Production Engineer - Paint Specialist

Irving Shipbuilding, Inc.; Halifax; On-site; CAD 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Irving Shipbuilding is seeking a detail-oriented Production Engineer specializing in Paint to support coating and preservation workflows across ship construction. You will translate technical specs into build-ready deliverables and ensure quality, durability, and production efficiency from fabrication to commissioning.

The role requires 2–5 years in shipbuilding or heavy manufacturing, a Bachelor of Engineering, and a P.Eng. designation or eligibility, with a focus on 3D models and BOM data.

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Engineering or equivalent and P.Eng. or equivalent.
• 2–5 years shipbuilding or heavy manufacturing experience.
• Understanding of manufacturing, planning, material requirements and capacity.
• NACE Coating Inspection Certification (Level 1 or higher) is highly desirable or willing to obtain within 12 months.
• Ability to navigate 3D models and BOM data to scope paint products and drawings.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain detailed paint packages (surface prep, coating systems, sequencing, and hold-back requirements) by unit and compartment.
• Establish care and preservation standards to protect coated products throughout construction, handling, storage, and rework.
• Ensure alignment with specifications and technical data through collaboration with Platform Engineering.
• Create production norms to support planning, estimating, and material forecasting.
• Monitor production and capture lessons learned to drive continuous improvement.
• Participate in constructability and workflow reviews to enhance coating strategy and production efficiency.

Skills

3D modeling

Coatings knowledge

Technical reading of specs

Attention to detail

Education

Bachelor of Engineering

P.Eng. or equivalent

Job description

JOB DESCRIPTION

We are looking for a detail-oriented and technically driven Production Engineer - Paint Specialist to join our Shipyard team. In this role, you will play a critical part in designing and planning coating and preservation processes that ensure the quality, durability, and efficiency of ship construction and delivery. You'll work at the intersection of engineering design and production execution - translating specifications into practical, build-ready deliverables that support high-quality outcomes across all stages of construction, from fabrication through testing and commissioning.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Develop and maintain detailed paint packages (surface prep, coating systems, sequencing, and hold-back requirements) by unit and compartment
• Establish care and preservation standards to protect coated products throughout construction, handling, storage, and rework
• Ensure alignment with specifications and technical data through collaboration with Platform Engineering
• Create production norms to support planning, estimating, and material forecasting
• Monitor production and capture lessons learned to drive continuous improvement
• Participate in constructability and workflow reviews to enhance coating strategy and production efficiency

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor of Engineering or equivalent, Professional Engineer (P. Eng.) or equivalent.
• 2-5 years shipbuilding / ship design experience or related heavy manufacturing experience
• Understanding of manufacturing, planning, material requirements, facility / resource capacity
• NACE Coating Inspection Certification (Level 1 or higher) is highly desirable. Alternatively, the ability and willingness to obtain certification within the first 12 months of employment.
• Detail oriented and capable of navigating 3D model and Bill of Material data to scope and prepare paint products and drawings.

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.