Shipyard Design Manager

DPP•North Kingstown, RI
•Onsite

About The Position

DPP is seeking a Shipyard Design Manager for an opportunity with a client in North Kingstown, Rhode Island. The position is onsite. The manager directs technical development of ship construction projects from concept through delivery, leading engineers and drafters to ensure designs meet regulatory, budget, and performance requirements. The role oversees design deliverables and supports coordination among design, production, project management, and clients. The manager leads functional and detailed engineering for new builds and repairs, guides project technical solutions, manages design quality processes, and supports production issue resolution. The role also manages personnel training and development, project documentation and deliverables, design reviews, client presentations, and engineering progress updates. Support for marketing and business development may include concept design and technical proposal leadership. This position is onsite in North Kingstown, RI. Employees may work in different areas and environments, indoors and outdoors, and may need to enter confined spaces. The role has physical, vision, color-vision, and respiratory-protection-related requirements, and requires use of personal protective equipment. Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States; sponsorship is unavailable. Compensation and benefits packages are offered to employees and eligible dependents, but specific benefits are not listed.

Requirements

  • Bachelor’s degree in engineering, such as Naval Architecture, Marine Engineering, or a related field.
  • 5–10+ years of experience in ship design or shipyard engineering, with proven leadership experience.
  • Working understanding of Naval Architecture, Structures, Propulsion and Auxiliaries, Electrical, and Mission Systems.
  • Deep understanding of ship systems, including structural design, piping, HVAC, and marine electrical systems.
  • Strong knowledge of AutoCAD and Shipconstructor.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office, including Word, Excel, and Outlook, and electronic document management systems (EDMS).
  • Strong organizational abilities, attention to detail, and communication skills; ability to manage multiple tasks under time constraints.
  • Correctable vision to 20/40; contact lenses are not permitted in certain production-area positions.
  • Must pass the Ishihara test for color blindness and be able to read and understand safety symbols and colors.
  • Must pass a pulmonary function exam for positions requiring respiratory protection.
  • Ability to stand, sit, walk, squat, kneel, stoop, and climb stairs or a ladder.
  • Must not be claustrophobic and may be required to work in confined spaces.
  • Ability to maneuver through openings as small as 18 inches by 23 inches and move or crawl into awkward positions.
  • Ability to work in static positions for extended periods and maintain balance while standing on each foot for 30 seconds or more.
  • Ability to wear required personal protective equipment, which may include a respirator, hardhat, face shield, safety goggles, steel-toe safety shoes, safety harness, gloves, or other protective clothing.
  • Must be authorized to work in the United States; the employer is unable to sponsor at this time.

Nice To Haves

  • Proven experience leading complex ship design projects or engineering organizations (5+ years).
  • Expertise in the design and engineering of U.S. naval, Coast Guard, or other government vessels.

Responsibilities

  • Lead, manage, and review functional and detailed structural, outfitting, and production drawings for new builds and repairs.
  • Manage functional and detailed engineering efforts for new builds and 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 quality-control and process instructions within the Design Engineering team.
  • Ensure ship designs and deliverables comply with classification society rules, national and international regulations, client specifications, and production preferences.
  • Coordinate with project managers and production teams to resolve design conflicts during construction.
  • Track the deliverables list and due dates.
  • Manage project documentation, including design reviews, 3D models, design conflict resolution, work instructions, and technical specifications.
  • Facilitate design reviews, client presentations, and progress updates.
  • Send weekly updates on engineering deliverables.
  • Support marketing and business development for new ship design programs, including concept design and technical proposal leadership.
  • Report accidents, injuries, equipment damage, and broken or misused tools to the appropriate supervisor or department.
  • Work at a pace consistent with meeting company deadlines.
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