Naval Vessel Hull & Superstructure Fitter Nichols Brothers Shipbuilding Freeland, WA Job Details $33.90 - $35.70 an hour 21 hours ago Qualifications Machine shop presses Shielded metal arc welding (SMAW) Press brake machine Mechanical blueprint interpretation Press operation Shop math Parts drawings Band saw Gas metal arc welding Respirator Full Job Description Naval Vessel Hull & Superstructure Fitter Where 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 glance Fabricate, 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 wield Grinders, levels, tape measures Shears, band saws, rollers, press brakes Oxygen/propane cutting torches, plasma cutters MIG, TIG, and Stick welding equipment (for tacking and minor welds) 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. 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 points Aluminum 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 ecosystem You'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 screening Ability to pass company pre-employment screens in background check, drug test, and physical skills test.