Naval Architect & Structures Engineer

Irving Shipbuilding; Dartmouth; On-site; CAD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A shipbuilding company in Nova Scotia is seeking a Structures Engineer to contribute to the design and construction of vessels for the Royal Canadian Navy and Canadian Coast Guard. This full-time role involves managing engineering work, supporting stakeholders, and ensuring compliance with standards. An ideal candidate will hold a Bachelor of Engineering and have 4-10 years of relevant experience, with knowledge of ship design practices. The position requires a dedicated in-office presence and is a unique opportunity to work on impactful projects.

Qualifications

• 4-10 years of experience in ship design, ship construction, or a related industrial environment.
• Academic exposure to marine engineering or shipbuilding considered an asset.

Responsibilities

• Manage planned and emergent engineering work within assigned scope.
• Support both internal and external stakeholders with technical expertise.
• Develop routine or low-complexity engineering deliverables.
• Review technical reports, calculations, models, and specifications.
• Author and maintain processes and procedures for recurring tasks.
• Identify and develop mitigation strategies for technical risks.
• Apply risk-based decision making to resolve technical challenges.
• Identify opportunities for continuous improvement.

Skills

Knowledge of naval or modern ship design and construction

Familiarity with relevant standards and regulations

Understanding of scheduling

Working knowledge of shipyard disciplines

Experience in ship design or ship construction

Education

Bachelor of Engineering (B.Eng.) or equivalent

Professional Engineer (P.Eng.) designation (or equivalent)

Degree in Naval Architecture

Job description

JOB DESCRIPTION

Join a team building the future fleet of Canada. As a valued member of the Hull Engineering group, the Structures Engineer will play a key role in the design, construction, testing/commissioning, and delivery of Royal Canadian Navy and Canadian Coast Guard vessels. This is a unique opportunity to apply your technical expertise to some of the most complex and impactful shipbuilding programs in the country.

Reporting to the Naval Architecture & Structures Team Lead, the Structures Engineer works independently to provide technical oversight and support throughout all project stages. You will review structural designs and engineering products, ensure compliance with customer and classification requirements, and develop practical solutions to technical challenges encountered during construction.

This role offers a dynamic blend of office-based engineering work and hands‑on problem‑solving in an industrial shipyard environment. You will leverage both theoretical knowledge and practical engineering principles to drive high‑quality, efficient outcomes for major new‑build programs.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Manage planned and emergent engineering work within assigned scope.
• Support both internal and external stakeholders with technical expertise.
• Develop routine or low‑complexity engineering deliverables.
• Review technical reports, calculations, models, and specifications produced by subcontractors and partners.
• Author and maintain processes and procedures for recurring engineering tasks within the discipline.
• Identify and develop mitigation strategies for discipline‑specific technical risks.
• Apply risk‑based decision making to resolve technical challenges.
• Identify opportunities for continuous improvement in engineering practices, workflows, or outputs.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor of Engineering (B.Eng.) or equivalent; Professional Engineer (P.Eng.) designation (or equivalent).
• Degree in Naval Architecture considered an asset;
• Knowledge of naval or modern ship design and construction practices.
• Familiarity with relevant standards and regulations (e.g., Lloyd's Register, Transport Canada, IMO, IACS).
• Understanding of scheduling and the ability to adhere to strict deadlines.
• Working knowledge of shipyard disciplines related to structural design and construction (hull structure, arrangements, producibility, manufacturing).
• Experience or academic exposure to marine engineering or shipbuilding (e.g., co‑op placements, coursework).
• 4‑10 years of experience in ship design, ship construction, or a related complex industrial/manufacturing environment.

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) has operations in Canada and the United States and is 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.

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 underrepresented roles, persons with disabilities, Indigenous persons, and members of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, and encourage applicants to self-identify.