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Job description
Job Description Job Description Maritime Hull & Superstructure WelderJoin a team that has shaped the waterways since 1964. At Nichols Bros. Boat Builders in Freeland, WA, we design and build advanced vessels-tugs, ferries, fire boats, fishing vessels, barges, dinner boats, and more. As a Maritime Hull & Superstructure Welder, you'll transform plate and beam into seaworthy strength, contributing across fabrication, assembly, subassembly, and final erection.
Our mission-and your impactEvery clean bead you lay supports a community ferry crossing, a tug on station, or a fire boat ready to respond. You'll weld structural components across the vessel-hulls, superstructures, masts, pilothouses, and engine rooms-using wire feed and stick processes, with craftsmanship that stands up to the sea.
How you'll contributeComplete weld outs on panels, assemblies, and modules; participate in final vessel construction while meeting safety and schedule goals.
Perform fillet, butt, socket, and mitered joints across flat, horizontal, vertical, and overhead positions.
Prep and grind seams for tacking and for post weld inspection to ensure code quality results.
Set up arc welding equipment for root passes, hanger welds, and repairs.
Dial in MIG parameters for watertight and skip weld patterns; accurately lay out skip sequences.
Air Arc back gouge and remove nonconforming welds.
Sub arc large hull and deck plates.
Maintain equipment-clean, lubricate, and adjust using air hoses, cleaning fluids, and hand tools.
Prepare metal with grinders, cutters, and drills.
Install lighting and ventilation for confined spaces per shipyard best practices.
Weld multiple alloys, including aluminum, mild steel, stainless steel, and copper nickel.
Deliver hundreds of inches of high quality weld per 8 hour shift.
Communicate clearly, adapt quickly, interpret drawings, and solve problems within a collaborative crew.
Model ESR safety culture and meticulous housekeeping.
Foster cooperative relationships; mentor apprentices and peers.
Document and share information succinctly, orally and in writing.
Support additional production tasks as needed.
What you need to succeed3+ years of welding experience.
Proficiency reading specifications and blueprints.
Sound basic math (emphasized) and concise communication.
Experience around heavy machinery.
Able to enter confined spaces with a respirator and work in tight, awkward postures.
Familiar with shipyard safety protocols and vessel terminology.
High school diploma/equivalent; vocational training preferred.
2 G, 3 G, 4 G ABS Steel required; Aluminum a plus; USCG certifications or ability to obtain within 90 days.
Basic hand and power tool knowledge.
Formal training in physics, chemistry, welding equipment care/operation, blueprint reading, metallurgy, SMAW/TIG, and advanced FCAW/GMAW.
USCG or ABS certified/certifiable.
Willing to work overtime.
Lift/carry up to 50 lbs., work at heights to 60 ft., and enter confined spaces with a respirator.
Strong verbal communication.
Extra creditExperience with multiple alloys/materials (e.g., steel and aluminum).
6 G ABS or USCG certifications in Stainless Steel (ARC, MIG, TIG), Aluminum (TIG), Copper Nickel (TIG).
Marine structural welding experience.
Forklift and manlift certification/experience.
Interest and aptitude for future crew leadership roles.
New construction or repair shipyard background.
Shipyard Competent Person certification.
OSHA 10 certification.
Ultrasound training/certification (Level 1+).
CWI or CWS certification.
Benefits that back your craftCompany funded commuter benefit for Washington State Ferry riders
401(k) with matching
Medical, dental, vision
Health Savings Account
Group life insurance with optional supplemental life & disability
Paid time off
Employee Assistance Program
State certified apprenticeship programs and a culture of learning
Professional toolkitYou should be proficient inGD&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 useMIG 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
LegalEqual 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.
Nichols Bros. Boat Builders is a drug free workplace, and all applicants are subject to a pre-employment drug screen and a background check.
Worksite address
freeland, WA, 98249, US
Who can apply
Review the original listing for work authorization, qualifications and employer requirements.