Boat Design Engineer/Draftsman

Excel Boat Company, LLC; Union City (TN); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading boat manufacturing firm in Union City, TN is seeking an experienced engineer to lead various projects in developing new products and enhancing existing designs. The candidate should have expertise in 3D CAD software and a preferred background in aluminum boat manufacturing. This role involves working within a cross-functional team to execute strategies and ensure project deadlines are met. Strong leadership skills and project management experience are essential for success in this dynamic environment.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of design/drafting experience in the marine industry is preferred.
• Experience with CNC nesting software is required.
• Background in aluminum boat manufacturing is highly preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead cross-functional engineering projects for new product development.
• Participate in design reviews to ensure interdisciplinary collaboration.
• Utilize lean manufacturing to enhance quality and efficiency.

Skills

3D CAD modeling

Project management

Leadership skills

Lean manufacturing methodologies

Technical communication

Education

BS in Mechanical/Industrial/Manufacturing or relevant field

Associate’s degree in mechanical drafting/design

Tools

SolidWorks

Mastercam

Rhino3D

AutoCAD Inventor

Job description

Excel Boats is a boat manufacturer based in two locations – Mountain View, Arkansas (est. 2008) and Union City, TN (est. 2020). We manufacture a wide range of boats ranging from 16 to 24‘ in overall length – including hunting, utility, catfish, bay, and bass boats. We are striving to take the company to the next level. We have a strong focus on building out the organization and transitioning to a process driven, efficient and high‑quality OEM. We are preparing for a strong growth path. With our strong backlog of orders and increasing demand, we plan on staying a leader in our market’s segment.

Job Scope

This role is tasked with leading various projects across several teams to help create processes and execute strategies to ensure projects are developed in a timely manner. Including but not limited to researching and developing new products/boats, changes to existing boats ranging from small working adjustments to full redesign, creation of new BOMs and modifying existing ones, working as a support role for production, and assisting in manufacturing engineering processes.

• Aid in developing a cross‑functional engineering team.
• Lead employees in continuous improvement initiatives for aluminum boat manufacturing.
• Participate in all phases of new product development, including initial concepts, design validation, and production process validation.
• Participate in design reviews on projects to ensure adequate input and involvement from all disciplines.
• Utilize lean manufacturing tools and methodology to reduce waste, improve quality process controls, and improve workflow in all sectors of factory.
• CAD design and engineering changes and support.
• Develop old files into 3D from 2D. Work with 2D flat parts for existing production.
• Nesting of boat parts into Mastercam to be cut on router tables. Able to modify existing nests.
• Able to work efficiently with limited help with high level of accuracy. Create & modify new/current drawings without project engineering supervision.
• Design and detail parts and assemblies using 3D models and 2D prints.
• Develop and maintain engineering drafting and release standards.
• Work with sales/marketing to understand market trends and how to integrate changes into existing products to remain on cutting‑edge side of industry.
• Assist in technical support in parts, welding, paint prep & paint, finish, warehouse, and quality departments.
• Support purchasing/procurement with viable alternative materials and engineering validation of products and/or vendor selection.
• Ensure that ABYC and USCG standards are properly implemented and maintained on all vessels.
• Travel less than 10% per year may be required (boat shows, IBEX, intracompany travel, testing boats, etc.)

Education and/or Experience

• Preferably a BS in mechanical, Industrial, Manufacturing or relevant field or associate’s degree in mechanical drafting/design with 5+ years of design/drafting in the marine industry.
• Experience modeling in 3D CAD softwares: Rhino3D, SolidWorks and/or AutoCAD Inventor or equivalents
• Experience using CNC nesting softwares: Mastercam, EnRoute, Omniwin, or equivalents.
• Able to balance office & shop time to meet all deadlines within your job criteria and support roles within factory to meet production and/or design goals.
• Background in aluminum boat manufacturing and boat design experience is HIGHLY preferred.
• Proven track record of project management experience, critical thinking, and strong attention to detail.
• Demonstrated high level of leadership & people skills – able to work amongst a team of all skill levels and disciplines in a cross‑functional environment.
• Proficient with Microsoft & Google softwares – Excel/Sheets, Word, PowerPoint, Project, etc.
• Execute First Principles Thinking process to approach problems and solve with rational solutions.
• Able to communicate efficiently in verbal & written forms.