1

Shipyard Manager Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

... shipyard facilities and maintenance related needs including but not limited to oversight, administration and execution of company's stormwater management system, yard electrical system, air and gas ...

SHIPFITTER JOURNEYMAN NBB

Freeland, WA · On-site

$33.90 - $38/hr

... shipyard facilities and maintenance related needs including but not limited to oversight, administration and execution of company's stormwater management system, yard electrical system, air and gas ...

Plan and manage vessel dry dock projects. Develop repair specifications and scopes of work. Solicit and evaluate vendor and shipyard proposals. Monitor contractor performance, project schedules ...

Plan and manage vessel dry dock projects. Develop repair specifications and scopes of work. Solicit and evaluate vendor and shipyard proposals. Monitor contractor performance, project schedules ...

Plan and manage vessel dry dock projects. Develop repair specifications and scopes of work. Solicit and evaluate vendor and shipyard proposals. Monitor contractor performance, project schedules ...

Plan and manage vessel dry dock projects. Develop repair specifications and scopes of work. Solicit and evaluate vendor and shipyard proposals. Monitor contractor performance, project schedules ...

... managing incoming mail, serving as the first point of contact on our main phone line, maintaining ... Serve as the trusted, go-to HR resource for employees and supervisors across the shipyard * Support ...

Shipyard Manager information

See Michigan salary details

$21.4K

$51.9K

$101.1K

How much do shipyard manager jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average yearly pay for shipyard manager in Michigan is $51,882.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $36,600.00 and $59,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a shipyard manager?

To thrive as a Shipyard Manager, you need a strong background in marine engineering, project management, and safety compliance, typically supported by a relevant degree and industry experience. Familiarity with shipbuilding software, maintenance management systems, and certifications such as OSHA or NEBOSH are often required. Leadership, problem-solving, and effective communication are essential soft skills for coordinating large teams and managing complex operations. These skills ensure safe, efficient, and timely completion of shipyard projects while maintaining high standards and regulatory compliance.

What are some common challenges shipyard managers face when overseeing multiple projects simultaneously?

Shipyard Managers often juggle several projects at once, each with its own deadlines, budgets, and technical requirements. A primary challenge is coordinating resources—such as labor, equipment, and materials—while ensuring safety and compliance with regulations. Effective communication across multidisciplinary teams is critical to prevent bottlenecks and maintain workflow. Additionally, managers must be adept at problem-solving to address unexpected delays or technical issues, all while keeping stakeholders informed and satisfied.

What does a shipyard manager do?

A shipyard manager oversees the daily operations of a shipbuilding or repair facility, coordinating activities such as construction, maintenance, safety, and staffing. They ensure projects are completed on time, within budget, and meet quality standards, often using project management skills and safety regulations. The role requires strong leadership, technical knowledge of shipbuilding processes, and compliance with industry standards.

What are the most commonly searched types of Shipyard jobs in Michigan?

The most popular types of Shipyard jobs in Michigan are:

What are popular job titles related to Shipyard Manager jobs in Michigan?

For Shipyard Manager jobs in Michigan, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Shipyard Manager job openings in Michigan as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 82% Full Time, 13% Part Time, 2% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 81% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 17% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $51,882 per year, or $24.9 per hour.

STRUCTURAL WELDER JOURNEYMAN NBB

ICE CAP

Freeland, WA

$33.90 - $38/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 26 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Weld structural portions of marine vessels, including hulls, superstructures, masts, pilot house, and engine rooms.

  • Perform wire feed and stick welding operations, including setting up and operating MIG welders, and executing various weld types such as seam, skip, fillet, butt-weld, socket, and mitered joints.

  • Prepare metal surfaces, set up welding equipment, and perform post-weld grinding, inspection, and repairs to ensure quality and watertight integrity.


Job description

NBBB has been building boats on beautiful Whidbey Island since 1964. We are in Freeland, WA where we produce state-of-the-art vessels, tugs, ferries, fire boats, fishing vessels, barges, dinner boats, along with many other sophisticated ships. We are seeking a Facilities and Maintenance Technician who will service the shipyard facilities and maintenance related needs including but not limited to oversight, administration and execution of company’s stormwater management system, yard electrical system, air and gas systems, plumbing systems, structural building repair and maintenance and light construction projects to ensure smooth operation of production facilities. 

We are now seeking a Structural Welder who will weld structural portions of marine vessels together and perform wire feed and stick welding operations to support fabrication, assembly, subassembly, and final erection of all structural components on marine vessels including hulls, superstructures, masts, pilot house, and engine rooms.

What You will Do

  • Weld out panels, assemblies, modules, and final build of vessels, good housekeeping and safety practices, and completion of assignments in a timely manner.

  • Weld seams and skip welds, flat, horizontal, vertical, and overhead, for fillet, butt-weld, socket, and mitered joints.

  • Grind and prep weld seams for tacking, grinding, and final inspection post weld.

  • Set up and set arc welder for root passes, welding hangers, and repairs

  • Set up, set, and operate MIG welders for watertight and skip weld patterns

  • Layout skip weld patterns

  • Perform Air Arc operations to back gouge welds and remove bad welds

  • Sub-arc large hull and deck plates

  • Clean, lubricate, maintain, and adjust equipment to maintain efficient operation, using air hoses, cleaning fluids, and hand tools

  • Prepare metal surfaces, using hand-operated equipment, such as grinders, cutters, or drills.

  • Set up ventilation and lighting in confined spaces using best shipyard practices

  • Performs welds on many alloys including but not limited to aluminum, mild steel, stainless steel, and copper nickel.

  • Complete hundreds of inches of weld during an eight-hour day, with a desired outcome of a quality joint on every weld.

  • Work as a member of a team demonstrating skills to effectively communicate, adapt, interpret and problem solve.

  • Always embrace ESR safety culture and practice safe shipyard work practices and housekeeping

  • Develop and maintain constructive and cooperative working relationships with fellow crew members and supervision

  • Share your knowledge in the trade with other employees, especially those in learning or apprentice roles

  • Responsible for safe work practices and housekeeping procedures.

  • Express ideas concisely and clearly, both orally and in writing.

  • Perform other tasks as needed that may arise in our exciting work environment

What You Bring to Our Team

  • 3+ Years experience as a Welder

  • Ability to read, interpret specifications, and work from drawings and blueprints

  • Ability to understand and apply basic math skills

  • Ability to express ideas concisely and clearly, both orally and in writing.

  • Experience working around Heavy Machinery

  • Ability to enter confined spaces using a respirator, and work in small workspaces at odd angles.

  • Knowledge of shipyard safety practices and vessel terminology

  • High School Education or equivalent or vocational education

  • 2-G, 3-G, 4-G ABS Steel Required Aluminum a plus or Coast Guard Certifications, or ability to obtain certifications within 90 days of employment

  • Able to understand and perform basic mathematics

  • Knowledge of basic hand and power tools

  • Formal external or internal training in physics, chemistry, weld equipment care and operating, blueprint reading, metallurgy, SMAW/TIG welding, and advanced welding principles of FCAW/GMAW welding processes.

  • Certified or certifiable in USCG or ABS welding.

  • Ability to work overtime as necessary

  • Ability to lift and carry up to 50 lbs. must be able to work at heights of 60 ft. Must be able to enter confined spaces using a respirator, and work in small workspaces at odd angles.

  • Good verbal communication skills

What Additional Things Would Distinguish You

  • Experience and Proficiency working with multiple alloys / materials (for example, Steel and Aluminum)

  • 6-G ABS or USCG Certifications in Stainless Steel (ARC, MIG, & TIG), Aluminum (TIG), and Copper Nickel (TIG).

  • Marine Structural Welding Experience

  • Certification and experience in use of forklifts and manlifts.

  • Interest in and aptitude for taking on future crew leadership roles

  • Previous experience in a shipyard (new construction or repair)

  • Certification as a Shipyard Competent Person

  • OSHA 10- Certification

  • Ultrasound training or certification (Level 1 or higher)

  • CWI or CWS certification

Benefits:

  • Company funded commuter benefit for riders of the Washington State Ferry System

  • 401(k) and 401(k) matching

  • Health insurance

  • Health savings account

  • Dental insurance

  • Group Life Insurance with Optional supplemental life and disability insurance programs

  • Paid time off

  • Vision insurance

  • 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.

Nichols Bros. Boat Builders is a drug free workplace, and all applicants are subject to a pre-employment drug screen and a background check.