St. Johns Ship Building – Job Description

Position Title: Naval Architect

Reports To: Director of Engineering (or Chief Naval Architect, as applicable)

Department: Engineering

Location: Palatka, Florida

FLSA Status: Exempt

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Position Summary:

The Naval Architect will provide technical expertise in the design, analysis, and production support of steel and aluminum vessels built at St. Johns Ship Building. This role involves translating customer specifications, regulatory requirements, and shipyard production capabilities into efficient, buildable designs that support cost, schedule, and quality goals. The position will interface daily with project management, production, supply chain, and quality teams to ensure seamless integration from design through delivery.

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Key Responsibilities:

· Develop and review vessel design documentation, including general arrangements, structural models, stability analyses, weight estimates, and systems layouts.

· Ensure all designs comply with customer specifications, ABS/USCG/NAVSEA requirements, and applicable regulatory standards.

· Support production by generating detailed construction drawings and resolving engineering issues encountered on the shop floor.

· Perform hydrostatics, hydrodynamics, and stability calculations; support inclining experiments and trials.

· Review vendor data packages and coordinate integration of equipment and systems.

· Participate in design reviews and production readiness reviews.

· Provide engineering input for proposals, cost estimates, and technical clarifications for new contracts.

· Collaborate with multi-disciplinary teams (structural, mechanical, electrical) to optimize vessel performance and producibility.

· Support configuration control, document management, and change control processes within the shipyard’s engineering systems.

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Required Qualifications:

· Bachelor’s Degree in Naval Architecture

· 3+ years of shipyard or marine design office experience (steel and/or aluminum vessels preferred).

· Proficiency in AutoCAD, Rhino, and/or ShipConstructor (Inventor, SolidWorks, or equivalent experience acceptable).

· Working knowledge of ABS, USCG, and SOLAS regulations.

· Familiarity with weight control, hydrostatics, and stability analysis tools.

· Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.

· Ability to work collaboratively across engineering, production, and project management teams in a dynamic shipyard environment.

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Preferred Qualifications:

· Master’s Degree in Naval Architecture preferred.

· Experience supporting the construction of Steel and Aluminum commercial or government vessels (e.g., barges, crew transfer vessels, logistics support craft, etc.).

· Familiarity with modular construction and digital ship design workflows.

· Experience supporting shipyard production and field engineering during vessel assembly and launch.

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Work Environment:

· Primary work is performed in an office environment within the shipyard, with regular visits to production areas.

· Must be able to climb ladders, access confined spaces, and work around typical shipyard conditions as needed.

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St. Johns Ship Building is a full-service shipyard located in Palatka, Florida, specializing in the construction and repair of steel and aluminum vessels for commercial and government customers. The yard is undergoing a significant modernization and expansion effort focused on modular fabrication, renewable energy support vessels, and Jones Act–compliant workboats for America’s maritime future.

Marine Engineering Manager

St. Johns Ship Building, Inc. – Palatka, FL

About Us
St. Johns Ship Building, Inc. is a full-service shipbuilding and marine repair company specializing in the new construction and repair of aluminum and steel vessels. Located on a storm-protected, 100-acre inland campus in Palatka, Florida, with direct access to the Atlantic Ocean, we are committed to delivering top-quality craftsmanship, innovative engineering, and on-time, on-budget performance.

Position Summary
The Marine Engineering Manager will lead the design, engineering, and technical integration of new vessel construction and modifications while also overseeing engineering support for maintenance and repair projects. This role combines hands-on technical expertise with leadership in engineering project management, ensuring that vessels meet the requirements of customers, regulators, and classification societies.

Key Responsibilities
Engineering Leadership – Direct all aspects of naval architecture and marine engineering design, including structural, piping, mechanical, and outfitting systems.

Project Oversight – Manage engineering deliverables, ensuring compliance with budgets, schedules, specifications, and quality standards.

Design & Documentation – Develop and review engineering drawings, AutoCAD models, specifications, repair documents, drydocking scopes, and class society submittals.

Construction & Repair Support – Provide on-site technical direction during vessel construction, modifications, drydockings, and major repairs.

Technical Problem-Solving – Troubleshoot complex engineering and operational issues across multiple vessel types.

Procurement & Contracts – Support material requisitions, vendor evaluations, and technical negotiations for outsourced engineering services and shipyard work packages.

Compliance & Safety – Ensure adherence to company safety protocols, industry standards, and class society requirements (ABS, DNV, VB, etc.).

Process Optimization – Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives in engineering processes, documentation, and equipment utilization.

Collaboration – Partner closely with project managers, production teams, and senior leadership to drive successful program outcomes.

Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in Marine Engineering or related discipline.
Minimum 5+ years of shipyard engineering experience, including new construction or repair.
Ability to obtain a security clearance required.
Strong background in structural and piping design, with proficiency in ShipConstructor and AutoCAD, and ability to interpret engineering schematics and drawings.
Familiarity with class society rules and standards (ABS, DNV, BV).
Demonstrated experience in shipyard engineering management or construction management.
Excellent technical writing and reporting skills.
Strong proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Project, PowerPoint).
Proven ability to manage multiple priorities, work cross-functionally, and lead technical teams.

What We Offer
Comprehensive Medical, Dental, and Vision coverage
Company-paid Medical Gap Insurance, Short-Term Disability, and Basic Life/AD&D
Voluntary cost-savings and worksite benefits
Company match 401(k)
Paid holidays, personal days, and vacation time

St. Johns Ship Building, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.