Mid-Level Mechanical Engineer

Socket.dev; Chesapeake (VA); On-site; USD 75,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

TMMG seeks a mid-level Mechanical Engineer with strong design and shipyard experience to support our Engineering Design Team (EDT) in Chesapeake, VA. This role spans design, production, testing, and integration to help shipyards execute work efficiently and correctly the first time.

The ideal candidate will work both in the office and on the deck plates, ensuring that engineering products are accurate, buildable, and aligned with real-world shipyard conditions.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering.
• 4–8 years of experience in commercial or naval shipbuilding.
• AutoCAD (required) or equivalent CAD software.
• Read and interpret 2D drawings, P&IDs, and technical specs.
• Work effectively in a shipyard environment (onboard vessels).
• Familiarity with ABS, USCG, NAVSEA standards.

Responsibilities

• Engineering Design & Drawing Development: create and update 2D drawings; apply P&IDs.
• Shipyard Production Support: align designs with installation realities; support work packages.
• Engineering Change & Configuration Control: track ECRs/ECNs and impacts.
• System Integration & Coordination: coordinate across Structural, Electrical, Piping, HVAC.
• Field Verification & As-built Validation: shipboard walkdowns and redline updates.
• Test & Commissioning Support: assist turnover and test procedures.
• Problem Solving & Continuous Improvement: identify inefficiencies and improve processes.

Skills

Shipyard experience

Design & drawing

Cross-functional collaboration

Field verification

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

AutoCAD

ShipConstructor

AutoCAD 3D

SolidWorks

Rhino

Job description

Description

Salary: $75,000 to $100,000 depending on experience

Background check, US Citizenship, confidential clearance, and a CAC are requirements of this position.

TMMG is seeking a mid-level Mechanical Engineer with strong design and shipyard experience to support our Engineering Design Team (EDT) in Chesapeake, VA. This role is not limited to traditional design work. It is built for an engineer who can operate across design, production, testing, and integration, helping shipyards execute work efficiently and correctly the first time.

The ideal candidate is comfortable working both in the office and on the deck plates, ensuring that engineering products are accurate, buildable, and aligned with real-world shipyard conditions. This position is designed to develop well-rounded engineers.

Requirements

1. Engineering Design & Drawing Development

   Develop, modify, and review 2D mechanical drawings (arrangements, fabrication details, system layouts).

   Produce and update drawings using AutoCAD or equivalent CAD platforms.

   Interpret and apply P&IDs, system diagrams, and shipboard specifications.

   Support development of installation drawings, isometrics, and as-built updates.

   Ensure designs meet class (ABS), USCG, and NAVSEA requirements where applicable.

2. Shipyard Production Support

   Interface directly with production teams, supervisors, and planners.

   Validate that designs are buildable, sequenced correctly, and aligned with installation realities.

   Identify and resolve interferences, access issues, and constructability gaps.

   Support work package development and execution planning.

   Provide real-time engineering support to minimize production delays.

3. Engineering Change & Configuration Control

   Support development and tracking of Engineering Change Requests (ECRs) / ECNs.

   Evaluate impacts of design changes on:

   • Schedule
   • Materials
   • Installation sequencing

   Ensure configuration aligns with shipboard installation and contract requirements.

4. System Integration & Coordination

   Coordinate across disciplines including:

   • Structural
   • Electrical
   • Piping
   • HVAC

   Ensure mechanical systems integrate properly within the overall vessel design.

   Participate in model reviews, design reviews, and coordination meetings.

5. Field Verification & As-built Validation

   Conduct shipboard walkdowns to:

   • Verify installed conditions.
   • Capture discrepancies between design and reality.
   • Update drawings to reflect true as-built conditions.

   Support redline incorporation and drawing revision cycles.

6. Test & Commissioning Support

   Assist with system turnover, testing, and troubleshooting.

   Support development or review of test procedures when needed.

   Help ensure systems are ready for dock trials, sea trials, and delivery.

7. Problem Solving & Continuous Improvement

   Identify inefficiencies in design or execution and recommend improvements.

   Act as a bridge between engineering and production.

   Provide practical, field-driven solutions.

Physical Job Requirements

• Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds at a time.
• Must be able to access and inspect all areas of machinery.

Education/Certification Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering
• 4–8 years of experience in commercial or naval shipbuilding
• Strong proficiency in:
  • AutoCAD (required) or equivalent CAD software
• Ability to:
  • Read and interpret 2D drawings, P&IDs, and technical specifications
  • Work effectively in a shipyard environment (onboard vessels, industrial setting)
• Solid understanding of:
  • Shipboard mechanical systems (HVAC, piping, auxiliary systems, etc.)
  • Strong communication skills with the ability to engage both engineers and trades

Preferred / Desired Qualifications

• Experience with 3D modeling tools (e.g., ShipConstructor, AutoCAD 3D, SolidWorks, Rhino)
• Familiarity with:
  • NAVSEA standards
  • ABS and USCG regulatory requirements
• Experience supporting:
  • New construction or repair/modernization programs
• Exposure to:
  • Configuration management systems
  • Work package development
• Experience working with:
  • Production teams, planners, and test organizations

What Makes This Role Different

• This is not strictly an in-office design role.
• At TMMG, this engineer will:
  • Potentially embed in real shipyard execution
  • Potentially work directly with the people building the ship
  • Influence schedule, quality, and delivery outcomes
• Gain exposure across:
  • Design
  • Production
  • Testing
  • Integration

Growth & Development Opportunities

• Exposure to multiple vessel types and shipyards
• Opportunity to expand into:
  • Lead Engineer roles
  • Test & Trials support
  • Project / Program Engineering
  • Ability to grow into a technical leader or integrator role within TMMG