Position Summary:

We are seeking a hands-on Mechanical Design Engineer to design, detail, and support the fabrication of marine access and deck equipment — including accommodation ladders and gangways, window wash baskets, davits, cranes, and similar structural/mechanical assemblies. This is a hybrid mechanical/structural role that bridges 2D/3D CAD design with real-world fabrication, welding, and shipyard installation. The ideal candidate combines strong AutoCAD/3D modeling skills with a working knowledge of structural steel and aluminum fabrication, and is comfortable moving between the drafting table and the shop floor. This role also carries regular client interaction, so the ability to communicate technical information clearly and professionally to customers and shipyards is essential. Key Responsibilities Design & Drafting Create, read, interpret, and edit 2D AutoCAD drawings and 3D models for marine equipment and structural components. Design mechanical/structural components such as gangways, accommodation ladders, window wash baskets, davits, platforms, and associated hardware. Produce detailed fabrication and assembly drawings, including structural and mechanical details, weldment details, dimensional tolerances, and complete bills of materials (BOMs). Develop structural and mechanical layouts and details, defining the required profiles, plates, fittings, equipment, components, and associated parts. Prepare complete material take-offs and BOMs for structural items, mechanical equipment, and associated parts, including material specifications, dimensions, quantities, and applicable technical requirements. Perform structural and mechanical calculations (load, stress, fatigue, deflection) to size components and verify designs meet safety factors. Prepare drawing packages suitable for classification society review and approval (ABS, DNV, Lloyd's Register, USCG, etc.). Fabrication & Manufacturing Support Work closely with the fabrication shop to ensure designs are practical to weld, machine, and assemble. Specify materials, welding processes, and finishing requirements (e.g., AWS D1.1/D1.2, paint/galvanizing/coating specs). Troubleshoot fabrication issues and revise drawings to resolve fit-up, tolerance, or manufacturability problems. Support quality control by reviewing fabricated parts and assemblies against drawings and specifications. Assist with prototyping, first-article inspection, and design validation testing. Client & Customer Interface Serve as a regular technical point of contact for clients and shipyards on equipment specifications, design questions, and change requests. Participate in client calls and meetings to review drawings, discuss design options, and resolve technical issues. Translate client requirements and field feedback into actionable design changes. Represent the engineering team professionally during site visits, fit-checks, and installation support. Project & Cross-Functional Support Collaborate with project managers, shipyards, and clients on equipment specifications and design modifications. Support procurement with technical specifications for purchased components (hydraulics, winches, fasteners, bearings). Maintain accurate design documentation, revision control, and engineering change records. Travel to shipyards, client sites, or sea trials as needed to support installation, fit-checks, or troubleshooting. Required Qualifications Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Naval Architecture/Marine Engineering, or Structural Engineering (or equivalent experience). 3+ years of design engineering experience, ideally involving structural/mechanical equipment (marine, offshore, industrial, or heavy equipment). Proficiency in AutoCAD (2D detailing) required; experience with 3D CAD (SolidWorks, Inventor, or similar) strongly preferred.

Solid understanding of fabrication processes:

welding, cutting, forming, machining, and assembly of steel and/or aluminum structures. Familiarity with structural/mechanical design calculations and applicable codes (AISC, AWS, or marine-specific standards). Ability to read and produce GD&T-compliant drawings. Strong communication skills and comfort working directly with shop floor personnel. Strong working knowledge of international maritime standards, classification society rules, and applicable industry codes for marine and offshore equipment, including ABS, DNV, Lloyd's Register, IMO, SOLAS, MARPOL, ISO, and applicable IACS requirements. Working knowledge of applicable U.S. maritime regulations and legislation, including U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) requirements and applicable CFR regulations for marine equipment, structural components, personnel access systems, and vessel operations. Ability to identify applicable regulatory, classification, and client requirements during the design process and incorporate them into engineering calculations, drawings, material specifications, fabrication requirements, and technical documentation. Proficiency in working with 3D laser scanning data and point cloud models, with the ability to navigate and interpret scanned environments and accurately extract dimensions, measurements, clearances, and geometric information for engineering and design purposes. Ability to use laser scan data as an engineering reference for reverse engineering, dimensional verification, equipment replacement, structural modifications, and development of new components where existing vessel drawings or dimensions are unavailable or unreliable. Demonstrated ability to interact directly and regularly with clients — explaining technical designs, managing expectations, and handling change requests professionally. Preferred Qualifications Strong knowledge of classification society requirements and drawing approval processes, particularly ABS, DNV, and Lloyd's Register, as well as U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) requirements and applicable U.S. regulations for cruise vessel and marine equipment applications. Prior experience designing marine deck equipment, access equipment, davits, cranes, or similar load-bearing/personnel-carrying assemblies. Working knowledge of hydraulic or winch-driven systems. Experience with finite element analysis (FEA) tools for structural validation. EIT or PE license (or working toward one). Bilingual in Portuguese and/or Spanish is a plus, given regular client and shipyard interaction. Work Environment This role splits time between an office/drafting environment and the fabrication shop floor, with occasional visits to shipyards or client sites. Candidates should be comfortable wearing PPE and spending part of the workday in a manufacturing setting. Why This Role This is a highly visible, hands-on engineering role for someone who wants to see their designs go from CAD model to fabricated, installed equipment used every day on vessels. You'll work across the full product lifecycle — design, fabrication support, and field support — rather than being siloed into pure drafting or pure analysis.

Benefits:

401(k) Dental insurance Health insurance Paid time off Vision insurance

Work Location:

In person