Shipyard Powertrain Installation Machinist

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 mission

• Install 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-haves

• 3+ 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-haves

• Shipyard (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 value

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

Benefits & rewards

• 401(k) with matching
• Medical, dental, vision
• HSA option
• Group life insurance + optional supplemental life and disability
• Paid time off and 9 paid holidays
• Employee Assistance Program
• State-certified Apprenticeship Programs and a culture of learning

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.