Shipyard Design Manager

Work Location: Onsite in North Kingstown, RI

Position Summary

A Shipyard Design Manager directs the technical development of ship construction projects from concept to delivery, leading a team of engineers and drafters to ensure designs meet regulatory, budget, and performance requirements. They oversee CAD modeling, design drawings and documentation, and system integrations, while bridging communication between design, production, and clients.

Responsibilities

Design Management

• Lead, manage, and review all functional and detailed structural, outfitting, and production drawings (e.g., General Arrangements, Midship sections) for new builds and/or repairs
• Manage the functional and detailed engineering efforts for new builds or repairs
• Own and guide the overall technical solution for assigned projects
• Identify and report technical risks to the Engineering Director
• Manage the training and development of personnel
• Implement and manage QC and process instructions within the Design Engineering team
• Ensure ship designs and deliverables comply with Classification Society rules (e.g., ABS, DNV), national regulations, international regulations (SOLAS), client specifications, and Senesco production preferences

Quality and Process Control

• Implement and manage QC and process instructions within the Design Engineering team

Technical Compliance

• Ensure ship designs and deliverables comply with Classification Society rules (e.g., ABS, DNV), national regulations, international regulations (SOLAS), client specifications, and production preferences

Production Support

• Coordinate with project managers and production teams to resolve design conflicts during construction
• Track the deliverables list along with due dates
• Manage project documentation, including design reviews, 3D models, design conflict resolution, work instructions, and technical specifications

Project Documentation

• Manage project documentation, including design reviews, 3D models, design conflict resolution, work instructions, and technical specifications

Stakeholder Communication

• Facilitate design reviews, client presentations, and progress updates
• Send weekly updates on engineering deliverables
• Support marketing and business development efforts for new ship design programs, including concept design and technical proposal leadership

Required Skills and Qualifications

Educational Background

• Bachelor's degree in engineering (Naval Architecture, Marine Engineering, or related field)

Experience

• 5–10+ years in ship design/shipyard engineering, with proven leadership experience
• Ship Design experience must include a working understanding of all aspects of Naval Architecture, Structures, Propulsion and Auxiliaries, Electrical, and Mission Systems

Technical Knowledge

• Deep understanding of ship systems, including structural design, piping, HVAC, and marine electrical systems

Software Proficiency

• Strong knowledge of AutoCAD and ShipConstructor
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook) and electronic document management systems (EDMS)

Soft Skills

• Strong organizational abilities, attention to detail, communication skills, and the ability to manage multiple tasks under time constraints

Preferred Qualifications

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

Physical Requirements

• Correctable vision to 20/40; contact lenses not permitted in certain production area positions
• Must pass Ishihara test for color blindness and have ability to read and understand safety symbols and colors (red, yellow, green, etc.)
• Must pass pulmonary function exam for positions requiring respiratory protection
• Ability to stand, sit, walk, squat, kneel, stoop, or climb stairs or a ladder
• Must not be claustrophobic; may be required to work in confined spaces
• Capability to maneuver through openings as small as 18 inches by 23 inches and move/crawl into awkward positions
• Ability to work in static positions for extended periods
• Good balance and capability of standing on each foot for 30 seconds or more
• Required to wear personal protective equipment (PPE) including but not limited to respirator, hardhat, face shield, safety goggles, safety shoes (steel toe), safety harness, gloves, or other protective clothing as determined by a Marine Job Hazard Analysis
• Must report all accidents or injuries to supervisor and the Environmental Safety and Health Department
• Must report any damages to equipment or broken/misused tools to supervisor
• May work in several different areas and environments, including inside and outside of buildings or structures
• Must work at a pace consistent with meeting company deadlines

Work Authorization

Authorized U.S. workers only (U.S. citizens and those authorized to work in the U.S.); sponsorship not available. Position reference #26-01314.

About DP Professionals

DP Professionals (DPP) is a certified Woman-owned Small Business Enterprise (WBE and WOSB) with more than 25 years in the staffing industry, offering a range of compensation and benefits packages to employees and their eligible dependents.