Production Engineering Student Co-op

Irving Shipbuilding; Halifax; On-site; CAD 35,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading shipbuilding company is seeking a student for a Production Engineering role at the Halifax Shipyard. This position offers valuable hands-on experience, allowing students to support engineering and production activities, develop practical skills, and work alongside experienced professionals. Candidates should be enrolled in a 4-year Engineering degree and possess good communication and problem-solving skills. This full-time role is based in the office, aiming to provide insights into the shipbuilding process.

Benefits

Co-op fee coverage up to $1000

Qualifications

• General awareness of shipyard disciplines.
• 0-2 years' experience is acceptable.
• Interest in shipbuilding, defense, or marine industry.

Responsibilities

• Support team members with development of PE deliverables.
• Develop jigs, fixtures, and tooling designs for unit builds.
• Carry out time studies of various work processes.

Skills

Communication skills

Interpersonal skills

Problem-solving skills

Organization

Fast learner

Education

Currently enrolled in a 4-year Engineering degree program

Tools

AutoCAD

Microsoft Office

Job description

JOB DESCRIPTION

This student role provides valuable hands‑on experience within the Production Engineering team at the Halifax Shipyard, offering insight into what a future career at Irving Shipbuilding may look like.

Production Engineering plays a key role in ship construction by turning design intent into practical, efficient build plans. The team focuses on creating production‑ready designs, developing build sequences, and ensuring full integration with planning, procurement, and production teams to support safe, high‑quality, and cost‑effective construction.

Students will support a range of engineering and production activities, gaining exposure to how complex ships are built in an active shipyard. Depending on the assignment, tasks may include build strategy development, manufacturing and installation planning, data preparation, production support, and continuous improvement work.

This role is ideal for students interested in engineering, manufacturing, or industrial environments who want to apply classroom learning to real projects, collaborate with experienced professionals, and develop practical skills in a fast‑paced, team‑oriented setting.

Irving Shipbuilding is proud to support their student hires and will pay the fees associated with your co‑op up to $1000.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Support team members with development of PE (Production Engineering) deliverables required to support construction and changes that arise during the build.
• Develop jigs, fixtures, and tooling designs for unit builds, equipment installations, temporary support, and other shipbuilding operations.
• Develop temporary services plans for scaffolding, access, ventilation, temporary power/lighting to support build strategy following modern shipbuilding methods.
• Support development of unit construction methods / sequences utilizing the 3D model and assembly hierarchy.
• Carry out time studies of various work processes and assessment of bill of material or production scope of work to support refinement of Production norms.
• Prepare 3D models, extract fabrication drawings, and prepare work instructions for the production trades.
• Support NC data team with nesting of plates and profiles, completing material / geometry take-offs from drawings, and testing machine cutting accuracy.

*These responsibilities are subject to change depending on what PE team the successful student is assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Currently enrolled in a 4‑year Engineering degree program.
• 0‑2 years' experience.
• General awareness of shipyard disciplines (hull structure, ship arrangements, ship piping systems, propulsion, HVAC, electrical, mechanical, producibility, manufacturing).
• Excellent communication, interpersonal and problem‑solving skills.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office suite, openness to learning.
• Read blueprints, navigate within a 3D model of the ship and production information.
• Previous experience in AutoCAD (2D/3D) preferred.
• Interest in shipbuilding, defense, or marine industry and a desire to join an exciting, fast‑paced organization.
• Skilled in organizing and managing a variety of tasks with varying priorities and is a fast learner and effective problem solver.

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.