Naval Engineer

Irving Shipbuilding; Dartmouth; On-site; CAD 95,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

Irving Shipbuilding in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, invites a seasoned Naval Architect to join our Hull Engineering team to design, construct, and deliver Royal Canadian Navy and Canadian Coast Guard vessels. The role emphasizes leadership in complex marine systems and collaboration across disciplines.

You will lead milestones, review technical products, mentor engineers, and contribute to Canada’s national shipbuilding programs from our in-office Hull Engineering team.

Qualifications

• Required advanced degree in Naval Architecture or Marine Engineering.
• Experience in ship design and construction, naval or commercial.
• Strong knowledge of complex marine systems.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Proven leadership and communication skills.
• Mentoring interest in developing engineering talent.

Responsibilities

• Provide expert technical oversight across all phases of ship design and construction.
• Lead engineering efforts during launch, dockings, inclining experiments, and performance trials.
• Originate complex engineering deliverables and statements of work for subcontractors.
• Review and approve technical products from internal and external stakeholders.
• Develop and document engineering processes and procedures.
• Identify and mitigate risks within your discipline.
• Champion continuous improvement initiatives.
• Mentor junior engineers and foster knowledge sharing.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Mentoring

Independent work

Technical oversight

Education

Advanced education in Naval Architecture or Marine Engineering

Job description

Job Description

Are you a seasoned Naval Architect with a passion for complex marine systems and a drive to shape the future of Canada’s maritime fleet? We’re looking for a Naval Architect to join our Hull Engineering team and play a pivotal role in the design, construction, and delivery of Royal Canadian Navy and Canadian Coast Guard vessels.

This is your opportunity to contribute to national shipbuilding programs, lead critical engineering milestones, and mentor the next generation of marine engineers—all while working on some of the most advanced vessels in the country.

Responsibilities

• Provide expert technical oversight and support across all phases of ship design and construction
• Lead engineering efforts during ship launch, dockings, inclining experiments, and performance trials.
• Originate complex engineering deliverables and statements of work for subcontractors.
• Review and approve technical products from internal teams and external stakeholders.
• Develop and document engineering processes and procedures.
• Identify and mitigate risks within your discipline.
• Champion continuous improvement initiatives.
• Mentor junior engineers and foster a culture of knowledge sharing and technical excellence.

Qualifications

• Advanced education in Naval Architecture or Marine Engineering.
• Proven experience in ship design and construction—preferably in naval or commercial shipbuilding.
• Deep understanding of complex marine mechanical systems.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Strong leadership and communication skills.
• A passion for mentoring and developing engineering talent.

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