Vessel Machinery Fitter (Outside) -- Marine Systems

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 make

• 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.
• Switch effortlessly between standard and metric; convert SAE↔metric and fractions↔decimals.
• 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 background

• 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.

Physical and schedule demands

• Lift 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 on

• Troubleshooting and mechanical troubleshooting
• Mechanical assembly; machine building/assembly
• Equipment installation and equipment installation & wiring
• Manual machining; blueprint reading
• Bearing installation and bearing removal
• Propulsion systems; shaft alignment; rotating equipment maintenance
• Shipyard, maritime, and NAVSEA familiarity

Benefits that support you

• 401(k) with matching
• Health insurance (medical, dental, vision)
• Health Savings Account (HSA)
• Group life insurance with optional supplemental life and disability
• Paid time off and 9 paid holidays
• Employee Assistance Program
• Culture of learning with state-certified Apprenticeship Programs

Equal 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.