Combat Systems Engineering Student/Co-op- Winter 2027

Irving Shipbuilding, Inc.; Dartmouth; On-site; CAD 2,066,000 - 3,444,000; Full time

Job summary

Irving Shipbuilding in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia seeks an engineering co-op student to support design activities for the River-ClassDestroyer Combat Systems and collaborate with multidisciplinary teams. You will review design elements, assist in documenting engineering work, and help plan testing and commissioning tasks.

Currently enrolled in a 4-year engineering program with 0-2 years’ experience is ideal. The role requires in-office presence and offers a pathway to future permanent opportunities

Qualifications

• Currently enrolled in a 4-year Engineering degree program.
• 0-2 years’ experience.
• Interest in Shipbuilding or the defense industry.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal and problem‑solving skills.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office suite, openness to learning.
• Skilled in organizing and managing a variety of tasks with varying priorities and is a fast learner and effective problem solver.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to support design activities for the River‑Class Destroyer Combat Systems.
• Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to review design elements of the ship.
• Support the review of engineering documentation for compliance with project requirements, classification rules, and shipyard standards.
• Assist in the planning, preparation, and execution of testing and commissioning activities.
• Propose and participate in continuous improvement projects as appropriate.
• Participate in engineering change management throughout the design and construction lifecycle.
• Prepare technical reports, presentations, and other engineering documentation to support project activities.

Skills

Communication

Interpersonal

Problem-solving

Fast learner

MS Office

Education

4-year Engineering degree program

Tools

MS Office Suite

Job description

Job Description
As a valued member of our team, this role offers you the opportunity to contribute to key projects and perform meaningful work supporting our new construction programs. You will build valuable connections with business leaders, colleagues, and network with many other fellow co‑op students joining ISI. This assignment provides an understanding of what a career at Irving Shipbuilding looks like in consideration for future permanent employment opportunities within our rapidly growing organization.

Job Description
As a valued member of our team, this role offers you the opportunity to contribute to key projects and perform meaningful work supporting our new construction programs. You will build valuable connections with business leaders, colleagues, and network with many other fellow co‑op students joining ISI. This assignment provides an understanding of what a career at Irving Shipbuilding looks like in consideration for future permanent employment opportunities within our rapidly growing organization.Irving Shipbuilding is proud to support their student hires and will pay the fees associated with your co‑op up to $1000.
Responsibilities

• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to support design activities for the River‑Class Destroyer Combat Systems.
  
• Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to review design elements of the ship.
  
• Support the review of engineering documentation for compliance with project requirements, classification rules, and shipyard standards.
  
• Assist in the planning, preparation, and execution of testing and commissioning activities.
  
• Propose and participate in continuous improvement projects as appropriate.
  
• Participate in engineering change management throughout the design and construction lifecycle.
  
• Prepare technical reports, presentations, and other engineering documentation to support project activities.
  

Qualifications

• Currently enrolled in a 4-year Engineering degree program.
  
• 0-2 years’ experience.
  
• Interest in Shipbuilding or the defense industry.
  
• Excellent communication, interpersonal and problem‑solving skills.
  
• Proficient in Microsoft Office suite, openness to learning.
  
• Skilled in organizing and managing a variety of tasks with varying priorities and is a fast learner and effective problem solver.
  

Due to the nature of work Irving Shipbuilding does, all successful applicants must meet requirements for the Canadian Controlled Goods Program (CGP), Canadian Government Security clearance, and U.S. International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR).
Please note this position requires a full‑time, in‑office presence.
About Us
Founded in 1882, J.D. Irving, Limited (JDI) operates in Eastern Canada (New‑Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, Québec, Ontario, Newfoundland and Labrador), as well as in USA. We are a team of 20,000 dedicated employees. At J.D. Irving, Limited, you are part of a dynamic team of professionals who lead with integrity and are passionate about delivering results. With a culture that nurtures talent and creates an inclusive workplace, you can grow your career across our various operating divisions.
We are committed to creating accessible environments for our colleagues, candidates, and customers. Requests for accommodation due to a disability (which may be visible or invisible, temporary, or permanent) can be made at any stage of application and employment. We encourage candidates to make their accommodation needs known so that we can provide equitable opportunities.
Worried you do not meet all the requirements? Studies have shown that many applicants apply only to job opportunities when they feel they meet 100% of the criteria. We promote an inclusive environment where everyone is appreciated, recognized, and empowered to contribute fully. If you are interested in this position but are worried you did not meet all the requirements, we would encourage you to still apply.
Our recruitment advisors and hiring teams will utilize human screening combined with AI technology to help identify the skills and qualities that matter most to our business, while safeguarding your privacy and using AI responsibly.
We appreciate your interest in our company however only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.
About The Team
Irving Shipbuilding is proud to be Canada’s National Shipbuilder. Our team is constructing more than 20 modern patrol ships and destroyers for the Royal Canadian Navy and Canadian Coast Guard as part of the largest defence procurement project in Canadian history.
By joining our team of more than 2,400 shipbuilders, you can enjoy a dynamic and exciting career with a company dedicated to your success, development, and safety.
At Irving Shipbuilding, we're making history - why not make it with us? Learn more about careers at Irving Shipbuilding: shipsforcanada.ca/opportunities.
We invite applications from all qualified candidates, including racially visible persons, women in under‑represented roles, persons with disabilities, Indigenous persons, and members of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, and encourage applicants to self‑identify.