PROJECT ENGINEER

About the Role

Support the engineering team in building the toughest aluminum boats on the water. This role is responsible for planning, coordinating, and executing engineering projects that improve how we build, rig, weld, and finish our boats. The Project Engineer partners closely with Production, Design, Quality, and Supply Chain to support new product launches, improve manufacturing processes, and ensure every boat meets ABYC/USCG standards and our customers' expectations. This position requires a hands-on engineer who enjoys solving problems on the shop floor and driving continuous improvement.

What Success Looks Like

Within the first year, the Project Engineer will have established themselves as a trusted technical resource by:

• Successfully leading engineering projects from concept through implementation while meeting project timelines and objectives.
• Improving manufacturing processes that increase safety, quality, efficiency, or throughput.
• Supporting successful new model launches with minimal disruption to production.
• Building strong working relationships with Production, Design, Quality, and Supply Chain teams.
• Resolving production issues quickly through practical engineering solutions and effective root cause analysis.
• Maintaining accurate engineering documentation and ensuring manufacturing changes are effectively communicated and implemented.
• Contributing to measurable improvements in key manufacturing metrics such as quality, rework, throughput, and on-time project completion.
• Demonstrating ownership, accountability, and a commitment to continuous improvement while supporting SeaArk's reputation for building the toughest aluminum boats on the water.

Key Responsibilities

Engineering

• Manage engineering projects that support welding, rigging, painting, and final assembly operations.
• Develop and implement production improvements, tooling, fixtures, and manufacturing processes to improve safety, quality, efficiency, and consistency.
• Support new model launches by collaborating with Design and New Product Development to ensure a smooth transition into production.
• Create and maintain manufacturing documentation including work instructions, process flows, BOMs, routings, and engineering change documentation.
• Coordinate equipment installations, process improvements, and workflow changes throughout the manufacturing facility.
• Provide technical support to production teams by troubleshooting manufacturing issues and implementing effective solutions.
• Participate in Lean manufacturing and continuous improvement initiatives to reduce waste, downtime, and rework.

Quality

• Support quality initiatives to ensure boats meet ABYC/USCG requirements and SeaArk quality standards.
• Assist with investigations of manufacturing defects, non-conformances, and warranty concerns using root cause analysis.
• Work with Production and Quality teams to implement corrective and preventive actions.
• Monitor manufacturing performance and quality metrics to identify opportunities for process improvement.
• Collaborate with suppliers to resolve engineering and component-related quality issues.

Project Management

• Plan, coordinate, and execute engineering projects from concept through implementation.
• Develop project schedules, monitor progress, and communicate project status to stakeholders.
• Coordinate activities across Engineering, Production, Supply Chain, Quality, and Design to ensure project milestones are achieved.
• Support capital equipment and facility improvement projects as assigned.
• Ensure engineering projects are completed safely, on schedule, and within budget.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or a related engineering field preferred (equivalent experience considered).
• 3–5 years of experience in manufacturing engineering, project engineering, or production support (marine or metal fabrication preferred).
• Experience managing engineering or manufacturing improvement projects.
• Working knowledge of Lean manufacturing and continuous improvement principles.
• Familiarity with ABYC/USCG standards and marine manufacturing practices is preferred.
• Strong organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Proficiency with CAD software, Microsoft Office, and ERP/MRP systems is preferred.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

What We're Looking For

• A practical, hands-on engineer with a passion for manufacturing and continuous improvement.
• Someone who enjoys working on the production floor and solving real-world engineering challenges.
• A collaborative team player who can coordinate projects across multiple departments.
• A self-starter who takes ownership of projects and follows them through to completion.
• An individual committed to building high-quality products while continuously improving manufacturing processes.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to work in both office and manufacturing environments.
• Ability to walk the production floor and prototype areas regularly.
• Ability to inspect products, fixtures, and technical work in shop conditions as needed.

Work Environment

Combination of office, prototype shop, and manufacturing floor environment. Exposure to manufacturing conditions including noise, welding activity, metal dust, paint operations, and varying temperatures when on the floor.