Design Engineer - South Carolina

Freeman Boatworks; Moncks Corner (SC); On-site; USD 85,000 - 115,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) with company match

Paid time off and holidays

Collaborative, people-focused culture

Job summary

Freeman Boatworks is seeking a Design Engineer with direct marine vessel design experience to support the development of high-performance composite catamarans. You will design, engineer, and refine boat structures and components for production, translating concepts into manufacturable solutions.

The ideal candidate has a background in marine design/engineering and a hands-on approach to production, ensuring build quality and performance while collaborating closely with manufacturing teams.

Qualifications

• Experience in Naval Architecture, Yacht Design, or a marine-focused discipline.
• Demonstrated Design Engineering experience within the marine industry.
• Strong understanding of composite boat construction.
• Proficient in CAD/CAM software such as SolidWorks, Rhino 3D, Rhino Cam or similar platforms.
• Proven experience taking boat designs from concept through production.

Responsibilities

• Conceptual design of composite large parts, small parts, and structural components for production boats.
• Develop and refine layouts and structural concepts balancing performance, weight and manufacturability.
• Create 3D models, assemblies and 2D/3D drawings using CAD tools (Rhino 3D).
• Maintain production-ready engineering documentation and build schematics.
• Collaborate with tooling, manufacturing and QA to resolve design/build challenges.

Skills

Naval Architecture

Yacht Design

Composite boat construction

CAD/CAM software

SolidWorks

Rhino 3D

Rhino CAM

Marine design engineering

Tools

SolidWorks

Rhino 3D

Rhino CAM

Job description

Location: 124 Spring Grove Dr, Moncks Corner, SC 29461

Compensation/Rate: Based on role and experience

Freeman Boatworks is seeking a Design Engineer with direct marine vessel design experience to support the development of our high-performance composite catamarans. This role is responsible for designing, engineering, and refining boat structures and components that move efficiently from concept into production. The ideal candidate has a background in marine design and engineering, or hands-on boat design, and understands how designs translate to real-world boat building in a production environment. This is a highly collaborative, hands-on role where engineering decisions directly impact build quality, performance, and manufacturability.

What You’ll Do

Conceptual Design

• Contribute to the conceptual design of a boats composite large parts, small parts and structural components for production boats
• Develop and refine layouts and structural concepts that consider performance, strength, weight, and manufacturability
• Create detailed 3D models, assemblies, and 2D / 3D layout drawings using CAD software (Rhino 3D)
• Maintain accurate and production-ready engineering documentation
• Create and document revisions of core & fiberglass kits, including CNC programming using CAM software (Rhino Cam) and updating build schematics
• Creation of 3D printed parts to be used in production as jigs, fixtures or finished parts
• Mold design – work closely with our in-house tooling department & outside composite tooling companies

Structural Analysis & Optimization

• Evaluate structural performance under operational loading conditions
• Identify and implement design improvements to enhance durability, stiffness, and overall boat performance
• Select appropriate composite materials, cores, and laminates based on performance, durability, and cost considerations
• Design with a strong understanding of composite boat-building methods and production constraints

Prototyping & Production Support

• Support prototype builds, first articles, and ongoing production
• Collaborate closely with manufacturing teams to resolve design and build challenges

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Work with manufacturing, procurement, quality, and leadership to ensure smooth integration of design into production
• Incorporate feedback from the shop floor into continuous design improvements

What We’re Looking Fo"r

• Experience in Naval Architecture, Yacht Design, or a closely related marine-focused discipline
• Demonstrated experience in Design Engineering within the marine industry
• Strong understanding of composite boat construction
• Proficiency in CAD / CAM software such as SolidWorks, Rhino 3D, Rhino Cam or similar platforms
• Proven experience taking boat designs from concept through production
• Strong problem-solving skills with a high level of attention to detail
• Ability to work effectively in a hands-on, fast-paced production environment

What We Offer

• 401(k) with company match
• Paid time off and holidays
• A collaborative, people-focused workplace built on craftsmanship and innovation

Please note:

Employment with Freeman Boatworks is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check and drug screening.