Manufacturing Engineer – Propulsion & Machinery Installation Planning

Saronic Technologies • Brownsville, TX

1d

About The Position

The Manufacturing Engineer – Propulsion & Machinery Installation Planning defines the high-precision installation steps and processes used to install, align, and commission main propulsion equipment, reduction gears, shafting, bearings, and associated drivetrain components aboard autonomous surface vessels. The role also plans installation of other critical ship machinery, including anchor handling systems, ramps, and ramp lowering or actuation systems for LCU-type vessel programs.

The position translates design intent and manufacturer requirements into sequenced, repeatable installation processes that production teams can execute safely and precisely. It establishes installation sequences, alignment procedures, inspection hold points, and acceptance criteria to prevent equipment damage and ensure machinery performs as specified through launch, dock trials, and sea trials.

The engineer works closely with structural, electrical, piping, and HVAC planning teams, quality assurance, production personnel, and equipment manufacturer technical representatives. The role supports first-article installations and testing, refines procedures using production feedback and lessons learned, and maintains installation and alignment documentation standards.

Requirements

• Hands-on experience with marine propulsion or machinery, such as as a machinist, millwright, marine engineer, or machinery installation technician, or equivalent planning experience grounded in that trade background.
• Understanding of main propulsion equipment, reduction gears, shaft lines, couplings, bearings, and stern tube and seal arrangements.
• Hands-on familiarity with optical, laser, and sag-and-gap alignment methods, as well as chocking, grouting, and torque or tensioning procedures.
• Ability to read machinery arrangements, vendor manuals, shaft calculations, and 3D models.
• Strong written communication skills to produce clear, unambiguous work instructions specifying sequence and tolerances.

Nice To Haves

• Experience planning or installing anchor handling systems and ramp or ramp lowering systems, ideally on LCU or similar beaching or landing craft vessel programs.
• Experience with main propulsion installation and alignment on new-construction vessels; marine repair, overhaul, or industrial alignment experience is also considered.
• Experience with PLM or ERP systems and alignment or metrology data tools.
• Familiarity with ABS, USCG, and NAVSEA requirements as they apply to propulsion, anchor, ramp, and other ship machinery installation.
• Familiarity with vendor technical and warranty documentation requirements.
• Technical or trade school education, an associate's degree, or a bachelor's degree in a relevant field such as marine engineering technology, mechanical engineering technology, or naval architecture.

Responsibilities

• Translate machinery arrangements, vendor installation and alignment manuals, and shaft line calculations into step-by-step installation work instructions.
• Define installation sequences relative to hull construction and erection, including work required before erection, after hull closure, or once the vessel is afloat.
• Coordinate with structural, electrical, piping, and HVAC planning teams to ensure foundations and interfacing systems are ready at the appropriate construction stage.
• Specify foundation chocking, grouting, and bolt torque and sequencing requirements.
• Define alignment procedures, including sag-and-gap, laser or optical alignment, and bearing load checks, and sequence shaft line installation relative to hull deflection, launch, and dock trial milestones.
• Define rigging, lifting, and handling plans for heavy machinery moves.
• Define installation and sequencing requirements for anchor handling systems, including windlass and winch foundations, chain locker and hawsepipe arrangements, and anchor stowage and deployment components.
• Plan installation, fit-up, and functional test sequencing for bow and stern ramp systems and ramp lowering or actuation systems for LCU-type vessel programs, including actuation components, hinge and pin arrangements, and locking and securing mechanisms.
• Coordinate ramp and anchor system installation with structural closure, coatings, and electrical and hydraulic system planning.
• Specify inspection hold points and acceptance criteria for foundations, alignment, bolt torque, and nondestructive testing of critical welds across propulsion, anchor, and ramp systems.
• Define functional test and operational checkout requirements for anchor handling and ramp lowering systems before sea trials.
• Coordinate inspections and acceptance with quality assurance and vendor technical representatives.
• Ensure work instructions reflect ABS, USCG, and NAVSEA requirements, vendor warranty terms, and documentation needs through sea trials.
• Support first-article installations and, as needed, witness alignment checks, functional tests, and sea trials.
• Refine installation procedures based on production feedback, vendor guidance, and lessons learned.
• Maintain installation and alignment documentation standards across the program.

Benefits

• Comprehensive medical insurance; Saronic pays 100% of the employee premium and 80% of dependent premiums.
• Dental and vision insurance; Saronic pays 100% of the basic-plan employee premium and 80% of dependent premiums.
• Generous paid time off and holidays.
• Paid maternity and paternity leave.
• Competitive salary with opportunities for performance-based bonuses.
• 401(k) plan with company match.
• Stock options.
• Basic life insurance and short- and long-term disability coverage.
• Discounted pet insurance options, including a 24/7 telehealth helpline.
• Free lunch and unlimited free drinks and snacks in the office.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Education Level: No Education Listed