Naval Architect & Structures Engineer

J.D. Irving, Limited; Halifax; On-site; CAD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading shipbuilding firm in Halifax is seeking a Structures Engineer to contribute to the design and construction of naval vessels. The ideal candidate will have a Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, experience in ship design, and familiarity with industry standards. This full-time position requires both office work and hands-on problem-solving in a shipyard environment. The role involves managing engineering tasks, supporting stakeholders, and ensuring compliance with regulations and deadlines.

Qualifications

• 4–10 years of experience in ship design or construction.
• Familiarity with standards (Lloyd's Register, Transport Canada).
• Understanding of shipyard disciplines related to structural design.

Responsibilities

• Manage planned and emergent engineering work within assigned scope.
• Support stakeholders with technical expertise.
• Review technical reports and specifications produced by subcontractors.

Skills

Knowledge of naval or modern ship design

Technical oversight

Problem-solving

Scheduling

Education

Bachelor of Engineering (B.Eng.) or equivalent

Professional Engineer (P.Eng.) designation

Degree in Naval Architecture

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.

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.

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.