Lead Mechanical Designer

Gulf Copper; Galveston (TX); On-site; USD 90,000 - 135,000; Full time

Job summary

Gulf Copper is seeking a Lead Mechanical Designer to oversee machinery design activities for shipbuilding and newbuilding projects. You will lead cross-disciplinary coordination, review machinery layouts and ensure production-ready drawing packages are prepared for shipyards.

Ideal candidates will have an associate degree in drafting or equivalent, strong shipboard machinery knowledge, and proficiency with AutoCAD and marine design software. Travel to shipyards may be required.

Qualifications

• Associate degree or equivalent in marine drafting/shipbuilding
• Strong understanding of shipboard machinery systems and installation practices
• Ability to interpret engineering drawings, specs and technical docs
• Experience with marine piping, foundations, mechanical systems and shipyard production
• Proficiency with AutoCAD and marine design tools

Responsibilities

• Lead and coordinate machinery design activities for shipbuilding projects
• Develop and review machinery arrangements, piping layouts and related drawings
• Coordinate design requirements with hull, electrical, HVAC, deck and naval architecture teams
• Provide technical support to production regarding installation and design questions
• Review drawings and deliverables for accuracy, constructability and compliance

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Design coordination

Attention to detail

Education

Associate degree in Technical Drafting

Tools

AutoCAD

AVEVA Marine

Navisworks

Marine 3D design software

Job description

LEAD MECHANICAL DESIGNER

This position is responsible for the following: Other duties may be assigned.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Responsible for supporting the safe execution of machinery design activities in accordance with the company's overall safety goals, objectives and policies.
• Lead and coordinate machinery design activities for assigned shipbuilding and newbuilding projects.
• Develop, review, and correct machinery arrangements, equipment locations, piping layouts, and associated drawings.
• Coordinate machinery design requirements with hull, electrical, HVAC, deck, interior, naval architecture, and other engineering and design disciplines.
• Assist designers in resolving machinery technical issues, interdisciplinary conflicts, and production-related problems.
• Review machinery drawings and design deliverables for accuracy, completeness, accessibility, constructability, and compliance with applicable project requirements and standards.
• Coordinate machinery foundations, supports, piping, equipment, and associated outfitting with other disciplines.
• Support development and checking of production-ready machinery drawing packages prior to release to the shipyard.
• Coordinate engineering information required to support material takeoffs, procurement, fabrication, and installation.
• Review engineering changes and incorporate approved revisions into applicable design documentation.
• Participate in 3D model reviews, drawing reviews, and production reviews and assist in resolving identified conflicts.
• Provide technical support to production personnel regarding machinery installation, piping, equipment, and design questions.
• Monitor progress of machinery design activities and report status, priorities, constraints, and required actions to the Project Engineering Manager.
• Check drawings, models, and engineering deliverables prior to release in accordance with established checking and approval processes.
• Conduct shipyard visits and business-related travel as required to support machinery design, coordination, training, and project development.
• Support continuous improvement of machinery design, engineering, constructability, and production-support processes.
• Ensure compliance with Gulf Copper Mission Statement and Quality Management System.
• Coordinate with the Project Engineering Manager to maintain design schedules, drawing dependencies, and design deliverables in support of production planning and project milestones.
• Develop and implement recovery plans with the Project Engineering Manager when design deliverables fall behind the established schedule.
• Coordinate with external design subcontractors and engineering service providers to establish design requirements, deliverables, schedules, and technical expectations.
• Review subcontractor design deliverables for technical compliance, completeness, quality, and alignment with project requirements.

Required Education & Experience:

• Associate degree in Technical Drafting, or a combination of relevant education and experience in marine machinery design or shipbuilding.
• Strong understanding of shipboard machinery systems and installation practices.
• Demonstrated ability to interpret engineering drawings, specifications, and technical documentation.
• Demonstrated understanding of marine piping, foundations, mechanical systems, equipment installation, and shipyard production processes.
• Experience working with multidisciplinary engineering and design teams.
• Proficiency with AutoCAD and marine 3D design software.
• Experience with government ship design programs, classification society and regulatory requirements, AVEVA Marine or similar marine design software, Navisworks, production-ready machinery drawing packages, shipboard piping systems, pumps, tanks, valves, machinery, and mechanical equipment preferred.

Working Conditions:

• Regular work time indoors in an environmentally controlled office setting, combined with regular time in shipyard production areas and aboard vessels. Travel to partner shipyards and engineering locations may be required to support training, coordination, and project development.

Necessary Equipment Operation:

• Computer systems and standard office equipment.
• AutoCAD, marine 3D design software, AVEVA Marine or similar design systems, and Navisworks as applicable.
• Personal protective equipment (PPE) required when in production and waterfront areas.

Special Skills:

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Strong shipboard machinery and piping design coordination skills.
• Ability to interpret machinery arrangements, specifications, and technical documentation.
• Excellent planning, checking, organizing, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to coordinate effectively with multidisciplinary engineering and production teams.
• Strong understanding of accessibility, constructability, and production-ready machinery design requirements.
• Ability to operate in a systematic and logical manner.
• Good judgment and attention to minute detail.
• High performance and a strong team player.
• Commitment to company values.

An Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability. Know Your Rights. If you’d like to view a copy of the company’s affirmative action plan or policy statement, please email: [e-mail]. If you have a disability and you believe you need a reasonable accommodation in order to search for a job opening or to submit an online application, please e-mail: [e-mail].