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Classification Society Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Patriot Maritime

Technical Superintendent

Houston, TX · On-site

Requires close liaison with the vessels' senior officers, office staff members, Classification Society and USCG personnel, monitoring parts and material acquisitions and managing scheduled as well as ...

Royal Caribbean Group

Ship Manager

Miami, FL · On-site

... state, Port State, Classification Society, or other government bodies for any changes to the construction or equipment onboard. * Maintain frequent communication with the Marine Technical ...

Princess Cruises

... Classification Society, and Company' policies and procedures. * Willingly assists in conducting and facilitating onboard training for watchkeeping officers and crew. * Willingly assists in providing ...

American Bureau of Shipping

Engineer II

Spring, TX

Apply IMO, SOLAS and applicable classification society rules. * Utilize GHS, Seasafe, NAPA, AutoCAD, and Rhino/RhinoCAD for modeling and analysis. * Support vessel modifications, conversions, and ...

American Bureau of Shipping

Engineer II

Spring, TX · On-site

Apply IMO, SOLAS and applicable classification society rules. * Utilize GHS, Seasafe, NAPA, AutoCAD, and Rhino/RhinoCAD for modeling and analysis. * Support vessel modifications, conversions, and ...

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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 30, 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 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.
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Classification Society jobs near you
Infographic showing various Classification Society job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 50% Full Time, 48% Part Time, and 2% Temporary. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $46,274 per year, or $22.2 per hour.
Shipyard Design Manager

Shipyard Design Manager

Senesco Marine, LLC

North Kingstown, RI

Full-time

Posted 27 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Lead, manage, and review all functional and detailed structural, outfitting, and production drawings for new builds and repairs.

  • Coordinate with project managers and production teams to resolve design conflicts during construction.

  • Facilitate design reviews, client presentations, and progress updates.

Job description

Role Overview

A Shipyard Design Manager directs the technical development of ship construction projects from concept to delivery, leading a team of engineers and drafters to ensure designs meet regulatory, budget, and performance requirements. They oversee CAD modeling, design drawings/documentations, and system integrations, while bridging communication between design, production, and the clients.

Key Responsibilities

Design Management

  • Lead, manage, and review all functional & detailed structural, outfitting, and production drawings (e.g., General Arrangements, Midship sections) for new builds and/or repairs.
  • Manages the functional & detailed engineering efforts for the new builds or repairs.
  • Own and guide the overall technical solution for assigned projects.
  • Identify and report technical risks to the Engineering Director
  • Own and guide the overall technical solution for assigned projects.
  • Manages the training and development of the personnel.
  • Implement and manage QC & process instructions within the Design Engineering team.
  • Ensure the ship designs & deliverables comply with Classification Society rules (e.g., ABS, DNV), national regulations, international regulations (SOLAS), client specifications and Senesco production preferences.

Quality and Process Control

Implement and manage QC & process instructions within the Design Engineering team.

Technical Compliance
Ensure the ship designs & deliverables comply with Classification Society rules (e.g., ABS, DNV), national regulations, international regulations (SOLAS), client specifications and Senesco production preferences.

Production Support

  • Coordinate with project managers and production teams to resolve design conflicts during construction.
  • Track the deliverables list along with due dates
  • Manage project documentation, including design reviews, 3D models, design conflict resolution, work instructions, and technical specifications.

Project Documentation

Stakeholder Communication

  • Facilitate design reviews, client presentations, and progress updates.
  • Send weekly updates on the engineering deliverables
  • Support marketing and business development efforts for new ship design programs, including concept design and technical proposal leadership.

Required Skills and Qualifications

  • Educational Background: Bachelor's degree in engineering (Naval Architecture, Marine Engineering, or related field).
  • Experience: 5-10+ years in ship design/shipyard engineering, with proven leadership experience. The Ship Design experience must include : a working understanding of all aspects of Naval Architecture, Structures, Propulsion and Auxiliaries, Electrical, and Mission Systems
  • Technical Knowledge: Deep understanding of ship systems, including structural design, piping, HVAC, and marine electrical systems.
  • Software Proficiency: Strong knowledge of AutoCAD and Shipconstructor. Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook) and electronic document management systems (EDMS).
  • Soft Skills: Strong organizational abilities, attention to detail, communication skills, and the ability to manage multiple tasks under time constraints.

Desired Qualifications

  • Proven experience leading complex ship design projects or engineering organizations (5+ years).
  • Expertise in design and engineering of U.S. naval, coast guard, or other government vessels.
  • The employee must have correctable vision to 20/40, however contact lenses are not permitted in certain production area positions.
  • The employee must pass the Ishihara test for color blindness and have the ability to read and understand safety symbols and colors, (i.e. red, yellow, green, etc.).
  • The employee must pass a pulmonary function exam for positions requiring respiratory protection.
  • The employee must be able to stand, sit, walk, squat, kneel, stoop, or climb stairs or a ladder.
  • The employee must not be claustrophobic and may be required to work in confined spaces.
  • The employee must have the capability to maneuver through openings as small as 18 inches by 23 inches, and would need to be able to move and crawl into awkward positions.
  • The employee must be able to work in static positions for extended periods of time.
  • The employee must have good balance and the capability of standing on each foot for a period of 30 seconds or more.
  • The employee is required to wear personal protective equipment (PPE) including but not limited to respirator, hardhat, face shield, safety goggles, safety shoes (steel toe), safety harness, gloves or other protective clothing as determined by a Senesco Marine Job Hazard Analysis.
  • The employee must report all accidents or injuries to their supervisor and the Environmental Safety and Health Department.
  • The employee must report to their supervisor any and all damages to equipment or broken and misused tools.
  • The employee may be working in several different areas and environments; this includes work inside and outside of buildings or structures.
  • The employee needs to work at a pace consistent with meeting company deadlines.

Physical Demands

The employee must have correctable vision to 20/40, however contact lenses are not permitted in certain production area positions.
The employee must pass the Ishihara test for color blindness and have the ability to read and understand safety symbols and colors, (i.e. red, yellow, green, etc.).
The employee must pass a pulmonary function exam for positions requiring respiratory protection.
The employee must be able to stand, sit, walk, squat, kneel, stoop, or climb stairs or a ladder.
The employee must not be claustrophobic and may be required to work in confined spaces.
The employee must have the capability to maneuver through openings as small as 18 inches by 23 inches, and would need to be able to move and crawl into awkward positions.
The employee must be able to work in static positions for extended periods of time.

Work Demands

The employee is required to wear personal protective equipment (PPE) including but not limited to respirator, hardhat, face shield, safety goggles, safety shoes (steel toe), safety harness, gloves or other protective clothing as determined by a Senesco Marine Job Hazard Analysis.
The employee must report all accidents or injuries to their supervisor and the Environmental Safety and Health Department.
The employee must report to their supervisor any and all damages to equipment or broken and misused tools.
The employee may be working in several different areas and environments; this includes work inside and outside of buildings or structures.
The employee needs to work at a pace consistent with meeting company deadlines.

Employment Type: FULL_TIME

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