in writing and speech.Cross the bulkhead into inside machining as needed: turning, milling, drilling, molding, and assembling steel/alloy components to blueprint specs on conventional machines.Support our safety culture and mentor apprentices by sharing trade knowledge.Step up for additional tasks in our dynamic yard.Your background3+ years as a Machinery Assembler or Journeyman Machinist.High school diploma/GED or vocational training.Knowledge of shipyard safety practices and vessel terminology; blueprint and spec interpretation; sound basic math.Effective written and verbal communication.Experience with hand/power tools; exposure to lathes and milling machines.Available for overtime; comfortable around heavy machinery.Physical and schedule demandsLift and carry up to 50 lbs.Work at heights up to 60 ft.Enter confined spaces using a respirator; work in tight quarters and at awkward angles.Advance your craft (preferred)Shipyard (new build or repair) or marine construction experience.Laser alignment skills (Rotoline, Pinpoint).Shipyard Competent Person certification.Experience across multiple materials (steel, aluminum).Knowledge of NAVSEA standard items.OSHA 10 certification.Forklift and manlift certifications/experience.Drive to grow into leadership roles.Capabilities we rely onTroubleshooting and mechanical troubleshootingMechanical assembly; machine building/assemblyEquipment installation and equipment installation & wiringManual machining; blueprint readingBearing installation and bearing removalPropulsion systems; shaft alignment; rotating equipment maintenanceShipyard, maritime, and NAVSEA familiarityBenefits that support you401(k) with matchingHealth insurance (medical, dental, vision)Health Savings Account (HSA)Group life insurance with optional supplemental life and disabilityPaid time off and 9 paid holidaysEmployee Assistance ProgramCulture of learning with state-certified Apprenticeship ProgramsEqual 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.