Design Jobs in Rhode Island (NOW HIRING)

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.