Manufacturing Engineer – Piping & HVAC Detail Planning

Job Overview

The Manufacturing Engineer – Piping & HVAC Detail Planning translates piping and HVAC system designs into the detailed, shop-floor-ready work instructions that production teams use to fabricate, assemble, and install these systems aboard autonomous surface vessels. This role defines how piping and HVAC systems are broken into spools and subassemblies, how those pieces are built and installed in sequence, and how they ultimately come together into a complete, functioning ship.

Shipbuilding requires piping and HVAC systems to be planned around structural construction, access constraints, and the work of every other outfitting trade. The Manufacturing Engineer ensures fabrication and installation sequence, hanger and support design, and material handling are defined correctly the first time, minimizing rework and keeping systems installation on schedule.

This role works closely with design engineering, scheduling, quality assurance, and waterfront production teams to translate engineering intent into buildable, station-by-station work packages.

Responsibilities

Piping & HVAC Build Strategy

• Break piping and HVAC systems into logical spools and subassemblies based on build strategy, weight handling limits, access, and outfitting sequence.
• Define how subassemblies integrate into units, blocks, and the completed ship.
• Determine fabrication sequence, hanger and support locations, and insulation/coating requirements.

Work Instruction Development

• Develop detailed, step-by-step work instructions for fabrication, assembly, and installation crews.
• Specify material handling needs and ensure instructions reflect traceability, welding/joining processes, and pressure testing requirements.
• Incorporate applicable code and classification requirements (ABS, USCG, NAVSEA) into work packages.

Production Integration

• Coordinate with design engineering, scheduling, quality, and waterfront production to ensure instructions reflect real yard capability.
• Identify and resolve constructability issues, including interferences, out-of-sequence work, and access or lift constraints, before they reach the floor.
• Support first-article builds and walk the work with mechanics and leads.

Continuous Improvement

• Gather feedback from production and refine work instructions and standard work accordingly.
• Track recurring fit-up or sequencing issues and work with design engineering to correct root causes.
• Maintain documentation standards for piping and HVAC work packages across the program.

What Success Looks Like

• Piping and HVAC spools and subassemblies fit and install correctly on the first attempt.
• Fabrication and installation sequencing avoids interference with other trades.
• Rework and schedule slippage from piping/HVAC installation are minimized.
• Production teams can execute work instructions without needing to return to design for clarification.
• Design engineering and production trust the detail plan as an accurate build reference.

Qualifications

Required

• Hands-on experience in marine piping and/or HVAC trades (pipefitter, pipe welder, sheet metal mechanic, marine systems technician) or equivalent planning experience built on that trade background.
• Understanding of pipe fabrication methods (bending, threading, welding, flanging) and HVAC ductwork fabrication and installation practices.
• Working knowledge of how ships are built, including unit/block construction, erection sequence, and zone outfitting.
• Ability to read and interpret isometric drawings, P&IDs, 3D models, and general arrangement drawings.
• Strong written communication skills to produce clear, unambiguous work instructions.

Preferred

• Experience in new construction shipbuilding; repair/overhaul experience also considered.
• Familiarity with manufacturing engineering concepts such as process routers, bill of materials structuring, and standard work.
• Experience with PLM/ERP systems such as Teamcenter or SAP.
• Familiarity with ABS, USCG, or NAVSEA requirements as they apply to piping and HVAC systems.
• 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