Naval Vessel Hull & Superstructure Fitter

Job Description

Job Description

Naval Vessel Hull & Superstructure Fitter

Where you’ll build: NBBB, Freeland, WA (Whidbey Island), crafting vessels since 1964—tugs, ferries, fire boats, fishing boats, barges, dinner vessels, and more. Our yard operates on robust infrastructure, including stormwater management, electrical, compressed air/gas, plumbing, structural facility upkeep, and light construction—keeping production flowing.

• Fabricate, form, and fit structural elements across all build stages—hulls, superstructures, masts, pilothouses, and engine room structures.
• Shift between fabrication shop, modular jigs, and final on-vessel assembly.
• Lay out parts, cut and prepare materials, and complete final assembly.
• Build and use jigs to align modules and superstructures.
• Read and work from standard and metric engineering drawings.
• Tack and perform minor welding (MIG and Arc).
• Run metal-forming equipment: shears, band saws, rollers, and press brakes.
• Cut with oxygen/propane torches and plasma cutters.
• Apply precision with grinders, levels, and tape measures.
• Contribute as a strong team member—communicate, adapt, interpret, and solve problems together.
• Embrace ESR safety culture and maintain top-tier housekeeping.
• Support a collaborative environment and mentor apprentices and learners.
• Jump in on additional tasks that arise in a dynamic, startup-like environment.

• Grinders, levels, tape measures
• Shears, band saws, rollers, press brakes
• Oxygen/propane cutting torches, plasma cutters
• MIG, TIG, and Stick welding equipment (for tacking and minor welds)

• 3+ years’ shipbuilding or marine metalworking experience (shipfitter background preferred).
• Basic welding capability across MIG, TIG, and Stick.
• High school diploma/GED or vocational equivalent.
• Competence with core math relevant to layout and fabrication.
• Knowledge of shipfitting tools and forming equipment: torches, saws, bandsaws, rollers, presses, shears.
• Ability to read, interpret, and execute from drawings/blueprints.
• Familiarity with materials and fabrication/repair methods in marine environments.
• Clear written and verbal communication.
• Experience around heavy machinery; able to work overtime as needed.
• Lift/carry up to 50 lbs; work at heights of up to 60 ft.
• Enter confined spaces with a respirator and operate in tight, awkward positions.

• Aluminum and steel fabrication proficiency.
• New construction or repair shipyard experience.
• Forklift or manlift certifications/experience.
• Shipyard Competent Person certification.
• Pipefitting and carpentry skills.
• Drive to step into future crew leadership opportunities.

You’ll collaborate closely within a facility supported by stormwater management, electrical, air/gas, and plumbing systems, plus ongoing structural maintenance and light construction—all designed to keep production running smoothly.

Ability to pass company pre-employment screens in background check, drug test, and physical skills test.