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DOUGHERTY MANUFACTURING 308 S

Old County Road, Edgewater, FL 32132 | 386-957-5464 | www.dmade.com www.solaceboats.com

JOB DESCRIPTION

Design Engineer —

SOLACE Boats Job Title:

Design Engineer Brand /

Product Line:

SOLACE Boats Department:

Engineering /

Product Design Reports To:

CEO FLSA

Status:

Exempt Employment Type:

Full-Time Schedule:

Monday - Friday, standard business hours

Location:

Edgewater, FL (Onsite)

Travel:

Minimal; occasional sea trials, dealer/boat show visits; trade shows

JOB SUMMARY

The Boat Design Engineer is responsible for the design, modeling, and visualization of SOLACE Boats products, from concept through production-ready detail. This role owns the creative and technical design intent of hulls, decks, interiors, fiberglass components, helm stations, and workstations, working primarily in Rhino to produce accurate 3D models and high-quality renderings that support engineering, manufacturing, and marketing. The ideal candidate blends strong creative/aesthetic instincts with deep technical knowledge of boat construction and composite manufacturing.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Create, refine, and maintain accurate 3D surface and solid models of hulls, decks, liners, and structural components using Rhino (Rhinoceros 3D). Produce photorealistic renderings and visual concepts (e.g., KeyShot, V-Ray, or similar) for design reviews, tooling approval, marketing, and dealer/customer-facing materials. Design boat interiors including seating, cabinetry, storage, helm and console layouts, and other outfitting components, balancing ergonomics, functionality, and brand aesthetic. Engineer fiberglass and composite components — hulls, decks, liners, hatches, consoles — with attention to structural integrity, lamination schedules, core materials, and manufacturability. Design helm stations and workstations, integrating electronics, controls, gauges, and operator ergonomics. Develop and maintain accurate technical drawings, surface data, and specifications to support tooling (plug/mold) fabrication and production. Collaborate closely with production, lamination, and assembly teams to validate that designs are manufacturable and cost-effective. Partner with Marketing to produce renderings, configurator assets, and visual content supporting product launches. Support prototype builds, design reviews, and sea trials; incorporate feedback into design iterations. Maintain design files, revision history, and documentation in an organized, retrievable system. Research industry trends, competitor products, and emerging materials/technologies to inform future design direction. Ensure designs align with applicable marine industry standards and regulatory requirements (e.g., ABYC, USCG) — see review note below. All other duties as required by management.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelor's degree in Naval Architecture, Marine Engineering, Industrial Design, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field; equivalent hands-on marine design experience will be considered in lieu of degree. Demonstrated professional experience designing recreational or commercial boats (center consoles, powerboats, or similar preferred). Strong proficiency in Rhino (Rhinoceros 3D) required; comfortable modeling complex hull and interior surfaces. Proven rendering and visualization skills using tools such as KeyShot, V-Ray, or comparable rendering software. Working knowledge of boat design fundamentals, including hull form, hydrodynamics, weight and balance, and stability. Solid understanding of fiberglass/composite construction methods (lamination, coring, resin infusion, gelcoat). Experience designing marine interiors, helm stations/consoles, and production workstations or tooling layouts. Strong creative and artistic sensibility paired with technical precision and attention to detail. Ability to produce clear, accurate technical drawings, specifications, and bills of material. Strong verbal and written communication skills; ability to collaborate cross-functionally with production, engineering, and marketing teams. Self-directed with strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple design projects simultaneously. Familiarity with ABYC standards and USCG regulatory requirements for recreational boats.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Experience with additional CAD/engineering software (e.g., SolidWorks, AutoCAD) for structural or mechanical detailing. Familiarity with CNC machining/plug-and-mold fabrication processes. Experience with Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign) for supporting marketing collateral. Prior experience working directly within a production boat-building or composite manufacturing environment. A portfolio demonstrating prior boat or marine product design work. Experience with configurator or e-commerce visualization tools used in the marine industry.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS & WORK ENVIRONMENT

Primarily works in an office/design studio setting with regular presence on the manufacturing floor to review builds and tooling. Exposure to a manufacturing environment, including fiberglass, resin, and related materials; appropriate PPE required in production areas. Occasional lifting of design models, materials, or samples up to 25 lbs. May require time aboard boats for sea trials, fit checks, or dealer events, including exposure to on-water conditions. Prolonged periods of computer-based design work requiring sustained visual focus and fine motor precision.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

Dougherty Manufacturing is an equal opportunity employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, or any other status protected under applicable federal, Florida, or local law, including the Florida Civil Rights Act. Dougherty Manufacturing will provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications. Dougherty Manufacturing reserves the right to modify this description at any time.