Marine Outside Machinist — Propulsion & Alignment Specialist

Build the vessels that move the Pacific Northwest

Morning light hits Whidbey Island as you step aboard a newbuild ferry. Today you’ll dial in the final alignment on a pair of main engines, verify the shaft line is true, and lock down gear boxes ahead of sea trials. Tomorrow it might be a tug, a fire boat, or a dinner boat—each demanding the precision of a seasoned outside machinist.

Where you’ll work

Nichols Bros. Boat Builders (NBBB) has crafted state-of-the-art vessels in Freeland, WA since 1964—just a short hop from the Seattle metro. Alongside our sister companies Everett Ship Repair (ESR) and Shared Ice Services, we’re part of Ice Cap Holdings’ strong maritime presence in the Pacific Northwest.

What you’ll take on

• Install and align major propulsion and auxiliary machinery: main engines, gear boxes, pumps, shafts, jet drives, propellers, rudders, and Z-drive systems.
• Fabricate and fit structural machinery foundations in steel or aluminum from blueprints, including layout plus MIG and Arc welding/tacking.
• Align and secure main engines and gear boxes during sea trials.
• Lay out, cut, form, machine, and prepare parts for final assembly.
• Operate lathes, milling machines, grinders, drills, dial calipers, torque wrenches, micrometers, and dial indicators.
• Inspect parts and equipment to confirm tolerances meet owner specifications and regulatory requirements.
• Work fluently in standard and metric units; convert SAE to metric and fractions to decimals.
• Use metal-forming equipment (shear, brake, roll, press, band saw) as well as oxygen–propane torches and plasma cutters.
• Keep the work area and tools clean and orderly; follow all shipyard safety practices and regulations.
• Communicate clearly in writing and speech; work independently or as part of a crew, adapting and problem-solving as needed.
• Occasionally support inside machining: turning, milling, drilling, molding, small/large assemblies, and machining steels/alloys/ship assemblies to blueprints on conventional lathes, mills, and grinders.
• Champion safe work and housekeeping; contribute to NBBB’s strong safety culture.
• Build cooperative relationships across crews and supervision; mentor apprentices and teammates by sharing trade knowledge.
• Pitch in on additional tasks as they arise in our fast-paced yard.

What you bring

• 3+ years as a Machinery Assembler or Journeyman Machinist.
• High school diploma/GED or vocational training.
• Working knowledge of shipyard safety practices and vessel terminology.
• Ability to read specifications, drawings, and blueprints; apply basic math accurately.
• Clear, concise communication—written and verbal.
• Hands-on experience with basic hand/power tools; familiarity with lathes and mills.
• Overtime availability as needed; experience working around heavy machinery.
• Physical capability: lift/carry up to 50 lbs, work at heights up to 60 ft, enter confined spaces using a respirator, and work in tight/awkward positions.
• Proficiency converting SAEmetric and fractionsdecimals.

What sets you apart

• Background in shipyard new construction/repair or marine construction.
• Laser alignment experience (e.g., Rotoline, Pinpoint).
• Certification as a Shipyard Competent Person.
• Comfort working across multiple alloys/materials (steel and aluminum).
• Working knowledge of applicable NAVSEA standard items.
• OSHA 10 certification.
• Certification/experience with forklifts and manlifts.
• Interest and aptitude for future crew leadership roles.

Key proficiencies

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

Benefits

• 401(k) with company match
• Medical, dental, and vision coverage
• Health Savings Account (HSA)
• Group life insurance plus 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.