Structural Engineer

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

Job summary

Irving Shipbuilding in Nova Scotia is seeking a Structural Engineer to join the Hull Engineering group. You will provide technical oversight across design, construction, testing, and delivery of Canada’s naval vessels, review structural designs, ensure compliance with customer and classification requirements, and solve complex issues in a hands-on shipyard environment.

Reporting to the Naval Architecture & Structures Team Lead, the role blends office-based engineering with practical problem

Qualifications

• 3+ years of relevant experience in structural design and shipbuilding.
• Knowledge of naval or modern ship design and construction practices.
• Familiar with Lloyd’s Register, Transport Canada, IMO, IACS standards and regulations.
• Understanding of scheduling and ability to meet strict deadlines.
• Knowledge of shipyard disciplines related to hull structure, arrangements, producibility, manufacturing.
• Experience or academics in marine engineering or shipbuilding.

Responsibilities

• Manage planned and emergent engineering work within assigned scope.
• Support internal and external stakeholders with technical expertise.
• Develop routine or low-complexity engineering deliverables.
• Review technical reports, calculations, models, and specifications from subcontractors.
• Author and maintain processes and procedures for recurring engineering tasks.
• Identify and mitigate discipline-specific technical risks.
• Apply risk-based decision making to resolve challenges.
• Identify opportunities for continuous improvement in engineering practices.

Skills

3+ years experience

Naval architecture knowledge

Scheduling awareness

Education

Bachelor of Engineering (B.Eng.) or equivalent

Naval Architecture degree asset

Job description

Job Description

Join a team building the future fleet of Canada. As a valued member of the Hull Engineering group, the Structural Engineer will play a key role in the design, construction, testing/commissioning, and delivery of Royal Canadian Navy and Canadian Coast Guard vessels. This is a unique opportunity to apply your technical expertise to some of the most complex and impactful shipbuilding programs in the country. Reporting to the Naval Architecture & Structures Team Lead, the Structural Engineer works independently to provide technical oversight and support throughout all project stages. You will review structural designs and engineering products, ensure compliance with customer and classification requirements, and develop practical solutions to technical challenges encountered during construction. This role offers a dynamic blend of office-based engineering work and hands‑on problem-solving in an industrial shipyard environment. You will leverage both theoretical knowledge and practical engineering principles to drive high‑quality, efficient outcomes for major new‑build programs.

Responsibilities

• Manage planned and emergent engineering work within assigned scope.
• Support both internal and external stakeholders with technical expertise.
• Develop routine or low‑complexity engineering deliverables.
• Review technical reports, calculations, models, and specifications produced by subcontractors and partners.
• Author and maintain processes and procedures for recurring engineering tasks within the discipline.
• Identify and develop mitigation strategies for discipline‑specific technical risks.
• Apply risk‑based decision making to resolve technical challenges.
• Identify opportunities for continuous improvement in engineering practices, workflows, or outputs.

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Engineering (B.Eng.) or equivalent; Professional Engineer (P.Eng.) designation (or equivalent).
• Degree in Naval Architecture considered an asset;
• Minimum 3 years of relevant experience;
• Knowledge of naval or modern ship design and construction practices.
• Familiarity with relevant standards and regulations (e.g., Lloyd’s Register, Transport Canada, IMO, IACS).
• Understanding of scheduling and the ability to adhere to strict deadlines.
• Working knowledge of shipyard disciplines related to structural design and construction (hull structure, arrangements, producibility, manufacturing).
• Experience or academic exposure to marine engineering or shipbuilding (e.g., co‑op placements, coursework).

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.