Naval Architect/Fabrication Shop Manager

Darwin Recruitment; Galveston (TX); On-site; USD 95,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Darwin Recruitment seeks a Naval Architect / Marine Project Manager in Galveston, TX to oversee engineering, fabrication, modification, and maintenance of dredges, barges, and marine assets. The role blends naval architecture, project management, field engineering, and regulatory compliance from concept through commissioning.

You will lead multidisciplinary teams, coordinate with operations and fabrication partners, manage schedules with MS Project, and ensure compliance with ABS and US Coast

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Naval Architecture, Marine Engineering, or a related engineering discipline.
• Minimum 5 years of experience in naval architecture, marine engineering, or related marine industries.
• Experience supporting vessel modifications, marine fabrication, or construction from design through completion.
• AutoCAD 2D/3D experience and ability to develop fabrication drawings for marine projects.
• Experience preparing engineering packages for ABS, US Coast Guard, or other regulatory approvals.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain 2D and 3D AutoCAD drawings for marine equipment and vessels.
• Design and engineer modifications to dredges, barges, and marine equipment.
• Lead engineering and fabrication projects from concept through completion.
• Coordinate activities with Operations, Project Managers, Vessel Managers, and vendors.
• Develop project schedules with Microsoft Project and track milestones, budgets, and risks.
• Prepare BOMs and material take-offs for steel, piping, and components.
• Provide field engineering support aboard vessels and dredges.
• Lead teams and communicate status and issues to stakeholders to ensure safe, compliant delivery.

Skills

Naval Architecture

Project Management

Field Engineering

Regulatory Compliance

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Naval Architecture or Marine Engineering

Tools

AutoCAD

Microsoft Project

Job description

A leading marine construction and dredging contractor is seeking a Naval Architect / Marine Project Manager to manage the engineering, fabrication, modification, and maintenance of dredges, barges, workboats, floating equipment, and marine construction assets. This position combines naval architecture, project management, field engineering, regulatory compliance, and fabrication support, taking projects from initial concept and engineering through construction, regulatory approval, commissioning, and completion. The role is based in Galveston with regular travel to dredges, vessels, fabrication facilities, and marine construction project sites.

Responsibilities:

• Develop and maintain 2D and 3D AutoCAD drawings, including general arrangements, structural drawings, fabrication drawings, and construction packages for marine equipment and vessels.
• Design and engineer modifications to dredges, barges, workboats, floating equipment, marine construction machinery, and vessel systems.
• Manage engineering and fabrication projects from initial concept through design, procurement, fabrication, installation, commissioning, and final completion.
• Coordinate engineering and fabrication activities with Operations, Project Managers, Vessel Managers, Port Captains, fabrication supervisors, vendors, manufacturers, and subcontractors.
• Develop and maintain project schedules using Microsoft Project, tracking milestones, budgets, procurement requirements, costs, and project risks.
• Prepare material take-offs, Bills of Materials (BOMs), quantity estimates, and purchase requests for steel, piping, structural components, machinery, and other project materials.
• Prepare engineering packages and supporting calculations, including FEA documentation when required, for submission to ABS, the U.S. Coast Guard, and other regulatory authorities.
• Provide field engineering support aboard dredges, vessels, and marine construction projects, including verifying dimensions, troubleshooting installation issues, and developing practical field modifications.
• Support fabrication, vessel repairs, dry-dock projects, installation, commissioning, inspections, and certification activities, while maintaining accurate as-built documentation.
• Lead multidisciplinary engineering and fabrication teams, communicate project status and technical issues to stakeholders, and ensure projects are delivered safely, efficiently, and in accordance with engineering and regulatory requirements.

Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in Naval Architecture, Marine Engineering, or a related engineering discipline.
• Minimum 5 years of experience in naval architecture, marine engineering, marine construction, shipbuilding, vessel repair, or a closely related marine industry.
• Demonstrated experience supporting vessel modifications, marine fabrication, engineering projects, or construction projects from design through completion.
• Strong experience with dredges, barges, workboats, floating equipment, or marine construction equipment is highly preferred.
• Advanced proficiency with AutoCAD 2D and the ability to develop and interpret detailed engineering and fabrication drawings; AutoCAD 3D experience is preferred.
• Experience preparing engineering documentation and drawing packages for ABS, U.S. Coast Guard, or other maritime regulatory approval.
• Working knowledge of marine fabrication practices, structural and mechanical systems, vessel construction, and field installation methods.
• Ability to perform material take-offs, quantity estimates, BOM development, and engineering calculations, with FEA experience preferred.
• Experience using Microsoft Project and Microsoft Office, with the ability to manage schedules, project documentation, budgets, procurement requirements, and multiple projects simultaneously.
• Ability and willingness to travel regularly to vessels, dredges, fabrication facilities, and marine construction sites and work directly with vessel crews, fabrication personnel, contractors, vendors, and regulatory inspectors.