Senior Engineer, Naval Architect

J.D. Irving, Limited; Dartmouth; On-site; CAD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading Canadian shipbuilding company is seeking a Senior Naval Architect to join their Hull Engineering team. This role involves providing expert oversight in ship design, leading engineering during significant milestones, and mentoring junior engineers. Candidates should possess advanced education in Naval Architecture and proven experience in ship design, with strong leadership and communication skills being essential. This is a full-time position requiring in-office presence.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in ship design and construction, preferably in naval or commercial shipbuilding.
• Deep understanding of complex marine mechanical systems.

Responsibilities

• Provide expert technical oversight and support across all phases of ship design and construction.
• Lead engineering efforts during ship launch and performance trials.
• Originate complex engineering deliverables for subcontractors.
• Review and approve technical products from internal teams.
• Document engineering processes and procedures.
• Identify and mitigate risks within your discipline.
• Mentor junior engineers and foster technical excellence.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Independent work

Mentoring engineering talent

Education

Advanced education in Naval Architecture or Marine Engineering

Job description

Are you a seasoned Naval Architect with a passion for complex marine systems and a drive to shape the future of Canada’s maritime fleet? We’re looking for aSenior Naval Architectto join our Hull Engineering team and play a pivotal role in the design, construction, and delivery of Royal Canadian Navy and Canadian Coast Guard vessels.

This is your opportunity to contribute to national shipbuilding programs, lead critical engineering milestones, and mentor the next generation of marine engineers—all while working on some of the most advanced vessels in the country.

Qualifications

• Advanced education in Naval Architecture or Marine Engineering.
• Proven experience in ship design and construction—preferably in naval or commercial shipbuilding.
• Deep understanding of complex marine mechanical systems.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Strong leadership and communication skills.
• A passion for mentoring and developing engineering talent.

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.

Responsibilities

• Provide expert technical oversight and support across all phases of ship design and construction
• Lead engineering efforts during ship launch, dockings, inclining experiments, and performance trials.
• Originate complex engineering deliverables and statements of work for subcontractors.
• Review and approve technical products from internal teams and external stakeholders.
• Develop and document engineering processes and procedures.
• Identify and mitigate risks within your discipline.
• Champion continuous improvement initiatives.
• Mentor junior engineers and foster a culture of knowledge sharing and technical excellence.