Principal Engineer, Naval Architecture

Irving Shipbuilding; Dartmouth; On-site; Full time

Job summary

A leading shipbuilding company in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, seeks a Principal Engineer in Naval Architecture to oversee complex engineering deliverables and provide mentorship. The role requires advanced education, extensive experience, and expertise in ship design processes. Candidates should have a Bachelor of Engineering, 15+ years in ship design, and a strong interest in modern construction methods. This position demands full-time, in-office presence with opportunities for mentorship and professional development.

Qualifications

• Typically 15+ years in ship design or construction.
• Demonstrated experience as a cognizant engineer for ship systems.
• Strong interest in modern naval ship design and construction methods.

Responsibilities

• Manage planned and emergent work within your assigned scope.
• Support internal and external stakeholders with technical expertise.
• Review technical products from engineering staff and external partners.

Skills

Expert knowledge of naval architecture principles

Experience in ship design or construction

Ability to read blueprints and navigate 3D models

Education

Bachelor of Engineering (B.Eng.) or equivalent

Professional Engineer (P.Eng.) designation

Job description

Job Description

We are seeking a Principal Engineer, Naval Architecture, a recognized expert in ship design and construction support, to join our team. This role demands advanced education and extensive shipyard experience. As the Naval Architecture Technical Authority, you will work independently to develop and approve complex engineering deliverables while providing oversight during critical shipyard milestones such as ship launches, dockings, inclining experiments, and performance trials. Beyond technical leadership, you will foster a culture of mentorship, ensuring knowledge transfer across the Hull Engineering team. Your expertise will help shape departmental processes, tools, and training to support the design, construction, testing, and acceptance of complex naval surface ships.

Responsibilities

• Manage planned and emergent work within your assigned scope.
• Support internal and external stakeholders with technical expertise.
• Originate complex deliverables and develop statements of work for subcontractors.
• Review technical products from engineering staff and external partners.
• Author processes and procedures for recurring engineering support and deliverables.
• Identify and mitigate risks within your discipline.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives within naval architecture.

Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor of Engineering (B.Eng.) or equivalent; Professional Engineer (P.Eng.) designation or equivalent.
• Experience: Typically 15+ years in ship design or construction.
• Expert knowledge of naval architecture principles and ship design processes.
• Familiarity with maritime regulatory authorities (LR, TC, IMO) and industry standards (ASME, IEEE, ASTM).
• Proven ability to read blueprints, navigate 3D models, develop drawings, reports, and technical specifications.
• Demonstrated experience as a cognizant engineer or technical owner for ship systems or shipyard functions.
• Strong interest in modern naval ship design and construction methods.
• Ability to provide engineering support for ship construction and testing milestones.

Security & Clearance Requirements

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 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.

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.