Principal Engineer, Production Engineering

Irving Shipbuilding; Dartmouth; On-site; CAD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading shipbuilding firm located in Dartmouth, NS, is seeking a Principal Engineer to lead developments in lifting and handling plans for major shipbuilding programs. The ideal candidate must possess a Bachelor's in Engineering and a P.Eng. designation with over 15 years of experience in shipbuilding or related fields. Responsibilities include mentoring junior engineers and influencing build strategies. This is a full-time in-office position at a dynamic company providing a supportive work environment.

Qualifications

• 15+ years of experience in shipbuilding, ship design, or heavy manufacturing.
• Eligible for Professional Engineering license in Nova Scotia.
• Hands-on experience with various ship components.

Responsibilities

• Lead development of lifting and handling plans.
• Provide mentorship to junior engineers.
• Collaborate with stakeholders across multiple departments.

Skills

Shipbuilding production knowledge

Technical guidance

Risk assessment

Education

Bachelor of Engineering (B.Eng.)

Professional Engineer (P.Eng.) designation

Job description

Principal Engineer, Production Engineering

We are seeking a highly experienced and visionary Principal Engineer to join our Production Engineering team. This role is ideal for a seasoned professional who thrives in complex, multi‑disciplinary environments and is passionate about driving innovation and excellence in shipbuilding processes.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development of lifting and handling plans, tooling designs, and temporary services engineering for major programs including AOPS CCGV, River Class Destroyer, and Ship Repair.
• Provide technical guidance and mentorship to junior engineers, fostering a culture of continuous learning and development.
• Act as a technical authority and subject matter expert, collaborating with internal stakeholders across Production, Planning, Facilities, Engineering, Scheduling, and Supply Chain.
• Influence build strategies and methods through expert technical input.
• Author and maintain engineering processes and procedures to ensure consistent, high‑quality deliverables.
• Identify and implement continuous improvement initiatives within the Production Engineering discipline.
• Proactively assess and mitigate risks associated with engineering activities.

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Engineering (B.Eng.) or equivalent; Professional Engineer (P.Eng.) designation or equivalent required.
• Minimum of 15 years of experience in shipbuilding, ship design, or related heavy manufacturing.
• Deep understanding of maritime regulatory authorities (e.g., LR, TC, IMO) and industry standards (e.g., ASME, IEEE, ASTM).
• Strong knowledge of shipbuilding production, planning, material requirements, and facility/resource capacity.
• Hands‑on experience with hull, machinery, accommodation piping, electrical outfitting, and/or steel outfitting.
• Proficiency in interpreting shipbuilding production drawings, PBOMs, and 3D models.
• Eligible for Professional Engineering license in Nova Scotia, with the ability to develop and approve engineered lift plans, jig designs, and supporting calculations.

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.

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 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.

We appreciate your interest in our company however only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.

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.