Shipyard Design Manager

Senesco Marine LLC; North Kingstown (RI); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Senesco Marine LLC is looking for a Shipyard Design Manager in North Kingstown, Rhode Island. The role involves directing ship construction projects, ensuring designs meet regulatory standards, and managing a team of engineers. Candidates should have a Bachelor's degree in engineering and 5–10 years of ship design experience. Proficiency in AutoCAD and ShipConstructor is required. Key responsibilities include overseeing technical solutions and collaborating with stakeholder teams to eliminate design conflicts.

Qualifications

• 5–10+ years in ship design/shipyard engineering with leadership experience.
• Deep understanding of ship systems, including structural design and electrical.
• Strong knowledge of AutoCAD and ShipConstructor software.

Responsibilities

• Direct technical development of ship construction projects.
• Manage design drawings and ensure compliance with regulations.
• Coordinate with project managers to resolve design conflicts.

Skills

Leadership experience

Communication skills

Attention to detail

Organizational abilities

Education

Bachelor’s degree in engineering

Tools

AutoCAD

ShipConstructor

Microsoft Office

Job description

Role Overview

A Shipyard Design Manager directs the technical development of ship construction projects from concept to delivery, leading a team of engineers and drafters to ensure designs meet regulatory, budget, and performance requirements. They oversee CAD modeling, design drawings/documentations, and system integrations, while bridging communication between design, production, and the clients.

Design Management

• Lead, manage, and review all functional & detailed structural, outfitting, and production drawings (e.g., General Arrangements, Midship sections) for new builds and/or repairs.
• Manage functional & detailed engineering efforts for new builds or repairs.
• Own and guide the overall technical solution for assigned projects.
• Identify and report technical risks to the Engineering Director.
• Manage training and development of personnel.
• Implement and manage QC & process instructions within the Design Engineering team.
• Ensure the ship designs & deliverables comply with Classification Society rules (e.g., ABS, DNV), national regulations, international regulations (SOLAS), client specifications, and Senesco production preferences.

Production Support

• Coordinate with project managers and production teams to resolve design conflicts during construction.
• Track the deliverables list along with due dates.
• Manage project documentation, including design reviews, 3D models, design conflict resolution, work instructions, and technical specifications.

Stakeholder Communication

• Facilitate design reviews, client presentations, and progress updates.
• Send weekly updates on the engineering deliverables.
• Support marketing and business development efforts for new ship design programs, including concept design and technical proposal leadership.

Required Skills and Qualifications

• Educational Background: Bachelor’s degree in engineering (Naval Architecture, Marine Engineering, or related field).
• Experience: 5–10+ years in ship design/shipyard engineering, with proven leadership experience. The Ship Design experience must include a working understanding of all aspects of Naval Architecture, Structures, Propulsion and Auxiliaries, Electrical, and Mission Systems.
• Technical Knowledge: Deep understanding of ship systems, including structural design, piping, HVAC, and marine electrical systems.
• Software Proficiency: Strong knowledge of AutoCAD and ShipConstructor. Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook) and electronic document management systems (EDMS).
• Soft Skills: Strong organizational abilities, attention to detail, communication skills, and the ability to manage multiple tasks under time constraints.

Desired Qualifications

• Proven experience leading complex ship design projects or engineering organizations (5+ years).
• Expertise in design and engineering of U.S. naval, coast guard, or other government vessels.
• Correctable vision to 20/40 (contact lenses not permitted in certain production area positions).
• Pass the Ishihara test for color blindness and read & understand safety symbols and colors (red, yellow, green, etc.).li>
• Pass a pulmonary function exam for positions requiring respiratory protection.
• Ability to stand, sit, walk, squat, kneel, stoop, or climb stairs or a ladder.
• Non-claustrophobic and may be required to work in confined spaces.
• Capability to maneuver through openings as small as 18 inches by 23 inches; can move and crawl into awkward positions.
• Work in static positions for extended periods of time.
• Maintain personal protective equipment (PPE) such as respirator, hard hat, face shield, safety goggles, safety shoes (steel toe), safety harness, gloves, or other protective clothing as determined by a Senesco Marine Job Hazard Analysis.
• Report all accidents or injuries to supervisor and the Environmental Safety and Health Department.
• Report any and all damages to equipment or broken/misused tools to supervisor.
• May work in several different areas and environments, inside and outside buildings or structures.
• Work at a pace consistent with meeting company deadlines.

Physical and Work Demands

• Correctable vision to 20/40 (contact lenses not permitted in certain production area positions).
• Pass the Ishihara test for color blindness and read & understand safety symbols and colors (red, yellow, green, etc.).
• Pass a pulmonary function exam for positions requiring respiratory protection.
• Stand, sit, walk, squat, kneel, stoop, or climb stairs or a ladder.
• Not claustrophobic and may be required to work in confined spaces.
• Maneuver through openings as small as 18 inches by 23 inches; move and crawl into awkward positions.
• Work in static positions for extended periods of time.
• Wear personal protective equipment (PPE) such as respirator, hard hat, face shield, safety goggles, safety shoes (steel toe), safety harness, gloves, or other protective clothing as determined by Senesco Marine Job Hazard Analysis.
• Report all accidents or injuries to supervisor and the Environmental Safety and Health Department.
• Report any and all damages to equipment or broken/misused tools to supervisor.
• Work in several different areas and environments, inside and outside buildings or structures.
• Work at a pace consistent with meeting company deadlines.