| Location | houston, Rhode Island |
Location: Rhode Island / Northeast USA
Employment Type: Full-Time, Direct Hire
Industry: Commercial Shipbuilding / Marine Engineering
Department: Engineering
We are seeking an experienced Structural & Outfitting Designer to support the design and construction of commercial vessels for an established shipbuilding organization.
The ideal candidate will have hands-on experience developing structural and outfitting designs, 2D drawings, 3D models, and production-ready documentation for vessel construction. This position works closely with engineering, fabrication, and shipyard production teams to ensure designs are accurate, practical, and suitable for construction.
Candidates with direct commercial shipbuilding experience and proficiency in ShipConstructor and AutoCAD are strongly preferred.
Develop and modify detailed structural and outfitting drawings, 3D models, and production documentation for commercial vessel construction.
Prepare structural arrangements, foundations, equipment supports, brackets, stiffeners, bulkheads, decks, and other shipboard structural components.
Design and detail vessel outfitting components, including platforms, ladders, handrails, doors, hatches, deck fittings, and equipment foundations.
Create and maintain fabrication drawings, assembly drawings, installation details, and production packages.
Utilize ShipConstructor, AutoCAD, and other marine design software to develop accurate, construction-ready designs.
Review engineering drawings, technical specifications, and 3D models to identify design conflicts and resolve technical issues.
Incorporate engineering changes, redlines, field modifications, and as-built updates into design documentation.
Coordinate with naval architects, structural engineers, piping designers, electrical designers, and production personnel to ensure proper integration of vessel systems.
Support shipyard fabrication and installation activities by resolving design questions and providing technical clarification.
Assist with material takeoffs, bills of materials, nesting information, and fabrication requirements as needed.
Ensure drawings and designs comply with applicable engineering standards, vessel specifications, and classification requirements.
Participate in design reviews, ship checks, and coordination meetings to support project schedules and production milestones.
Minimum 5 years of structural and/or outfitting design experience within shipbuilding, marine engineering, or a closely related industry.
Demonstrated experience producing detailed 2D drawings, 3D models, and fabrication or production drawings.
Strong understanding of vessel structural arrangements, steel fabrication, equipment foundations, and shipboard outfitting.
Experience using AutoCAD and marine or industrial 3D design software.
Ability to interpret engineering drawings, technical specifications, and construction documentation.
Familiarity with shipyard fabrication processes, installation methods, and production requirements.
Strong problem-solving skills and ability to work collaboratively with engineering and production teams.
Ability to manage multiple design assignments while maintaining accuracy and meeting project deadlines.
Commercial shipbuilding or vessel new-construction experience.
Proficiency in ShipConstructor, including structural modeling and production drawing development.
Experience with Navisworks, FORAN, Rhino, or similar marine design software.
Experience designing both vessel structures and outfitting components.
Knowledge of ABS, USCG, and other applicable marine classification and regulatory standards.
Experience developing assembly packages, nesting documentation, and shipyard production deliverables.
Previous experience working directly with shipyard fabrication and installation teams.
Associate degree, technical diploma, or bachelor's degree in Naval Architecture, Marine Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Drafting, or a related discipline. Equivalent practical shipbuilding design experience will be considered.
Primarily an engineering and design position with periodic visits to active shipyard production areas.
May require shipboard inspections, field verification, and coordination with fabrication and installation personnel.
Must be able to follow established shipyard safety procedures and wear required personal protective equipment.
The employer is an Equal Opportunity Employer and considers qualified applicants without regard to any characteristic protected by applicable law.
. Skillset Required: Navisworks, FORAN, Rhino, or similar marine design software, ShipConstructor