Lead Structure Designer

Gulf Copper; Galveston (TX); On-site; USD 90,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

Gulf Copper seeks a Lead Structure Designer to drive structure design activities for shipbuilding projects. You will develop and review structure drawings and 3D models, translating vessel plans into production-ready information while coordinating with naval architecture, mechanical, electrical, and outfitting teams.

You will lead design reviews, resolve conflicts, and support production through to release. Travel to shipyards may be required to ensure schedule adherence and quality.

Qualifications

• Associate degree or equivalent experience in marine structure design or shipbuilding.
• Ability to interpret engineering drawings, specifications, and technical documentation.
• Experience working with multidisciplinary engineering and design teams.
• Proficiency with CAD and marine design software.

Responsibilities

• Lead and coordinate structure design activities for shipbuilding and newbuilding projects.
• Develop, review, and correct structure drawings, models, and design packages.
• Interpret vessel plans and translate into production-ready structure design information.
• Coordinate with naval architecture, mechanical, electrical, and other disciplines.
• Review design deliverables for accuracy, constructability, and compliance.
• Provide technical support to production on structure fabrication, assembly, and questions.

Skills

Excellent interpersonal skills

Hull design coordination

Vessel structure interpretation

Planning & problem solving

Team player & detail oriented

Education

Associate degree in Technical Drafting

Education/experience in marine structure design

Tools

AutoCAD

AVEVA Marine

Navisworks

Marine 3D design software

Job description

Lead Structure Designer

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• 1. Responsible for supporting the safe execution of structure design activities in accordance with the company's overall safety goals, objectives and policies.
• 2. Lead and coordinate structure design activities for assigned shipbuilding and newbuilding projects.
• 3. Develop, review, and correct structure drawings, models, and design packages.
• 4. Interpret vessel plans, structure arrangements, specifications, and engineering requirements and translate them into production-ready structure design information.
• 5. Coordinate structure design requirements with naval architecture, mechanical pipe/machinery, mechanical HVAC, electrical, outfitting, and other engineering and design disciplines.
• 6. Assist designers in resolving structure design issues, interdisciplinary conflicts, and production-related problems.
• 7. Review structure drawings and design deliverables for accuracy, constructability, completeness, and compliance with applicable project requirements and standards.
• 8. Support development and checking of production-ready structure drawing packages prior to release to the shipyard.
• 9. Coordinate structure information required to support steel material takeoffs, procurement, fabrication, nesting, and production planning.
• 10. Review engineering changes and incorporate approved revisions into applicable design documentation.
• 11. Participate in 3D model reviews, drawing reviews, and production reviews and assist in resolving identified conflicts.
• 12. Provide technical support to production personnel regarding structure fabrication, assembly, and design questions.
• 13. Monitor progress of structure design activities and report status, priorities, constraints, and required actions to the Project Engineering Manager.
• 14. Check drawings, models, and engineering deliverables prior to release in accordance with established checking and approval processes.
• 15. Conduct shipyard visits and business-related travel as required to support structure design, coordination, training, and project development.
• 16. Support continuous improvement of structure design, engineering, constructability, and production-support processes.
• 17. Ensure compliance with Gulf Copper Mission Statement and Quality Management System.
• 18. Coordinate with the Project Engineering Manager to maintain design schedules, drawing dependencies, and design deliverables in support of production planning and project milestones.
• 19. Develop and implement recovery plans with the Project Engineering Manager when design deliverables fall behind the established schedule.
• 20. Coordinate with external design subcontractors and engineering service providers to establish design requirements, deliverables, schedules, and technical expectations.
• 21. Review subcontractor design deliverables for technical compliance, completeness, quality, and alignment with project requirements.

Required Education & Experience:

• 1. Associate degree in Technical Drafting, or a combination of relevant education and experience in marine structure design or shipbuilding.
• 2. Demonstrated ability to interpret engineering drawings, specifications, and technical documentation.
• 3. Demonstrated understanding of structure components, steel fabrication, assembly, and shipyard production processes.
• 4. Experience working with multidisciplinary engineering and design teams.
• 5. Proficiency with AutoCAD and marine 3D design software.
• 6. Experience with government ship design programs, classification society and regulatory requirements, AVEVA Marine or similar marine design software, Navisworks, production-ready structural drawing packages, steel material takeoffs, and production planning 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:

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

Special Skills:

• 1. Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• 2. Strong hull and structural design coordination skills.
• 3. Ability to interpret vessel structural arrangements, specifications, and technical documentation.
• 4. Excellent planning, checking, organizing, and problem-solving skills.
• 5. Ability to coordinate effectively with multidisciplinary engineering and production teams.
• 6. Strong understanding of structural constructability, fabrication, and production-ready design requirements.
• 7. Ability to operate in a systematic and logical manner.
• 8. Good judgment and attention to minute detail.
• 9. High performance and a strong team player.
• 10. 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].