Naval Architect / Production Engineer

Formosa Marine; City of Brisbane; On-site; AUD 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Formosa Marine in Brisbane is seeking a hands-on Naval Architect or Production Engineer to design, refine and manufacture aluminium boats. You’ll work directly with engineering, production and workshop teams to move concepts from CAD to fabrication to finished vessel.

You’ll be responsible for vessel and component design, 3D modelling, BOMs and translating designs into production, while improving performance, buildability and quality across projects.

Qualifications

• Qualifications in Naval Architecture, Marine Engineering, Production Engineering or related discipline.
• Experience in marine, aluminium fabrication, manufacturing or similar production environment.
• Strong engineering fundamentals and ability to interpret technical drawings and specifications.
• Experience with CAD and production software.
• Practical problem-solving skills and confidence working with workshop and trade teams.
• Understanding of small-craft and commercial vessel standards.
• Excellent attention to detail and ability to manage competing priorities.

Responsibilities

• Vessel, hull and component design and development.
• 3D modelling, assemblies, fabrication drawings, BOMs and CNC files.
• Taking designs from engineering through to production.
• Improving existing boats for performance, buildability, quality and customer outcomes.
• Developing new vessel configurations and conversion options.
• Solving real production, design and quality issues.
• Developing smarter manufacturing methods, tooling and work sequences.
• Assessing structural, compliance, manufacturing and cost implications of design changes.
• Working with suppliers, production and trade teams to make things happen.
• Driving continuous improvement across design and manufacturing.

Skills

CAD proficiency

Problem solving

Attention to detail

Team collaboration

Manufacturing experience

Education

Naval Architecture or Marine Engineering degree

Tools

Rhino 3D

Inventor

SolidWorks

ART ToolShop

CNC

Job description

Build boats. Shape the future. Leave your mark.

If you’re a Naval Architect or Production Engineer who loves boats, understands manufacturing and wants to see your work become something real — this could be your opportunity.

Formosa Marine is entering a new chapter.

Australian-owned and based in Lytton, Brisbane, Formosa has been building tough aluminium plate boats for Australian conditions since 1998. With new ownership, a new direction and significant investment in our people, technology and manufacturing capability, we’re continuing to evolve the business and the boats we build.

We’re looking for someone who wants to be part of that journey.

This isn’t a role where your designs disappear into a computer or get passed down the line. You’ll see your work go from concept → CAD → fabrication → finished boat.

You’ll work directly with our engineering, production and workshop teams — designing, refining, solving problems and finding better ways to build.

The Opportunity

Reporting to the General Manager and Company Director, you’ll have the opportunity to make a genuine impact across:

• Vessel, hull and component design and development.

• 3D modelling, assemblies, fabrication drawings, BOMs and CNC files.

• Taking designs from engineering through to production.

• Improving existing boats for performance, buildability, quality and customer outcomes.

• Developing new vessel configurations and conversion options.

• Solving real production, design and quality issues.

• Developing smarter manufacturing methods, tooling and work sequences.

• Assessing structural, compliance, manufacturing and cost implications of design changes.

• Working with suppliers, production and trade teams to make things happen.

• Driving continuous improvement across design and manufacturing.

About You

We’re not looking for someone who simply ticks the engineering boxes.

We want someone who is curious, practical and hands-on. Someone who wants to understand how things are made, enjoys solving problems and takes pride in getting the details right.

You’ll ideally have:

• Qualifications in Naval Architecture, Marine Engineering, Production Engineering or a related discipline — or a relevant trade qualification backed by substantial experience.

• Experience in marine, aluminium fabrication, manufacturing or a similar production environment.

• Strong engineering fundamentals and the ability to interpret technical drawings and specifications.

• Experience with CAD and production software.

• Practical problem-solving skills and confidence working with workshop and trade teams.

• An understanding of relevant small-craft and commercial vessel standards.

• Excellent attention to detail and the ability to manage competing priorities.

Experience That Will Get Our Attention

Experience with any of the following will be highly regarded:

Rhino 3D | Inventor | SolidWorks | ART ToolShop | CNC | Marine Design | Aluminium Fabrication | Robot Welding | Manufacturing | Small-Craft Compliance

A relevant trade background is also highly valued.

And above all — a genuine passion for boats and boat building.

Why Formosa?

Because you won’t just be maintaining the status quo.

We’ve invested heavily in 3D design, CNC technology, robotic welding and modern manufacturing processes, and we’re continuing to invest in where the business goes next.

There’s plenty happening at Formosa — new ideas, evolving products, improving processes and a clear focus on building a stronger Australian boat brand.

That creates an opportunity for the right person to have real influence.

You’ll work alongside experienced people across engineering, production and fabrication, with the freedom to question, improve and contribute.

If you’ve ever wanted to look at a boat and say, “I helped design that” — this is your chance.

Employment

• 6-month contract, with potential to transition to full-time

• Monday to Friday, 38 hours per week

• Lytton, Brisbane

• Remuneration discussed with shortlisted candidates

Apply

Send us your résumé and a brief cover letter telling us about your engineering, marine design and/or manufacturing experience — and why Formosa Marine is where you want to make your mark.

Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted. No applicants will be contacted prior to 1 October 2026.

Formosa Marine is an equal opportunity employer. We welcome applications from suitably qualified candidates and assess applicants based on their skills, experience and ability to meet the requirements of the role.