Principal Engineer, Production Engineering

Irving Shipbuilding; Dartmouth; On-site; CAD 150,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Irving Shipbuilding, Inc. seeks a Principal Engineer to lead Production Engineering, driving innovation and operational excellence in ship construction, repair, and delivery of world-class vessels.

The role requires a PE designation, 15+ years in shipbuilding, and hands-on experience with hull, machinery, piping, and 3D models, with the ability to mentor engineers and shape build strategies.

Qualifications

• Bachelors in Engineering required; Professional Engineer designation required.
• Minimum 15 years of shipbuilding, ship design, or related heavy manufacturing.
• Deep understanding of maritime regulatory authorities (LR, TC, IMO) and industry standards (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.
• Able to develop and approve engineered lift plans, jig designs, and supporting calculations.

Responsibilities

• Lead Engineering Initiatives: Develop lifting and handling plans, tooling designs, and temporary services engineering for major programs including AOPS, River Class Destroyer, and Ship Repair.
• Mentor and Guide: Provide technical leadership and mentorship to junior engineers, fostering a culture of learning and growth.
• Collaborate Across Teams: Act as a subject matter expert, partnering with Production, Planning, Facilities, Engineering, Scheduling, and Supply Chain.
• Shape Build Strategies: Influence methods and processes through expert technical input.
• Standardize Excellence: Author and maintain engineering processes and procedures to ensure consistent, high-quality deliverables.
• Drive Continuous Improvement: Identify and implement initiatives that enhance efficiency and quality.
• Manage Risk: Proactively assess and mitigate risks associated with engineering activities.

Education

B.Eng. or equivalent; P.Eng. designation required

Job description

Job Description

Are you a visionary engineering leader with a passion for innovation in shipbuilding? We are seeking a Principal Engineer to join our Production Engineering team — a role designed for a seasoned professional who thrives in complex, multi-disciplinary environments and is committed to driving operational excellence.

As a Principal Engineer, you will be a recognized authority in your field, shaping strategies, influencing business decisions, and mentoring the next generation of engineering talent. Your expertise will enable the efficient construction, repair, and delivery of world-class vessels.

Responsibilities

• Lead Engineering Initiatives: Develop lifting and handling plans, tooling designs, and temporary services engineering for major programs including AOPS, River Class Destroyer, and Ship Repair.
• Mentor and Guide: Provide technical leadership and mentorship to junior engineers, fostering a culture of learning and growth.
• Collaborate Across Teams: Act as a subject matter expert, partnering with Production, Planning, Facilities, Engineering, Scheduling, and Supply Chain.
• Shape Build Strategies: Influence methods and processes through expert technical input.
• Standardize Excellence: Author and maintain engineering processes and procedures to ensure consistent, high-quality deliverables.
• Drive Continuous Improvement: Identify and implement initiatives that enhance efficiency and quality.
• Manage Risk: Proactively assess and mitigate risks associated with engineering activities.

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Engineering (B.Eng.) or equivalent; Professional Engineer (P.Eng.) designation required.
• Minimum 15 years in shipbuilding, ship design, or related heavy manufacturing.
• Deep understanding of maritime regulatory authorities (LR, TC, IMO) and industry standards (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.
• Able 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.

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.