Shipyard Design Manager

We are seeking a Shipyard Design Manager to lead the technical execution of complex vessel design projects from concept through delivery. This is a high-impact leadership role bridging engineering, production, and client stakeholders to deliver innovative, compliant, and production-ready ship designs.

Benefits and Compensation:

• Competitive base salary (commensurate with experience)
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) with company match
• Paid time off and holidays
• Career advancement opportunities within a growing shipbuilding organization
• Exposure to high-profile commercial and government vessel programs
• Professional development and training support
• Stable, long-term project pipeline
• Collaborative, team-oriented engineering environment

Requirements & Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Naval Architecture, Marine Engineering, or related engineering field
• 5–10+ years of ship design or shipyard engineering experience
• Proven leadership experience managing engineering teams or projects
• Strong working knowledge across naval architecture, structures, propulsion, auxiliaries, electrical, and mission systems
• Proficiency in AutoCAD and ShipConstructor
• Experience with Microsoft Office Suite and electronic document management systems (EDMS)
• Strong understanding of classification society rules (ABS, DNV) and regulatory frameworks (SOLAS, USCG, etc.)
• Ability to manage multiple projects, deadlines, and technical priorities simultaneously

Must Haves:

• Lead full lifecycle development of General Arrangements, midship sections, and production-level design packages
• Own technical risk identification and communicate mitigation strategies to senior leadership
• Drive integration between structural, mechanical, electrical, and mission systems within vessel designs
• Oversee and track engineering deliverables with strict adherence to production schedules
• Facilitate design reviews, including client-facing technical presentations and iterative feedback incorporation
• Resolve real-time design conflicts during vessel construction in collaboration with production teams
• Develop and implement engineering QC processes and internal design standards
• Mentor and develop engineering staff, including drafters and junior engineers
• Support technical proposal development, including concept design input for new business opportunities

Preferred Background & Skills:

• Experience designing U.S. Navy, Coast Guard, or other government vessels
• Prior experience leading multi-disciplinary marine engineering teams
• Familiarity with shipyard production workflows and build strategies
• Experience with 3D modeling and digital shipbuilding environments
• Strong client-facing communication and stakeholder management skills
• Background in both new construction and vessel repair/conversion projects
• Ability to influence cross-functional teams in a fast-paced shipyard environment