Shipyard Structural Fabrication Welder

Build the vessels that move communities. Since 1964 on Whidbey Island (Freeland, WA), Nichols Bros. Boat Builders (NBBB) has delivered tugs, ferries, fire boats, fishing vessels, barges, dinner boats, and other advanced craft. We’re adding a structural welder to help fabricate, assemble, and erect the core structure—hulls, superstructures, masts, pilothouses, and engine rooms—using wire feed and stick processes.

Is this you?

• Do you thrive laying perfect seams in every position—flat, horizontal, vertical, overhead?
• Can you switch from fillet to butt, socket, or mitered joints without missing a beat?
• Are you confident setting up MIG for watertight and skip patterns—and laying out those skip welds precisely?
• Will you Air Arc back‑gouge, sub‑arc large hull and deck plates, and grind to a clean, inspectable finish?
• Do you keep your gear tuned—cleaned, lubricated, adjusted—so production never stalls?
• Can you prep metal with grinders, cutters, and drills; rig lighting and ventilation for confined spaces; and still maintain spotless housekeeping?
• Do you take pride in laying hundreds of inches of quality weld in an 8‑hour shift?
• Will you mentor apprentices, communicate clearly, collaborate tightly, and problem‑solve under pressure—all while living our ESR safety culture?

What you’ll tackle

• Weld out panels, assemblies, modules, and participate in final vessel build; meet deadlines safely.
• Grind and prep seams for tacking and post‑weld inspection.
• Set up arc welders for root passes, hanger welds, and repairs.
• Operate MIG for watertight and skip welds; lay out skip patterns.
• Air Arc back‑gouge and remove defective welds.
• Sub‑arc large hull and deck plates.
• Set up ventilation and lighting for confined spaces to shipyard standards.
• Execute alloy welds across aluminum, mild steel, stainless steel, and copper‑nickel.
• Maintain tools and work areas to top safety and housekeeping standards.
• Pitch in on related tasks as production needs evolve.

Minimum qualifications

• 3+ years welding experience.
• Blueprint and spec reading; can work directly from drawings.
• Strong basic math and clear written/oral communication.
• Experience around heavy machinery.
• Fit for confined spaces (with respirator) and small, awkward work envelopes.
• Shipyard safety and vessel terminology knowledge.
• High school diploma/equivalent; vocational training welcomed.
• 2‑G, 3‑G, 4‑G ABS Steel required. Aluminum/USCG certs a plus, or ability to obtain within 90 days.
• Basic hand/power tool proficiency.
• Formal training: physics, chemistry, welding equipment care/operation, blueprint reading, metallurgy, SMAW/TIG, advanced FCAW/GMAW.
• USCG or ABS certified/certifiable.
• Overtime availability.
• Lift/carry 50 lbs.; work up to 60 ft.; enter confined spaces with respirator; work at odd angles.
• Good verbal communication.

Bonus points

• Multi‑alloy proficiency (e.g., steel and aluminum).
• 6‑G ABS/USCG in Stainless (ARC, MIG, TIG), Aluminum (TIG), Copper‑Nickel (TIG).
• Marine structural welding background.
• Forklift/manlift certifications.
• Leadership interest for future crew roles.
• Shipyard (new build or repair) experience.
• Shipyard Competent Person certification.
• OSHA 10.
• Ultrasound training/cert (Level 1+).
• CWI or CWS.

Compensation & benefits

• Company‑funded commuter benefit for Washington State Ferry riders
• 401(k) with matching
• Medical, dental, vision
• Health Savings Account
• Group life; optional supplemental life & disability
• Paid time off
• Employee Assistance Program
• State‑certified apprenticeship programs & learning culture

Proficiencies and equipment

You should be proficient in

• GD&T
• Troubleshooting Skills
• Journeyman’s License
• OSHA 10‑Hour Certification (OSHA 10)
• Welding Setups for Production
• Vehicle & Fleet Welding
• Blueprint Reading

Machines & technologies you’ll use

• MIG Welder (ESAB, Fronius, Kemppi, Hobart, Everlast)
• TIG Welder (ESAB, Fronius, Kemppi, Hobart, Everlast, CK Worldwide)
• Stick Welder
• SMAW Welder (Miller, Lincoln, ESAB, Fronius, Hobart, Everlast, Tweco, Victor)
• Flux‑Cored Arc Welder

Legal

Equal Employment Opportunity:Nichols Bros. Boat Buildersis 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.

Nichols Bros. Boat Builders is a drug free workplace, and all applicants are subject to a pre-employment drug screen and a background check.