Since 1964, Nichols Brothers Boat Builders (NBBB) has crafted vessels on scenic Whidbey Island from our yard in Freeland, WA. Our portfolio spans tugs, ferries, fireboats, fishing vessels, barges, dinner boats, and more—each leveraging cutting-edge marine technologies to meet exacting customer needs.
You start your morning reviewing engineering drawings—both standard and metric—to plan the day’s work on a new build. On the panel line you lay out structural elements, then move to the fabrication shop to form sheet metal for HVAC trunks. After lunch, you’re in the pilot house trimming interiors and fitting cabinetry, then back on a modular jig to assemble ductwork with flanges, bolts, lap joints, and rivets. Throughout the day you take precise measurements on metals, plastics, and laminates, scribe layouts onboard, and perform light tack work using MIG and stick processes. You wrap up by checking finishes, maintaining housekeeping standards, and collaborating with teammates to troubleshoot any fit-up or alignment challenges.
- Fabricate and fit wood structures and sheet metal components to blueprint specifications for new construction and rebuilds.
- Work across the panel line, fabrication shop, modular jigs, and on finished assemblies as production demands.
- Install, remove, repair, and commission HVAC systems, including constructing and fitting new ducting.
- Interpret blueprints, sketches, drawings, manuals, and specs to determine dimensions, tolerances, sequences, and setups.
- Measure, mark, and scribe layouts on various substrates onboard the vessel.
- Modify and assemble ventilation components using rivets, bolts, flanges, and lap joints.
- Operate and maintain hand and power tools common to carpentry and metalwork: grinders, drills, rivet guns, calipers, scribes, and combination squares.
- Own the layout, cutting, forming, prep, and final assembly of assigned tasks.
- Perform minor welding/tacking using MIG and Arc processes.
- Use forming machinery such as shears, band saws, rollers, presses, and brakes.
- Apply shipyard safety practices, vessel terminology, and safely operate scissor and boom lifts.
- Model safe work practices and maintain exceptional housekeeping standards.
- Team up to solve problems, adapt plans, and communicate clearly in person and in writing.
- High school diploma or equivalent (vocational education welcomed).
- Strong basic math skills and blueprint-reading fundamentals.
- Comfort with basic hand and power tools and heavy machinery environments.
- 3+ years as a carpenter, joiner, or outfitter (for Journeyman applicants).
- Shipbuilding or broader marine experience.
- Commitment to safe work practices and quality.
- Willingness to learn and attend training (for entry-level candidates).
- Ability to work overtime as needed.
- Physical capability to lift/carry up to 50 lbs; work at heights up to 60 ft; enter confined spaces with a respirator; and operate in tight, awkward positions.
- Clear verbal communication skills and a collaborative mindset.
- Construction or shipyard experience (ideal for entry-level candidates).
- Woodworking, framing, finish and rough carpentry, millwork, joinery, cabinet installation, marine carpentry
- Outfitting, ship building, ship repair
- Layout and fit‑up; field measurements; precision measurement and inspection
- Blueprint reading; shop math skills; excellent communication
- Equipment troubleshooting; visual inspection aids
- Tape measure proficiency
- Forklift licensed
- Hand tool proficiency
From fireboats that safeguard communities to ferries that connect them, your craftsmanship will be part of vessels known for reliability and innovation.
Nichols Brothers Boat Builders is a drug free workplace, and all applicants are subject to a pre-employment drug screen and a background check.
Equal Employment Opportunity: All employment decisions at Nichols Brothers Boat Builders are based on business needs, job requirements and individual qualifications, without regard to race, color, religion or belief, national, social or ethnic origin, sex, age, disability, HIV Status, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, marital, civil union or domestic partnership status, past or present military service, medical history, family or parental status, or any other status protected by the laws or regulations in the locations where we operate. Nichols Brothers Boat Builders will not tolerate discrimination or harassment based on any of these characteristics
