Shipyard Design Manager
About the Role
We are seeking an experienced and highly motivated Shipbuilding Design Manager to lead our naval architecture and marine engineering design team. This role is responsible for overseeing the full lifecycle of vessel design-from concept development through detailed design and production support-ensuring projects meet technical, regulatory, cost, and schedule requirements.
The ideal candidate brings strong leadership capabilities, deep technical expertise in ship design, and a proven track record delivering complex shipbuilding or marine projects.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and manage multidisciplinary design teams including naval architects, structural, mechanical, and electrical engineers
- Oversee vessel design development from concept, preliminary design, and detailed engineering through production support
- Ensure compliance with classification societies (ABS, DNV, Lloyd's Register) and regulatory requirements (USCG, IMO, etc.)
- Coordinate with production, project management, procurement, and external stakeholders to ensure design feasibility and manufacturability
- Review and approve engineering drawings, specifications, and calculations
- Manage design schedules, budgets, and resource allocation
- Identify and mitigate technical risks throughout the project lifecycle
- Drive design innovation, process improvements, and adoption of new technologies
- Support proposal development with technical input, cost estimates, and timelines
- Act as the primary point of contact for clients on design-related matters
Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Naval Architecture, Marine Engineering, or a related field (Master's preferred)
- 10+ years of experience in shipbuilding, marine design, or offshore engineering
- 5+ years in a leadership or managerial role
- Strong knowledge of ship design principles, hydrodynamics, and structural analysis
- Experience with classification and regulatory frameworks (ABS, DNV, IMO, USCG, etc.)
- Proficiency in CAD and design tools (e.g., AutoCAD, Rhino, ShipConstructor, AVEVA Marine, NAPA, etc.)
- Familiarity with PLM systems and engineering workflows
- Excellent leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills
- Ability to manage multiple complex projects simultaneously
Preferred Qualifications
- Professional Engineer (PE) license or equivalent certification
- Experience with defense or commercial vessel programs
- Knowledge of advanced manufacturing methods and digital shipbuilding technologies
- Experience with model-based design and simulation tools
FAQs
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