Marine Pipe Systems Journeyman Fabricator

Job Description

Job Description

Build Complex Piping That Powers Iconic Vessels

Since 1964, Nichols Brothers Boat Builders (NBBB) has been crafting advanced vessels on Whidbey Island. From our Freeland, WA shipyard, we deliver tugs, ferries, fire boats, fishing vessels, barges, dinner boats, and many other sophisticated ships.

Your Day

As a Journeyman-level marine pipefitter, you’ll turn drawings into precise pipe spools and complete shipboard piping systems used across repair and new-build projects. A typical day moves from shop fabrication to modular jigs and into final vessel installation and testing at sea trials.

• Form, fit, and fabricate metal and nonmetallic piping from spools through installation, supporting construction, rebuilds, and sea trials.
• Shift seamlessly between fabrication shop, modular jigs, and on-boat final assembly environments.
• Lay out, cut, prep, and assemble spools and complete piping runs in modules and on the vessel.
• Measure, cut, thread, and bend to precise angles using hand tools, power tools, and machines (pipe cutters, threading machines, bending machines).
• Apply a wide toolset: pipe and union wrenches, threading equipment, tube/pipe benders, and more.
• Interpret standard and metric blueprints to build complex piping networks, spools, and foundations.
• Tack and perform minor welds with MIG and arc processes.
• Operate metal-forming equipment: shears, band saws, rollers, tube/pipe bending tools, and presses.
• Cut steel, aluminum, and stainless using oxygen/propane torches.
• Collaborate within a tight-knit team—communicate clearly, adapt fast, and solve problems on the fly.
• Champion NBBB’s ESR safety culture with exemplary shipyard safety and housekeeping.
• Foster strong working relationships across crews and supervision.
• Mentor rising talent—share techniques with learners and apprentices.
• Jump into additional shop or shipboard tasks as projects evolve.

Systems You’ll Touch

Heating and cooling, refrigeration, fuel lines, engine cooling, exhaust, sewage, bilge and ballast, and fire suppression.

What You Bring

• 5+ years as a pipefitter with proven proficiency in fitting, tacking, threading, bending, and laterals.
• Fluency with trade tools and forming equipment: torches, cutting torch, band saw, rollers, presses, and shears.
• High school diploma/equivalent or vocational training.
• Ability to read and interpret drawings/blueprints.
• Basic welding (MIG and arc).
• Knowledge of HVAC piping and condensate drains.
• Understanding of materials, methods, and tooling for constructing/repairing pipe assemblies.
• Clear written and verbal communication.
• Basics of hydraulics and experience with sewage piping systems.
• Leadership interest and aptitude.
• Strong tubing and bending skills.
• Willingness to work overtime as needed.
• Physical capability: lift/carry up to 50 lbs; work at heights to 60 ft; enter confined spaces with a respirator and operate at awkward angles.

Verbatim Pre-Employment Requirement

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

Stand-Out Extras

• Aluminum and steel fabrication experience.
• Prior shipyard work (new construction or repair).
• Plasma cutting experience.
• Certifications or experience operating forklifts or manlifts.
• Shipyard Competent Person certification.
• Foundational skills bridging Pipe and Carpentry.
• Continued interest in future leadership roles.

Required Proficiencies

• Journeyman’s License
• Pipefitting Skills
• Blueprint Reading

Tools & Technologies

• Thread Gauges (GO/NO-GO) (PMC Lone Star, Gagemaker, Vermont Gage, Thread Check, Starrett, Mitutoyo, Meyer Gage)
• Manual Plasma Cutter (Red-D-Arc, Hypertherm, Thermal-Dyna, Lincoln, Miller)
• Tube / Pipe Bender