Manufacturing Engineer – Structural Detail Planning

Job Overview

The Manufacturing Engineer – Structural Detail Planning defines how a vessel's structure is built, from individual parts and plates through subassemblies, units, blocks, grand blocks, and the complete erected hull. This role establishes the build strategy and detailed work instructions that govern structural fabrication and assembly, and ensures secondary structure and foundations are installed and welded at the correct stage of construction.

Shipbuilding depends on a well-sequenced structural build strategy to control distortion, maintain fairness, and avoid rework as assemblies grow in size and complexity. The Manufacturing Engineer ensures breakdown strategy, fit-up sequence, and secondary structure integration are planned correctly so outfitting trades are never blocked by structure that wasn't ready.

This role works closely with design engineering, piping, electrical, HVAC, and outfitting planning teams, as well as production and facilities, to build a structural plan the yard can actually execute.

Responsibilities

• Build Strategy & Breakdown Planning

● Develop the build strategy breaking the hull into its construction hierarchy: parts, panels/subassemblies, units/blocks, grand blocks, and erected hull.

● Define breakdown (block boundary) locations based on facility constraints, crane/transport capacity, access, and weld/outfitting sequence.

● Specify fit-up, alignment, and weld sequence at each level of assembly to control distortion and accuracy.

Fabrication & Erection Work Instructions

● Develop work instructions for fabrication (cutting, forming, fit-up) and assembly (panel line, sub-block, unit, and block erection).

● Plan and sequence erection joints, including butt and seam welding at block-to-block connections, to maintain hull fairness.

● Define temporary supports, strongbacks, and fairing aids used during assembly.

Secondary Structure & Outfit Integration

● Plan how secondary structure (foundations, brackets, stiffeners, ladders, gratings, coamings) is installed and welded at the correct build stage.

● Coordinate with piping, electrical, HVAC, and outfitting planning to ensure foundations and penetrations are ready when those systems need them.

● Identify and resolve interferences and sequencing conflicts between primary structure, secondary structure, and outfitting.

Production Support & Continuous Improvement

● Support first-article and lead-unit builds, walking the work with fitters, welders, and leads.

● Refine work instructions and standard work based on floor feedback and build performance data.

● Maintain structural planning documentation and standards across the program.

What Success Looks Like

● Blocks and units fit and erect correctly with minimal rework or fairing corrections.

● Secondary structure and foundations are in place before outfitting trades need them.

● Distortion and accuracy issues are controlled through planned fit-up and weld sequence rather than discovered on the floor.

● Outfitting trades are never blocked by structure that wasn't ready at the correct stage.

● Production and design trust the structural plan as an accurate build reference.

Qualifications

• Required

● Hands-on experience in shipyard structural trades (fitter, welder, structural fabricator) or equivalent planning experience built on that trade background.

● Understanding of steel fabrication methods (cutting, forming, rolling, fit-up) and welding sequence.

● Strong understanding of ship construction hierarchy from parts through erected hull, and how breakdown strategy is driven by facility and crane capacity.

● Ability to read structural drawings, 3D models, midship sections, and shell expansions.

● Strong written communication skills to produce clear, unambiguous work instructions.

Preferred

● Experience in new construction shipbuilding; repair/overhaul experience also considered.

● Familiarity with structural modeling tools such as ShipConstructor, Rhino, Tribon, or AutoCAD.

● Experience with PLM/ERP systems such as Teamcenter or SAP.

● Familiarity with ABS, USCG, or NAVSEA requirements as they apply to structural fabrication and welding, including weld procedure qualification and NDT.

● Technical/trade school, associate's, or bachelor's degree in a relevant 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