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Boat Designer Jobs in Portland, OR (NOW HIRING)

American Cruise Lines modern vessels accommodate 100 to 200 guests designed for safe navigation and exceptional service. Captains are responsible for safe vessel operations, adherence to company and ...

S. flag ships are state-of-the art designed for safe operation and five-star service to 100-200 ... Piloting and Boat Handling experience on coastal and river waterways: minimum 6months, desired 1yr.

Entry Level Police Officer

Gresham, OR · On-site

$84K - $108K/yr

... designed to support employee growth and the evolving needs of a dynamic public safety organization ... Boat, windsurf or hike in the scenic Columbia River Gorge, also less than an hour away * Explore ...

S. flag ships are state-of-the art designed for safe operation and five-star service to 100-200 ... Piloting and Boat Handling experience on coastal and river waterways: minimum 6months, desired 1yr.

... designed to support employee growth and the evolving needs of a dynamic public safety organization ... Hood, located less than an hour away Boat, windsurf or hike in the scenic Columbia River Gorge ...

Lateral Police Officer

Gresham, OR · On-site

$84K - $108K/yr

... designed to support employee growth and the evolving needs of a dynamic public safety organization ... Boat, windsurf or hike in the scenic Columbia River Gorge, also less than an hour away * Explore ...

... designed to support employee growth and the evolving needs of a dynamic public safety organization ... Hood, located less than an hour away Boat, windsurf or hike in the scenic Columbia River Gorge ...

Boat Designer information

See Portland, OR salary details

$37.6K

$88.2K

$116.7K

How much do boat designer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 24, 2026, the average yearly pay for boat designer in Portland, OR is $88,179.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $61,500.00 and $115,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a boat designer?

A Boat Designer is responsible for creating the structural and aesthetic design of boats, ships, and other marine vessels. They use engineering principles, creativity, and specialized software to develop functional and visually appealing designs. Boat Designers consider factors such as materials, hydrodynamics, stability, and safety regulations to ensure optimal performance. They often collaborate with naval architects, engineers, and manufacturers throughout the design and production process.

What does a boat designer do?

A typical day for a Boat Designer involves developing and refining design concepts, creating detailed technical drawings, and conducting design reviews or simulations. You’ll work closely with naval architects, engineers, and production teams to ensure designs meet structural, performance, and safety standards. Collaboration with clients and stakeholders is also common, often to clarify requirements or present new design ideas. This role can involve both desk-based CAD work and hands-on visits to shipyards or manufacturing sites to oversee prototypes and production.

What skills and qualifications are needed to thrive as a boat designer?

To thrive as a Boat Designer, you need a strong background in naval architecture, mechanical design, and a solid understanding of hydrodynamics and materials, typically supported by a relevant engineering degree. Proficiency with CAD software such as Rhino, AutoCAD, and SolidWorks, as well as familiarity with industry standards and safety regulations, is essential. Strong communication, problem-solving skills, and creativity are vital for collaborating with clients and project teams. These skills ensure designs are both innovative and functional, meeting client expectations and safety requirements in a highly technical field.

How do you become a boat designer?

To become a boat designer, typically a person needs a bachelor's degree in naval architecture, marine engineering, or a related field. Gaining experience through internships or apprenticeships and developing skills in CAD software and hydrodynamics are also important steps in the career path.

What are popular job titles related to Boat Designer jobs in Portland, OR?

For Boat Designer jobs in Portland, OR, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Boat Designer jobs in Portland, OR look for?

The top searched job categories for Boat Designer jobs in Portland, OR are:

Infographic showing various Boat Designer job openings in Portland, OR as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 93% Full Time, and 7% Part Time. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $88,179 per year, or $42.4 per hour.

Captain

American Cruise Lines

Portland, OR • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Re-posted 15 days ago


Job description

American Cruise Lines seeks experienced Captains to lead our U.S. flag fleet. American Cruise Lines cruise along inland and coastal waterways, including the East Coast, Alaska, Pacific Northwest, Great Lakes, Columbia & Snake Rivers, Mississippi, Tennessee, Ohio, and Cumberland Rivers. American Cruise Lines modern vessels accommodate 100 to 200 guests designed for safe navigation and exceptional service.

Captains are responsible for safe vessel operations, adherence to company and regulatory standards, and representing the company as a

professional leader. American Cruise Lines Captains are master mariners with firsthand piloting experience in challenging coastal and river waterways. Captains are meticulous professionals, in service to our guests and as examples to our crews.

Captains enjoy comfortable onboard accommodations and chef prepared meals. American Cruise Lines operates our own bridge simulator, enabling rigorous recurrent training and development focused on critical decision-making and advanced piloting skills. American Cruise Lines recruits and retains the best professional mariners in the industry.

At American Cruise Lines, we are driven by our values—Optimism, Commitment, Patriotism, and Merit. These values shape our culture, our service, and our people, guiding us as we work together to Share America’s Story on the Finest American Ships.

Responsibilities:

  • Ensure safety and security of passengers, crew, and vessel.
  • Operate the vessel in compliance with company and regulatory standards.
  • Execute prudent maneuvering, docking, locking, and anchoring.
  • Conduct daily inspections of all vessel spaces.
  • Supervise, lead, and develop deck officers.
  • Oversee Shipboard Engineer.
  • Coordinates major engineering repairs with port engineers.
  • Support hotel and culinary teams in delivering five-star guest service.
  • Maintain logs, reports, and administrative records.
  • Provide visible leadership through announcements, rounds, and guest interaction.

Work Schedule:

  • Typical March through November Cruise Season: 6 weeks on / 3 weeks off or 4 weeks on / 4 weeks off. Additional work periods may be possible during winter months aboard the few vessels operating or repositioning year-round.
  • This is a full-time, exempt position.

Qualifications:

  • U.S. Coast Guard Master’s license: minimum 100T, desired 1600T or greater.
  • Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC).
  • Captain experience on coastal and river waterways: min 2yrs, desired 5yrs with Z-drive experience.
  • Excellent communication skills and team-building skills.
  • Pre-employment drug test and continual participation in random testing.
  • Great Lakes Captain: Route familiarization and recency in all or several areas including: St. Lawrence Seaway, Welland Canal, St. Mary's River, and U.S. port routes in Lake Ontario, Lake Erie, Lake Huron, and Lake Michigan.
  • Ability to perform the essential functions of the job with or without accommodation.

Essential Functions:

  • Ships experience forces from wind, waves, and currents, prompting them to exhibit six distinct motions known as ship motions. The six motions are surge, sway, heave, roll, pitch, and yaw. This position requires the ability to live and satisfactorily perform job duties in an environment that is subject to constant motion.
  • Ability to work around 12 hours per day.
  • Ability to assist in the event of an on-board emergency by quickly climbing up a ladder, opening, and passing through a 20” diameter hatch.
  • Ability to stand for your entire shift.
  • Ability to frequently lift up to 20 lbs. and occasionally lift up to 50 lbs.
  • Ability to frequently bend, squat and reach.
  • Ability to live and work on board a vessel for extended periods of time.
  • Ability to use stairs frequently.

Compensation and Benefits:

  • Competitive daily rate.
  • Health, dental, vision, and 401(k) with match.
  • Access to advanced simulator-based training.
  • Covered Expenses: American Cruise Lines provides travel, room and board, uniforms, and training.

Applicant Acknowledgment
By proceeding to apply for the above position, I acknowledge that I have read and understand the description of the job position for which I am applying, I agree that it accurately reflects the essential functions of the position, and I represent that I can complete the essential functions of the position.

Equal Opportunity Employer
American Cruise Lines is committed to providing equal employment opportunities for all employees and applicants. ‎American Cruise Lines bases all employment decisions on business needs, job requirements, and individual ‎qualifications without regard to protected characteristics, including, but not limited to, race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), national origin and citizenship, age (40 and over), disability (including perceived disability), generic information, military service, or any other protected characteristic under applicable federal, state, or local law. ‎This policy applies to all aspects of employment and employment decisions, including, but not limited to, ‎hiring, selection, job assignment, training, compensation, promotion, discipline, termination, and access ‎to benefits.

*Job sites across the nation.
**This job description is not intended to be a comprehensive list of the duties and responsibilities of the position and such duties and responsibilities may change without notice.

Company Description

American Cruise Lines is the largest river and small-ship cruise line in the United States, offering more than 50 itineraries across the country’s most scenic waterways and coastal destinations. From Alaska and New England to the Great Lakes and the Mississippi River, we provide personalized guest experiences aboard the finest ships in America, guided by our mission to share America’s story through exceptional travel.