Manufacturing Engineer – Paint & Coatings Planning

Job Overview

The Manufacturing Engineer – Paint & Coatings Planning defines the paint and coatings plan for each vessel program and builds the shipyard's long-term coatings capability through qualified outside labor and a developed internal workforce. This role determines what gets coated, when, with what systems, and in what sequence relative to fabrication and outfitting.

Coatings protect the long-term integrity of every hull the yard builds, and a coatings failure is often invisible until the ship is in service and far more expensive to fix than to prevent. This role establishes qualification standards (SSPC-QP1, SSPC-QP3) for outsourced painting contractors and builds the path to bring SSPC-QP1 and NACE-certified coatings expertise in-house.

This role works closely with structural, piping, electrical, and HVAC planning teams, quality assurance, and outside coatings contractors to build a credible, auditable coatings program from the ground up.

Responsibilities

Coatings Planning

Develop the overall paint and coatings plan for each vessel program, defining coating systems, surface preparation, and application methods by compartment and structure type.

Sequence coating work against fabrication, outfitting, and erection so blasting and painting happen at the correct stage.

Define environmental control requirements and surface prep standards (SSPC-SP grades, NACE standards), and establish inspection hold points and acceptance criteria.

Outsourced Contractor Qualification

Establish and maintain standards for qualifying outsourced coatings contractors, requiring SSPC-QP1 certification for field application and SSPC-QP3 for shop/fabrication-coating application.

Build the evaluation, audit, and onboarding process for the approved vendor base.

Manage the qualification lifecycle, including renewals, re-audits, and corrective action.

Internal Capability Development

Define and build the path to develop internal coatings capability, including the training and certification roadmap for personnel to achieve SSPC-QP1 and NACE coatings inspector credentials.

Identify internal candidates and structure on-the-job training and mentorship.

Coordinate external training and exam requirements toward a long-term internally qualified workforce.

Documentation & Continuous Improvement

Maintain documentation, qualification records, and audit trail for classification/regulatory review.

Refine the coatings plan and qualification program based on floor performance and inspection results.

Identify and resolve sequencing conflicts between coatings work and other trades.

What Success Looks Like

Coating systems are applied at the correct build stage without rework from later welding or fit-up.

Outsourced contractors consistently meet SSPC-QP1/QP3 qualification standards.

Internal coatings capability grows steadily toward SSPC-QP1 and NACE certification.

Coating failures and corrosion issues are rare and caught early through inspection.

Coatings documentation and records support classification and regulatory review without gaps.

Qualifications

Hands-on experience in marine or industrial coatings (applicator, inspector, coatings/corrosion engineer) or equivalent planning experience built on that trade background.

Understanding of coating systems and surface prep standards (SSPC-SP grades, NACE standards) and application methods.

Working knowledge of SSPC-QP1 and SSPC-QP3 contractor certification standards.

Understanding of what it takes for an individual to become SSPC-QP1 or NACE coatings inspector certified.

Strong written communication skills to produce clear coatings specifications and audit documentation.

Preferred

Experience in new construction shipbuilding; industrial, marine repair, or heavy fabrication coatings experience also considered.

NACE or SSPC certification, or active pursuit of one.

Experience building contractor qualification, audit, and vendor management processes.

Familiarity with ABS, USCG, or NAVSEA coatings requirements and documentation expectations.

Technical/trade school, associate's, or bachelor's degree in coatings technology, materials/corrosion engineering, or a related field.

Time Off: Generous PTO and Holidays

Parental Leave: Paid maternity and paternity leave to support new parents

Competitive Salary: Industry-standard salaries with opportunities for performance-based bonuses

Retirement Plan: 401(k) plan with company match

Stock Options: Equity options to give employees a stake in the company’s success

Additional Perks: Free lunch benefit and unlimited free drinks and snacks in the office