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Application Design Engineer Jobs in Halifax, NS (NOW HIRING)

Senior Marine Systems Engineer

Dartmouth, NS · Hybrid

CA$105K - CA$150K/yr

Knowledge and understanding of Marine / Mechanical design on small simple platforms (tug, barge ... Application of standards for pumps, valves, flanges, and piping; * Heat/Cooling load calculations ...

Showing results 41-60

Application Design Engineer information

See Halifax, NS salary details

$60.5K

$93.3K

$110K

How much do application design engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average yearly pay for application design engineer in Halifax, NS is $93,333.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $73,500.00 and $106,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an application design engineer?

Application Design Engineers are professionals who develop, customize, and optimize technical solutions or products to meet specific client or industry needs. They work closely with customers, sales teams, and product development teams to ensure that applications perform efficiently and address user requirements. Their role often involves both engineering design tasks and application support, requiring a strong understanding of both product capabilities and customer use cases. They may also assist in troubleshooting, prototyping, and modifying existing systems to improve functionality.

What are some common challenges faced by application design engineers when working on custom solutions for clients?

Application Design Engineers often encounter challenges such as balancing client requirements with technical feasibility, managing tight deadlines, and ensuring seamless integration with existing systems. They must frequently adapt to evolving project scopes and navigate communication between cross-functional teams, including sales, development, and support. Strong problem-solving and collaboration skills are essential, as is the ability to clearly translate client needs into practical design specifications.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an application design engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Application Design Engineer, you need a solid background in engineering principles, software development, and system design, usually supported by a degree in engineering or computer science. Familiarity with CAD software, simulation tools, and programming languages such as Python or C++ is typically required, along with certifications like Certified Systems Engineering Professional (CSEP) being advantageous. Strong problem-solving skills, creativity, and effective communication are essential soft skills for translating client needs into technical solutions and collaborating with cross-functional teams. These skills ensure that complex applications are designed efficiently, meet user requirements, and function reliably in real-world environments.

What is the difference between Application Design Engineer vs Software Engineer?

AspectApplication Design EngineerSoftware Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's in Engineering, CAD or design certificationsBachelor's in Computer Science or related field, coding certifications
Work EnvironmentDesign labs, manufacturing settings, client sitesOffices, development labs, remote work
Industry UsageElectronics, automotive, industrial equipmentIT, software development, tech companies
Primary FocusDesigning and testing physical products and systemsWriting, testing, and maintaining software applications

Application Design Engineers focus on creating and testing physical product designs, often working with hardware and systems integration. Software Engineers primarily develop and maintain software applications. While both roles require technical skills and collaboration, their core responsibilities and work environments differ significantly, making this comparison useful for those exploring career options or job opportunities in engineering fields.

Do application design engineers make good money?

Application design engineers typically earn competitive salaries that vary based on experience, location, and industry. They often have specialized skills in software or hardware design, which can lead to higher compensation, especially with advanced certifications or expertise in tools like CAD or simulation software.
Infographic showing various Application Design Engineer job openings in Halifax, NS as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 77% Full Time, 19% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 88% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $93,333 per year, or $44.9 per hour.

Senior Engineer, Structures

J.D. Irving

Dartmouth, NS

Full-time

Re-posted 18 days ago


Job description

Join a team building the future fleet of Canada. As a valued member of the Hull Engineering group, the Senior Structures Engineer will play a key role in the design, construction, testing/commissioning, and delivery of Royal Canadian Navy and Canadian Coast Guard vessels. This is a unique opportunity to apply your technical expertise to some of the most complex and impactful shipbuilding programs in the country.

Reporting to the Naval Architecture & Structures Team Lead, the Senior Structures Engineer works independently to provide technical oversight and support throughout all project stages. You will review structural designs and engineering products, ensure compliance with customer and classification requirements, and develop practical solutions to technical challenges encountered during construction.

This role offers a dynamic blend of office-based engineering work and hands-on problem-solving in an industrial shipyard environment. You will leverage both theoretical knowledge and practical engineering principles to drive highquality, efficient outcomes for major new-build programs.

Founded in 1882, J.D. Irving, Limited (JDI) operates in Eastern Canada (New-Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, Quebec, Ontario, Newfoundland and Labrador), as well as in USA. We are a team of 20,000 dedicated employees.  At J.D. Irving, Limited, you are part of a dynamic team of professionals who lead with integrity and are passionate about delivering results. With a culture that nurtures talent and creates an inclusive workplace, you can grow your career across our various operating divisions.

We are committed to creating accessible environments for our colleagues, candidates, and customers. Requests for accommodation due to a disability (which may be visible or invisible, temporary, or permanent) can be made at any stage of application and employment. We encourage candidates to make their accommodation needs known so that we can provide equitable opportunities.

Worried you do not meet all the requirements? Studies have shown that many applicants apply only to job opportunities when they feel they meet 100% of the criteria. We promote an inclusive environment where everyone is appreciated, recognized, and empowered to contribute fully. If you are interested in this position but are worried you did not meet all the requirements, we would encourage you to still apply.

Our recruitment advisors and hiring teams will utilize human screening combined with AI technology to help identify the skills and qualities that matter most to our business, while safeguarding your privacy and using AI responsibly.

We appreciate your interest in our company however only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.

Irving Shipbuilding is proud to be Canada's National Shipbuilder. Our team is constructing more than 20 modern patrol ships and destroyers for the Royal Canadian Navy and Canadian Coast Guard as part of the largest defence procurement project in Canadian history. 

By joining our team of more than 2,400 shipbuilders, you can enjoy a dynamic and exciting career with a company dedicated to your success, development, and safety.  

At Irving Shipbuilding, we're making history - why not make it with us? Learn more about careers at Irving Shipbuilding: shipsforcanada.ca/opportunities. 

We invite applications from all qualified candidates, including racially visible persons, women in underrepresented roles, persons with disabilities, Indigenous persons, and members of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, and encourage applicants to self-identify.

  • Bachelor of Engineering (B.Eng.) or equivalent; Professional Engineer (P.Eng.) designation (or equivalent). 
  • Degree in Naval Architecture considered an asset;
  • Knowledge of naval or modern ship design and construction practices. 
  • Familiarity with relevant standards and regulations (e.g., Lloyd's Register, Transport Canada, IMO, IACS). 
  • Understanding of scheduling and the ability to adhere to strict deadlines. 
  • Working knowledge of shipyard disciplines related to structural design and construction (hull structure, arrangements, producibility, manufacturing). 
  • Experience or academic exposure to marine engineering or shipbuilding (e.g., coop placements, coursework). 
  • Minimum 8 years of experience in ship design, ship construction, or a related complex industrial/manufacturing environment.

Due to the nature of work Irving Shipbuilding does, all successful applicants must meet requirements for the Canadian Controlled Goods Program (CGP), Canadian Government Security clearance, and U.S. International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR).

Please note this position requires a full-time, in-office presence.

  • Manage planned and emergent engineering work within assigned scope. 
  • Support both internal and external stakeholders with technical expertise. 
  • Develop routine or lowcomplexity engineering deliverables. 
  • Review technical reports, calculations, models, and specifications produced by subcontractors and partners. 
  • Author and maintain processes and procedures for recurring engineering tasks within the discipline. 
  • Identify and develop mitigation strategies for discipline-specific technical risks. 
  • Apply risk-based decision making to resolve technical challenges. 
  • Identify opportunities for continuous improvement in engineering practices, workflows, or outputs.