Shipfitter / Fabricator

Job Description

Job Description

Job Title: Shipfitter 

Job Purpose and Position Overview: Snow & Company is seeking talented and skilled Shipfitter to join our team! We are looking for positive, motivated self-starters with a strong work ethic who can follow direction and work efficiently with minimal supervision. As a team-oriented company, we value individuals with a collaborative and innovative thought process. Given our quick turnaround times and strict deadlines, candidates must thrive in a fast-paced environment, demonstrate attention to detail, and maintain a positive, can-do attitude. We need individuals who are deadline-driven, have a strong commitment to safety, and can consistently exhibit excellent attendance. Our ideal candidates will take pride in customer satisfaction, have high integrity, and be dependable. We offer rewarding jobs and take pride in delivering exceptional quality work.

We’re currently involved in some interesting, high-impact projects, including the construction of a dry dock, two cutting-edge electric tugboats, and an 8-year contract to build advanced workboats for the US Navy. It’s an exciting time to be part of our team as we push the boundaries of innovation and craftsmanship!

Key Responsibilities:

• Interpreting blueprints, ship drawings, layouts, assembly drawings and welding symbols
• Cutting and fitting metal plates and beams using torches, grinders, and plasma cutters
• Tack welding and fitting structural components together
• Aligning and positioning hull structures using jacks, wedges, and chain falls
• Tac welding and reinforcing joints to meet company standards
• Inspecting assemblies for accuracy, gaps, and structural integrity
• Moves parts into position, manually or with hoists or cranes
• Sets up and operates fabricating machines, such as brakes, rolls, shears, flame cutters, grinders, and drill presses, to bend, cut, punch, drill, or otherwise form and assemble metal components.
• Measures, templates, cuts, and grinds components for foundations and other structural pieces
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Essential Skills:

• At least 3 years of professional shipfitting experience.
• Comfortable working in confined spaces and at odd angles
• Knowledge of marine welding
• Basic understanding of or the ability to quickly learn the equipment and facilities at the shipyard
• Ability to understand basic verbal and written instructions, including manuals and on manufacturer websites
• General familiarity with tools and parts
• Well organized with attention to detail
• Effective communication skills
• Punctual with high attendance rate
• Willing and able to support a safe work environment
• Work independently and with a team
• Math (high school or equivalent proficiency) 

Physical and Environmental Demands:

The work environment is a dynamic, fast-paced shipyard with moderate to loud noise levels due to ongoing production activities. Job duties are performed in production areas and onboard vessels and require:

• The ability to walk to and from job sites, climb inclined stairways, and use vertical ladders
• Frequent bending, squatting, crawling, twisting, standing, walking, sitting, and use of hands/fingers for various tasks
• Occasional reaching, climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, and crawling
• Frequent lifting of up to 20 lbs, with occasional lifting of up to 50 lbs
• The ability to work in extreme temperatures and conditions, including areas with limited ventilation
• The ability to enter and work in confined spaces, such as manholes
• The ability to work at heights
• Frequent use of a respirator
• Wearing required safety gear, including a hard hat, gloves, safety glasses, and protective clothing
• Regular exposure to noise from machinery and equipment

Pay and Benefits:

• $25 - $45 / hour
• Full time, overtime nonexempt position
• Overtime may be available
• Positive and supportive work environment
• 100% paid medical insurance for employees, 80% for spouses and dependents
• Comprehensive dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• Life insurance options available
• 401(k) retirement plan with employer match up to 5%
• Paid Time Off plan 
• 9 paid holidays, including the day after the Super Bowl

Relocation Package:  Ready to bring your shipfitting skills to Seattle? Join our team and make the move with confidence – we’re offering a $5,000 relocation package to help you get started strong! You’ll receive $1,000 in each of your first paychecks, giving you the flexibility to cover moving costs, short-term housing, or gear up with the tools you need. 

About Snow & Company: Snow & Company is a leading boatbuilding and ship repair company located in the Ballard neighborhood of Seattle. We specialize in constructing commercial vessels for the fishing industry, government agencies, tugboat operators, aquaculture businesses, and more. In addition to vessel construction, we provide comprehensive overhauls and repair services. Our modern facilities include enclosed fabrication halls and waterfront repair spaces, all situated along the picturesque Ship Canal. Conveniently located on the Burke-Gilman Trail and just one block from the Metro bus stop, Snow & Company is a commuter-friendly workplace.

Equal Opportunity Employer: Snow & Company, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. We provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment, regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, protected veteran status, age, disability, or genetic information. In addition to federal laws, Snow & Company complies with all applicable state and local nondiscrimination laws.

For more information, check out our website at