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Classification Society Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Weld Engineer (All Levels)

Austin, TX ยท On-site

$35.50 - $48.75/hr

Develop weld inspection criteria and acceptance standards aligned with classification society rules. Automation & Advanced Welding Systems * Support implementation of automated welding systems ...

Weld Engineer (All Levels)

Austin, TX ยท On-site

$35.50 - $48.75/hr

Develop weld inspection criteria and acceptance standards aligned with classification society rules. Automation & Advanced Welding Systems * Support implementation of automated welding systems ...

Engineer II

Irvine, CA

$85K - $100K/yr

Ten (10) years or more of related engineering experience in a shipyard, design/consulting office, shipping/oil company, or a classification society or * Professional or chartered engineer license and ...

Engineer II

Irvine, CA ยท On-site

$85K - $100K/yr

Ten (10) years or more of related engineering experience in a shipyard, design/consulting office, shipping/oil company, or a classification society or * Professional or chartered engineer license and ...

Engineer II

Spring, TX ยท On-site

Ten (10) years or more of related engineering experience in a shipyard, design/consulting office, shipping/oil company, or a classification society or * Professional or chartered engineer license and ...

Engineer II

Spring, TX ยท On-site

Ten (10) years or more of related engineering experience in a shipyard, design/consulting office, shipping/oil company, or a classification society or * Professional or chartered engineer license and ...

... classification society standards, embed local content strategies, and assess feasibility for fabrication Incorporate life-cycle, operability, and Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) considerations into the ...

Welder

Philadelphia, PA ยท On-site

$18 - $23.75/hr

Welder shall maintain their individual NDT rejection set forth by Hanwha Philly Shipyard and classification society * Perform other related duties as required and assigned COMPETENCIES * Work ...

Produce electrical plant load analysis along with wire sizing and component protection in accordance with ABS and other classification society standards. * Establish functional and acceptance test ...

Electrical Engineer III

Denver, CO ยท On-site

$99K - $123K/yr

Produce electrical plant load analysis along with wire sizing and component protection in accordance with ABS and other classification society standards. * Establish functional and acceptance test ...

Welder

Philadelphia, PA ยท On-site

$18 - $23.75/hr

Knowledge and proficiency of heavy shipyard construction welding in all positions using approved WPS (Welding Procedure Specification) determined by Hanwha Philly Shipyard and classification society

Produce electrical plant load analysis along with wire sizing and component protection in accordance with ABS and other classification society standards. Establish functional and acceptance test ...

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Classification Society information

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$12

$22

$36

How much do classification society jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for classification society in the United States is $22.25, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.07 and $25.00 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some typical challenges faced when working for a Classification Society, and how can professionals prepare for them?

Professionals working in a Classification Society often face challenges such as staying updated with evolving international maritime regulations, balancing stringent safety standards with the practical realities of ship operations, and managing complex inspections under tight deadlines. Collaboration with shipowners, maritime engineers, and regulatory bodies is common, requiring strong communication and negotiation skills. Preparing for these challenges involves ongoing professional development, attention to detail, and adaptability to diverse work environments, including time spent both in the office and aboard vessels.

What is the difference between Classification Society vs Surveyor?

AspectClassification SocietySurveyor
CredentialsCertifications in marine or engineering standards, membershipsCertifications in inspection, engineering, or maritime fields
Work EnvironmentHeadquarters, offices, shipyards, maritime industry sitesShip inspections, site visits, maritime facilities
Employer & IndustryMaritime, shipping, offshore industriesMaritime companies, shipowners, regulatory agencies

Classification Society and Surveyor roles are closely related in the maritime industry. While a Classification Society develops standards and certifies ships, a Surveyor conducts inspections to ensure compliance with these standards. Both require similar certifications and work in maritime environments, but their responsibilities differ: the Society sets the rules, and the Surveyor enforces them through inspections.

What are the key roles of classification societies?

A classification society is responsible for establishing and maintaining technical standards for the design, construction, and operation of ships and offshore structures. They conduct surveys, inspections, and certifications to ensure compliance with safety, environmental, and quality standards, often using specialized tools and certifications. Their work helps promote safety, reliability, and regulatory adherence in the maritime industry.

What is a classification society?

A classification society is an independent organization that establishes and maintains technical standards for the construction and operation of ships and offshore structures. They conduct inspections and surveys to ensure vessels comply with these standards throughout their lifespan. Classification societies play a crucial role in promoting maritime safety, environmental protection, and regulatory compliance. Shipowners, insurers, and regulatory bodies rely on their certifications and reports to assess a vessel's condition and seaworthiness.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in a Classification Society role, and why are they important?

To thrive in a Classification Society role, you need a solid background in marine engineering, naval architecture, or a related technical field, typically supported by relevant degrees and industry certifications. Familiarity with technical standards, regulatory compliance systems, and inspection software is essential for performing vessel or asset assessments. Strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and effective communication are crucial for delivering clear reports and collaborating with shipowners and regulatory bodies. These skills ensure the safe and reliable operation of ships and offshore structures, upholding industry standards and international regulations.
More about Classification Society jobs
What job categories do people searching Classification Society jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Classification Society jobs are:
Infographic showing various Classification Society job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, 5% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $46,274 per year, or $22.2 per hour.

Weld Engineer (All Levels)

Saronic Technologies

Austin, TX โ€ข On-site

$35.50 - $48.75/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 23 days ago


Job description

Saronic Technologies is a leader in revolutionizing autonomy at sea, dedicated to developing state-of-the-art solutions that enhance maritime operations through autonomous and intelligent platforms.
Job Overview
Weld Engineers are responsible for establishing and maintaining the welding engineering program that supports ship construction at Port Alpha. This role develops the welding procedures, automation strategies, and technical standards that govern one of the most critical trades in shipbuilding.
The Weld Engineer will work closely with production, quality assurance, and ship design teams to ensure that welding processes are safe, repeatable, and compliant with classification society and regulatory requirements. A key responsibility of this role is building the shipyard's welding program from the ground up, including procedure development, qualification programs, welder training requirements, and integration of automated welding technologies.
The role ensures that welding operations support efficient production while maintaining structural integrity and long-term vessel reliability.
Responsibilities
  • Welding Procedure Development
    • Develop and qualify Welding Procedure Specifications (WPS) and Procedure Qualification Records (PQR) for shipbuilding applications.
    • Establish weld joint design standards for plates, stiffeners, panels, and structural assemblies.
    • Define welding processes and parameters appropriate for shipbuilding materials and thickness ranges.

    Weld Program Development
    • Build and implement the shipyard's welding engineering program in coordination with Quality Assurance.
    • Establish welding standards, technical guidance, and documentation for production teams.
    • Develop weld inspection criteria and acceptance standards aligned with classification society rules.

    Automation & Advanced Welding Systems
    • Support implementation of automated welding systems including panel line welding, robotic welding, and mechanized welding processes.
    • Define welding parameters and procedures for automated production systems.
    • Collaborate with automation and equipment vendors to optimize welding productivity and quality.

    Production Integration
    • Work with production engineering to ensure welding processes support block construction and panel fabrication strategies.
    • Identify opportunities to improve welding efficiency through process improvements or automation.
    • Provide technical support to fabrication shops and assembly teams.

    Welder Qualification & Training Support
    • Define welder qualification requirements and certification standards.
    • Support development of welder training programs and qualification processes.
    • Ensure welders are qualified to applicable procedures and codes.

    Quality Assurance Coordination
    • Partner with QA to develop weld inspection programs, including visual inspection, NDT methods, and acceptance criteria.
    • Support root cause investigations related to weld defects or failures.
    • Participate in corrective action programs and continuous improvement initiatives.

    Standards & Compliance
    • Ensure welding procedures comply with classification society rules (e.g., ABS, DNV, or equivalent).
    • Maintain compliance with applicable welding codes and shipbuilding standards.
    • Support regulatory and classification audits related to welding operations.

    What Success Looks Like
    • A complete welding engineering program established and functioning across the shipyard.
    • Welding procedures are standardized, qualified, and aligned with ship design requirements.
    • Welders are properly trained and qualified to required standards.
    • Automated welding systems operate reliably with optimized parameters.
    • Weld quality meets classification society requirements with minimal rework.
Qualifications
  • Entry-Level
    • Bachelor's degree in Welding Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Materials Engineering, or related discipline.
    • Understanding of welding processes and metallurgy.
    • Interest in heavy manufacturing or shipbuilding operations.

    Mid-Level
    • 4-8 years of welding engineering experience in shipbuilding, heavy fabrication, or industrial manufacturing.
    • Experience developing welding procedures and supporting production welding operations.
    • Familiarity with NDT methods and weld quality standards.

    Senior-Level
    • 8+ years of welding engineering experience in shipbuilding or large structural fabrication.
    • Demonstrated experience implementing welding programs and supporting automated welding systems.
    • Strong experience working with classification societies and regulatory welding requirements.
Benefits
Medical Insurance: Comprehensive health insurance plans covering a range of services
Saronic pays 100% of the premium for employees and 80% for dependents
Dental and Vision Insurance: Coverage for routine dental check-ups, orthodontics, and vision care
Saronic pays 100% of the premium under the basic plan for employees and 80% for dependents
Time Off: Generous PTO and Holidays
Parental Leave: Paid maternity and paternity leave to support new parents
Competitive Salary: Industry-standard salaries with opportunities for performance-based bonuses
Retirement Plan: 401(k) plan with company match
Stock Options: Equity options to give employees a stake in the company's success
Life and Disability Insurance: Basic life insurance and short- and long-term disability coverage
Pet Insurance: Discounted pet insurance options including 24/7 Telehealth helpline
Additional Perks: Free lunch benefit and unlimited free drinks and snacks in the office
Saronic CCPA Notice for Candidates and California Employees
This role requires access to export-controlled information or items that require "U.S. Person" status. As defined by U.S. law, individuals who are any one of the following are considered to be a "U.S. Person": (1) U.S. citizens, (2) legal permanent residents (a.k.a. green card holders), and (3) certain protected classes of asylees and refugees, as defined in 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3).
Saronic does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, color, religion, age, national origin, marital status, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or any other reason prohibited by law in provision of employment opportunities and benefits.