Robotics Construction Support Engineer

General Dynamics Electric Boat; North Kingstown (RI); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

General Dynamics Electric Boat is seeking a skilled engineer to join the Robotics Construction Support Engineering Group in North Kingstown, RI. You will own robotic production systems, program robots in production, and work with operations to optimize welding installations.

The role includes upgrades with vendors, root cause analyses, and ensuring compliance with NAVSEA specs and drawings. Ideal candidates have a BS in robotics or related engineering and 5+ years of post‑graduate experience,

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Robotic Engineering, Welding Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Software or Computer Engineering or equivalent.

Responsibilities

• Technical ownership of robotic production systems and related processes.
• Program robots in a fully operational production environment.
• Collaborate with operations to ensure efficient robotic welding installations.
• Support system upgrades with external vendors for competitive advantage.
• Conduct production floor surveillances to ensure procedural compliance.
• Provide technical guidance on robotic welding processes (Cutting/Grinding, GMAW, SAW, GTAW).
• Maintain compliance oversight for submarine structural drawings and NAVSEA specs.

Skills

Robotic engineering

Coding skills

Technical writing

Team collaboration

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor's degree inRobotic/Mechanical/Electrical/Software/CPE or equivalent

Advanced degree in robotics/engineering (preferred)

Tools

ABB RAPID

FANUC KAREL

Python

Java

JavaScript

Job description

Overview

There has never been a better time to join the shipbuilding industry. As demand for cutting-edge naval technology grows, General Dynamics Electric Boat is at the forefront – designing, building and maintaining the most advanced submarines in the world. Our work is mission-critical, supporting the U.S. Navy and strengthening national security.

Electric Boat is experiencing a period of unprecedented growth, with existing facilities undergoing renovations, new buildings under construction and more. Now is a once in a lifetime opportunity to be a part of a dynamic team responsible for shaping the future of shipbuilding through the sustainment of manufacturing technology. These state-of-the-art robotics and automated solutions allow Electric Boat to be the most valued provider of nuclear submarines while improving product quality, personnel safety and driving down critical construction costs and schedules.

The Robotics Construction Support Engineering Group within the Welding Engineering Department, D341, provides the oversight, technical, logistical, and regulatory support to ongoing automation and robotic shipyard operations. The team plays a key role in sustaining and advancing robotic applications that drive manufacturing performance.

Working closely with operations teams, the group ensures reliable, safe, and efficient robotic system performance across all three shifts. Members serve as subject matter experts in robotics, automation, and robotic manufacturing processes, delivering hand-on production floor support, optimizing process performance, and resolving technical challenges to maintain continuous manufacturing operations.

Robotics Construction Support Engineering is seeking a skilled engineer to join our team.

Core functionalities will include:

• Technical ownership of robotic production systems, and applicable processes and procedures.
• Programming robots in a fully operational production environment.
• Working directly with operations to ensure efficient operation of robotic welding installations.
• Supporting robotic system upgrades with external vendors to allow Electric Boat to have the advantage in structural submarine fabrication.
• Conduct production floor surveillances to ensure procedural compliance in robotic work centers.
• Providing technical guidance for the application of all robotic welding processes (Cutting and Grinding, GMAW, SAW, and GTAW).
• Maintaining procedural and specification compliance oversight for submarine structural documents (NAVSEA specifications, Electric Boat standard procedures, and design drawings).
• Performing root cause analyses and evaluating problem resolution strategies for a wide variety of issues as required.
• Coordinating with functional area leads to identify opportunities for process improvement.
• Supporting performance tracking goals by maintaining department cognizant data inputs and reports.

• Leading upgrade and improvement projects.
• Interfacing with multiple stakeholders from Engineering, Operations, Program Management and the Navy Customer.

The qualified candidate will report to the D341 Robotics Construction Support Supervisor at Electric Boat’s North Kingstown, RI location (Quonset Point).

Qualifications

Required:

• Bachelor’s of Science degree or higher in Robotic Engineering, Welding Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Software or Computer Engineering or equivalent Engineering Technology degree
• 5+ years of post graduate relevant job experience
• This is a 1st shift position with flexibility required to work on 2nd shift based on business needs
• Strong background in coding with any major language
• Experience with technical writing (procedures, reports, briefings, memos, other submittals)

Preferred:

• Advanced degree in Robotic Engineering, Welding Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or Software or Computer Engineering and or equivalent Engineering Technology degree
• Programming, Simulation, and Modeling Experience
• Experience with multi-axis industrial and collaborative robotic arms; ABB, FANUC, Universal Robots.
• Familiarity with 3D Measurement Systems
• Familiarity with Quonset Point Operations
• Knowledge of shipbuilding / defense manufacturing

This position will offer a unique blend of opportunities and exposure to shipbuilding at Electric Boat. This role requires a highly adaptable individual who can transition between hands-on robotic construction support and problem resolution activities, while balancing strategic thinking with detailed technical execution. Training and mentorship will be provided. Opportunities to flex workday and work from home can be provided based on shipyard needs, work assignments and management discretion. Regular training and travel opportunities will be available as part of this organization.

Skills

• Ability to work independently while leveraging teams, vendors, and internal organizations.
• Ability to prioritize, execute, and work well in a collaborative team environment.
• Experience or formal training in project management methodologies.
• Proficiency with Standard Microsoft Office products
• Advanced computer skills with expertise in Windows, Linux, and embedded OS environments, along with strong familiarity in system administration and proficiency in programming languages such as ABB RAPID, FANUC KAREL, Python, Java, and Javascript.
• Read and interpret wiring diagrams, mechanical diagrams, drawings, and blueprints
• Read and interpret company policies and procedures
• Knowledge of applicable military standards and welding fabrication specifications
• Excellent oral and written communication skills

Physical Qualifications

• Climbing
• Color Vision
• Crawling
• Kneeling
• Light Lifting
• Medium Lifting
• Pulling
• Pushing
• Reaching
• Stooping
• Twisting

Environmental Attributes

• Cold
• Dusty
• Fumes
• Hot
• Inside
• Noise