Engineering Design Manager

Griffon Marine Ltd; Woolstone; On-site; GBP 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Griffon Marine Ltd is seeking a Production Engineering Design Manager to lead our manufacturing design engineering team, optimizing build sequences and fabrication methods for high‑performance aluminium vessels.

You will bridge systems design with manufacturing, ensure Lloyd's/DNV/ISO compliance, and drive Lean improvements in low‑volume production, NPI transitions, and cost‑effective assembly.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5+ years in a production engineering leadership role in aluminium fabrication, shipbuilding, or complex structural metalwork.
• Degree or HND/HNC in Marine Engineering, Naval Architecture, Mechanical Engineering, or Metallurgy/Welding Engineering.
• Deep understanding of marine-grade aluminium welding processes (MIG/TIG), plate nesting, distortion control, and integration of complex marine propulsion, electrical, and hydraulic systems.
• Practical experience applying Lean principles to low-volume or project-based manufacturing (e.g., cell manufacturing, 5S, SOPs).
• Proficiency with 2D/3D CAD (ShipConstructor, Rhino, SolidWorks, AutoCAD) and ERP/MRP for material and build tracking.

Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor production and manufacturing engineers supporting aluminium fabrication teams.
• Establish and optimize build sequences for marine hulls and superstructures, minimizing distortion during welding.
• Define and improve manufacturing sequences for complex marine structures, including systems installation.
• Support New Product Introduction (NPI) from design to shipyard assembly.
• Apply Lean principles to reduce setup times and improve material handling in low-volume environments.
• Collaborate with naval architects to ensure Design for Manufacture (DFM) for efficient assembly.
• Ensure production processes meet maritime standards (Lloyd's Register, DNV, MCA, ISO).

Skills

Team leadership

Continuous improvement

Build sequencing

Lean manufacturing

Cross-functional collaboration

Maritime compliance

Education

Marine engineering / Naval architecture degree

Tools

ShipConstructor

Rhino

SolidWorks

AutoCAD

ERP/MRP systems

Job description

The Production Engineering Design Manager will lead our manufacturing design engineering team to optimize the designs and build methodology for our high‑performance aluminium vessels. This role bridges the gap between systems design and the manufacturing departments. You will ensure low‑volume, highly engineered builds are designed and planned so they can be delivered safely, on time, and taking account of maritime survey standards by optimizing build sequences and fabrication methodologies.

Objectives

• Team Leadership: Lead, mentor, and develop a team of production and manufacturing engineers supporting our aluminium fabricators, welders, and marine outfitters.
• Fabrication Sequencing: Establish and optimize build sequences for marine‑grade aluminium hulls and superstructures, focusing on minimizing structural distortion during welding.
• Build Method Optimization: Define and improve manufacturing sequences for complex marine structures, including composite moulding, metal fabrication, and marine systems installation.
• New Product Introduction (NPI): Help transition new designs from the drawing board to full‑scale shipyard assembly.
• Continuous Improvement in Low Volume: Apply Lean principles adapted for low‑volume environments, focusing on reducing setup times, improving material handling, and optimizing build sequencing.
• Design for Manufacture (DFM): Collaborate with naval architects and design teams early in the development cycle to ensure structures are optimized for efficient, cost‑effective assembly.
• Quality & Class Compliance: Ensure all production processes meet strict maritime standards (e.g., Lloyd's Register, DNV, MCA, or ISO standards).

Qualifications / Experience

• Experience: Minimum 5+ years in a production engineering leadership role, with a proven track record in aluminium fabrication, shipbuilding, or complex structural metalwork.
• Education: Degree or HND/HNC in Marine Engineering, Naval Architecture, Mechanical Engineering, or Metallurgy/Welding Engineering.
• Technical Knowledge: Deep understanding of marine‑grade aluminium welding processes (MIG/TIG), plate nesting, distortion control, and the integration of complex marine propulsion, electrical, and hydraulic systems.
• Methodologies: Practical experience applying Lean principles to low‑volume or project‑based manufacturing (e.g., cell manufacturing, 5S, standard operating procedures for trades).
• Software: Proficiency with 2D/3D CAD packages (such as ShipConstructor, Rhino, SolidWorks, or AutoCAD) and ERP/MRP systems for material and build tracking.

Hazel Road, Woolston, Trafalgar Wharf, Portchester. Hybrid