Shipyard Design Manager

nsc staffingNorth Kingstown, RI

today

$90,000 - $120,000 per year

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About the role

Shipyard Design ManagerNSC Staffing is seeking an experienced Shipyard Design Manager for a Direct Hire opportunity supporting vessel construction, repair, and modernization programs in Rhode Island. This leadership role is responsible for managing engineering and design activities, directing technical teams, and ensuring all ship design deliverables meet regulatory, production, schedule, and customer requirements. The ideal candidate will have extensive shipyard design experience, a strong understanding of naval architecture and marine systems, and a proven ability to lead multidisciplinary engineering teams through all project phases.
Position Overview: The Shipyard Design Manager is responsible for leading the development and execution of ship design and engineering solutions from concept through production and delivery. This role oversees structural, outfitting, and production design efforts while coordinating closely with Engineering, Production, Project Management, and customer stakeholders. The successful candidate will drive technical excellence, ensure compliance with applicable regulations, support business development initiatives, and provide leadership to engineering and design personnel.
Key Responsibilities: Lead and manage all functional and detailed design efforts for vessel construction and repair projects. Oversee development and review of General Arrangement Drawings, Structural Drawings, Outfitting Drawings, Production Drawings, 3D Models, and Engineering Deliverables. Manage engineering resources and project priorities. Own and guide the overall technical solution for assigned projects. Identify, evaluate, and communicate technical project risks to executive leadership. Ensure engineering activities remain aligned with project schedules and budgets.
Engineering Leadership: Direct and mentor engineering and design personnel. Manage employee development, training, and performance. Establish engineering standards and design best practices. Foster collaboration between engineering, production, and project teams. Support staffing plans and engineering resource requirements.
Quality & Process Control: Implement and manage quality control standards within the engineering organization. Establish and maintain design processes and work instructions. Review engineering deliverables for accuracy, constructability, and compliance. Ensure all deliverables are completed in accordance with company standards.
Technical Compliance: Ensure vessel designs comply with American Bureau of Shipping (ABS), DNV Classification Rules, U.S. Coast Guard Regulations, SOLAS Requirements, Customer Specifications, and Shipyard Production Standards. Monitor regulatory changes impacting vessel design and construction.
Production Support: Work closely with Production and Project Management teams to resolve design conflicts. Support construction activities through technical guidance and field support. Track engineering deliverables and ensure deadlines are achieved. Manage engineering responses to production questions, revisions, and field changes.
Project Documentation: Oversee design reviews, engineering documentation, and project records. Manage technical specifications, work instructions, calculations, and engineering packages. Ensure design revisions and documentation remain properly controlled.
Stakeholder Communication: Lead engineering review meetings and client presentations. Provide weekly engineering status updates and deliverable reports. Support proposal development and business development activities. Participate in concept development and technical proposal preparation for new opportunities.
Qualifications & Experience:
  • Bachelor's Degree in Naval Architecture, Marine Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or Related Engineering Discipline.
  • Minimum 5–10+ years of shipyard engineering or ship design experience.
  • Proven leadership experience managing engineering teams and design projects.
  • Working knowledge of Naval Architecture, Marine Structures, Propulsion Systems, Auxiliary Systems, Electrical Systems, Mission Systems, HVAC Systems, Marine Piping Systems. Experience supporting vessel construction and repair programs.
  • Technical Skills
  • Advanced proficiency with AutoCAD, Ship
  • Constructor, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Word, Microsoft Outlook, Electronic Document Management Systems (EDMS).Strong project management and organizational skills. Excellent written and verbal communication skills. Ability to manage multiple projects under tight deadlines.
Preferred
Qualifications: Experience leading complex marine engineering organizations. Expertise in U.S. Navy, Coast Guard, or government vessel programs. Experience supporting production and shipyard operations. Professional Engineer (PE) registration is a plus.
Work Environment: Office, shipyard, and vessel environments. Work may be performed onboard vessels, in fabrication facilities, and within engineering offices. Frequent interaction with Engineering, Production, Project Management, and customer personnel. Fast-paced environment supporting multiple vessel projects and schedules.
Physical Requirements:
  • Vision correctable to 20/40.Ability to pass color vision requirements as applicable.
  • Ability to stand, sit, walk, kneel, squat, stoop, and climb ladders or stairs.
  • Ability to work in confined spaces and restricted-access shipboard areas.
  • Ability to maneuver through openings as small as 18" x 23".Ability to work at heights and aboard vessels.
  • Ability to remain in static positions for extended periods.
  • Ability to wear required PPE, including Respirators, Hard Hats, Safety Glasses, Face Shields, Safety Harnesses, Steel-Toe Footwear, Gloves.
  • Why NSC Staffing? Benefits of Joining NSC Staffing: Anticipated Salary Range: $90,000 – $120,000 annually *Medical, dental, and vision coverage 401(k) retirement plan
  • Paid time off and holidays
  • Career advancement opportunities
  • Professional development and training
The anticipated salary range represents the estimated base pay for this role. Final compensation will be determined based on experience, qualifications, and other job-related factors and may vary from the posted range. Relocation assistance is not provided. Candidates are responsible for relocation expenses.
Company Overview: NSC Staffing is a nationwide leader in staffing solutions for the Marine, Industrial, Energy, and Defense sectors. We connect skilled trades professionals, engineers, and technical leaders with rewarding career opportunities while maintaining an unwavering commitment to safety, quality, and workforce excellence. Join Our Team Today! Apply now and advance your marine engineering leadership career with NSC Staffing.

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JOB OVERVIEW

Salary

$90,000 - $120,000 per year

Experience level

Manager

Location

North Kingstown, RI

Occupation

Architectural and Engineering Managers

Industry

Ship Building and Repairing

Posted

today

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