Shipyard Design Manager

Department: Project Management
Reporting To: Vice President of Operations

Position Summary

The Shipyard Design Manager is responsible for overseeing the technical design and engineering of shipbuilding and repair projects from initial concept through to completion. This role leads a team of engineers and drafters, ensuring all technical deliverables meet regulatory standards, project budgets, client specifications and operational requirements.

The position oversees the development and approval of engineering drawings, CAD models and technical documentation, while working closely with project management, production teams and clients to ensure designs are delivered efficiently and accurately.

Key Responsibilities

Design & Engineering Management

• Lead and oversee the development and review of structural, outfitting and production drawings for newbuild and vessel repair projects, including General Arrangements and Midship Sections.
• Manage functional and detailed engineering activities throughout the project lifecycle.
• Take ownership of the overall technical solution for assigned projects.
• Identify, assess and communicate technical risks to senior management.
• Lead, mentor and develop the engineering and design team, supporting ongoing training and professional development.

Quality & Process Management

• Establish and maintain quality control procedures and engineering processes within the design team.
• Ensure design deliverables meet internal quality standards and project requirements.

Technical & Regulatory Compliance

• Ensure all vessel designs and engineering documentation comply with relevant classification society requirements, including ABS and DNV.
• Maintain compliance with applicable national and international maritime regulations, including SOLAS.
• Ensure designs meet client specifications and shipyard production requirements.

Production & Project Support

• Work closely with project managers and production teams to identify and resolve engineering and design issues during construction or repair.
• Monitor engineering deliverables, ensuring documentation is completed and submitted within agreed project deadlines.
• Provide technical guidance and support throughout project execution.

Technical Documentation

• Oversee project engineering documentation, including design reviews, 3D models, technical specifications, work instructions and design modifications.
• Ensure accurate document control and management throughout the project lifecycle.

Client & Stakeholder Communication

• Lead technical design reviews, client presentations and project progress meetings.
• Provide regular weekly updates on engineering progress and outstanding deliverables.
• Support business development and marketing activities for new shipbuilding programmes, including concept development and technical proposal preparation.

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Naval Architecture, Marine Engineering or a related discipline.
• 5-10+ years of experience in ship design, naval architecture or shipyard engineering, including previous team leadership or management responsibilities.
• Broad technical understanding of naval architecture, structural engineering, propulsion and auxiliary systems, electrical systems and vessel mission systems.
• Strong knowledge of marine systems, including structural design, piping, HVAC and marine electrical engineering.
• Proficiency in AutoCAD and ShipConstructor.
• Competent in Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel and Outlook, alongside electronic document management systems (EDMS).
• Strong leadership, organisational and communication skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously.
• Excellent attention to detail and the ability to coordinate technical activities across multiple departments.

Physical Requirements

• Correctable vision to 20/40 and the ability to distinguish safety colours and symbols, including passing the Ishihara colour vision test.
• Ability to pass pulmonary function testing where respiratory protection is required.
• Ability to stand, sit, walk, squat, kneel, stoop and climb stairs or ladders.
• Ability to perform overhead work and maintain a full range of motion.
• Comfortable working in confined spaces and navigating restricted openings as small as 18 x 23 inches.
• Ability to work in awkward positions and remain in static positions for extended periods.
• Good balance and the ability to work at elevated heights, including scaffolding, staging and mechanical lifts.
• Ability to lift and carry tools and equipment weighing up to approximately 75 lbs.

Working Conditions & Safety Requirements

• Wear all required personal protective equipment (PPE), including hard hats, safety footwear, respirators, eye protection, gloves and safety harnesses where necessary.
• Follow all workplace health, safety and environmental procedures.
• Immediately report workplace accidents, injuries, equipment damage or misuse of tools.
• Be prepared to work across multiple environments, both indoors and outdoors, including shipyard production areas.
• Maintain a consistent working pace to meet project schedules and operational deadlines.

Darwin Recruitment is acting as an Employment Agency in relation to this vacancy.

Kieran Mead