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Marine Design Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Willard Marine

MARINE MECHANICS

Oceanside, CA · On-site

$18.50 - $20/hr

With over 50 years of design, engineering, and manufacturing experience, repeat customers include ... In response, Willard Marine boats have an unsurpassed record of reliable and durable performance ...

Willard Marine

MARINE ASSEMBLER

Oceanside, CA · On-site

With over 50 years of design, engineering, and manufacturing experience, repeat customers include ... In response, Willard Marine boats have an unsurpassed record of reliable and durable performance ...

CHAPARRAL BOATS INC

Marine Engineer

Nashville, GA · On-site

The Marine Engineer is responsible for the design, development, testing, and continuous improvement of marine vessels and related systems. This role ensures that all designs meet company standards ...

Ilmor

Marine Powertrain Design Engineer

New Hudson, MI · On-site

$75K/yr

MARINE POWERTRAIN DESIGN ENGINEER At Ilmor Engineering, innovation runs as deep as our passion for performance. Proudly named a Crain's Top 100 Places to Work, we pair world‑class engineering with ...

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How much do marine design jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for marine design in the United States is $27.86, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.47 and $34.13 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the highest paying career in design?

In design fields, roles such as user experience (UX) directors, industrial designers, and architectural managers tend to have the highest salaries. These positions often require advanced skills, extensive experience, and sometimes professional certifications, and they typically involve leadership responsibilities in large organizations or specialized industries.

What are some common challenges marine designers face when working on new vessel projects?

Marine designers often encounter challenges such as balancing innovative design solutions with strict regulatory and safety requirements. Collaborating with multidisciplinary teams—including naval architects, engineers, and shipbuilders—requires clear communication and adaptability, as project specifications can frequently change. Additionally, integrating cutting-edge technology and sustainable practices into designs while staying within budget and timeline constraints can be demanding. These challenges make problem-solving skills and flexibility especially valuable in this role.

What is a marine designer?

A marine designer is a professional who develops the plans and specifications for ships, boats, and other marine vessels, focusing on safety, performance, and efficiency. They use CAD software and engineering principles to create detailed designs, often working closely with naval architects and engineers throughout the construction process.

How much do marine designers make?

Marine designers typically earn a median annual salary of around $70,000 to $90,000, depending on experience, location, and specialization. Entry-level positions may start lower, while experienced designers or those working on complex projects can earn over $100,000 annually. Skills in CAD software and knowledge of naval architecture can influence earning potential.

What is the highest paid marine job?

The highest paid marine jobs typically include senior naval architects, marine engineering managers, and offshore project managers, often earning six-figure salaries. These roles require extensive experience, advanced technical skills, and often involve overseeing large projects or teams in complex marine environments.

What is the difference between Marine Design vs Marine Engineering?

AspectMarine DesignMarine Engineering
Primary FocusCreating vessel concepts, layouts, and detailed design drawingsDeveloping and implementing engineering systems, machinery, and technical solutions
Required CredentialsDegree in Naval Architecture, Marine Design, or related fieldDegree in Marine Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field
Work EnvironmentDesign offices, shipyards, and CAD labsShipyards, manufacturing plants, and technical workshops
Industry UsageUsed by naval architects and vessel designersUsed by marine engineers and systems specialists

Marine Design focuses on vessel concepts and detailed drawings, while Marine Engineering emphasizes the development of technical systems and machinery. Both roles are essential in shipbuilding, often collaborating closely but with distinct responsibilities.

What is marine design?

Marine design is the specialized field of engineering and architecture focused on the creation and development of watercraft, ships, submarines, offshore platforms, and other marine structures. It involves designing the physical structure, systems, and features to ensure safety, efficiency, and compliance with maritime regulations. Marine designers work with advanced software and collaborate with engineers, naval architects, and other specialists to create vessels that meet specific functional and environmental requirements. The field covers everything from small recreational boats to large commercial ships and renewable energy platforms.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Marine Designer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Marine Designer, you need a strong background in naval architecture, engineering principles, and marine systems, often supported by a relevant degree in marine engineering or naval architecture. Proficiency in CAD software (such as AutoCAD, Rhino, or SolidWorks), 3D modeling tools, and knowledge of industry standards and regulations are essential. Creativity, attention to detail, and effective communication are important soft skills for collaborating with multidisciplinary teams and meeting client needs. These skills ensure the creation of safe, efficient, and innovative marine vessels that comply with technical and regulatory requirements.
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What states have the most Marine Design jobs? States with the most job openings for Marine Design jobs include:
Marine Design jobs near you
Design Specialist

Design Specialist

National Steel and Shipbuilding Com

San Diego, CA

$116K - $171K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 7 days ago

Job description

Job Posting End Date: Until Filled 

Shift:                               1st 

Security Clearance:      No Clearance

SUMMARY

We are seeking an Electrical Designer to support the development and integration of shipboard electrical systems. The successful candidate will be responsible for creating detailed electrical 3D models, wiring diagrams, cable routing plans, and equipment layouts in accordance with applicable maritime standards and project specifications. This role involves close collaboration with engineers and other design disciplines to ensure accurate and efficient documentation for power distribution, lighting, control, and communication systems aboard vessels. Proficiency with CAD tools (such as AVEVA, Ship Constructor, SolidWorks, NX, 3D AutoCAD or Revit), knowledge of marine electrical systems, and familiarity with regulatory standards (ABS, IEEE, IEC) are required. Experience in shipbuilding or marine design environments is highly desirable. 

RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Able to skillfully complete products with little to no supervision or technical oversight. Anticipates roadblocks and mitigates their impact based on experience

  • Identifies and applies state of the art solutions to complex problems

  • Serves as focal point for discussing the organization's agreed technical position with external-to-engineering SMEs and representatives (such ABS surveyors, Production Superintendents, Managers, Deputy Ship Design Managers)

  • Coordinates and facilitates working groups, including driving to decisions, and determining follow on actions

  • Identifies needs for additional training/guidance for individuals in the team and the need for mentoring

  • Mentors their department on advanced technical principles, theories and concepts

  • Understands context for creation and prior applications of requirements (such as rules, regulations, contracts, and references) as well as requirements at the periphery of a given technical situation and related prior variations on those requirements

  • Other responsibilities and duties as assigned

QUALIFICATIONS

  • Bachelor's Degree, and/or associate's degree in CAD; four (4) years of shipbuilding experience can substitute for education. In addition to one of the prior requirements, at least twelve (12) years of related experience, in the maritime industry is preferred

  • Detailed experience and knowledge of a given discipline's or subdiscipline's state-of-the-art in U.S. shipbuilding

  • Strong knowledge of PC and CAD applications, with knowledge in AVEVA Unified Engineering products being preferred

  • Qualifying skills include contributing to the department's team environment with a consistently positive attitude, a mindset to actively seek improving oneself, teammates, and work processes, initiative, accountability, commitment, and flexibility to changing assignments and processes

PHYSCIAL DEMANDS

The essential functions of this role require work in both an office and industrial setting. The role requires prolonged periods of working in a stationary position, operating a computer, computer programs, and standard office equipment necessary to perform the essential duties. The role requires perceiving information and communicating effectively with others in person, online, and on the phone. The role also requires prolonged periods of working in indoor and outdoor industrial settings.  Must have the ability to safely access, navigate, and traverse the shipyard, construction areas, production areas, ships, and warehouses. Must be able to transit uneven surfaces, and be agile to move quickly to avoid hazards and respond to unexpected obstacles. Must be able to observe, detect, identify, perceive, recognize, and process information to remain alert and timely comply with all safety requirements. Must be able to move, transport, and use equipment necessary to perform the essential duties. Duties performed on ships require ascending and descending stairs and ladders, transiting on scaffolding and at heights, transiting through manholes and other narrow, confined, or congested spaces. This position requires exposure to industrial areas which contain hazardous materials, loud noise (including sirens, horns, chipping, slamming, and hammering), dust, fumes, and exposure to weather. 

PAY SCALE 

$116,900 - $171,000 

This pay range is a reasonable estimate of the salary range for this role. It takes into account the wide range of factors considered in making compensation decisions; including but not limited to skill sets, experience, training, and education. General Dynamics NASSCO also provides a variety of benefits including medical & dental insurance coverage, 401(k) retirement savings plan, flexible spending accounts/HSAs, life and disability insurance, company paid holidays and paid time off (PTO), wellness coaching, and an onsite health services. 

General Dynamics NASSCO is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status, or any other basis protected by local, state, or federal law.

To learn more about applicant rights under federal law, click here:

Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal

If you have a disability that impacts your ability to complete the job application process and would like to request an accommodation, please contact our Human Resources Department.

Call (619) 544-8511 or email nasscohr@nassco.com. This contact information is for accommodation requests only, not to inquire about the status of applications.

NASSCO is an Equal Opportunity / Individuals with Disabilities / Protected Veterans Employer

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