Structural Designer – Shipyard
Location: Pascagoula, MS
Schedule: Full‐time, long‐term
Industry: Marine / Shipbuilding / Offshore Fabrication
Position Overview
We are seeking an experienced Structural Designer to support new construction and repair projects in a major Gulf Coast shipyard. The ideal candidate has strong marine or offshore structural design experience and can produce accurate, buildable drawings that support engineering, planning, and production teams.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop 2D and 3D structural drawings for hulls, decks, bulkheads, frames, girders, and foundations
- Produce detailed fabrication drawings, including weld symbols, material callouts, and BOMs
- Work closely with engineers, planners, and production to ensure drawings are practical, accurate, and production‐ready
- Interpret and apply ABS, USCG, and class requirements to structural designs
- Support block construction, panel line processes, and modular assembly workflows
- Identify design conflicts and resolve issues before they reach the shop floor
- Maintain drawing accuracy through proper revision control and documentation
- Assist with part development, nesting, and production packages as needed
- Develop detailed structural component designs.
- Collaborate with other disciplines to maintain drawing accuracy and consistency.
- Review and verify drawings, including occasional visits to production areas.
- Ensure adherence to CAD standards and Bollinger design protocols.
- Apply common materials and standardized practices wherever feasible.
- Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and project specifications.
- Follow internal control procedures (e.g., DDNs, ECNs, CCRs).
- Coordinate and verify vendor-supplied technical data for integration.
- Work collaboratively with internal teams and external stakeholders.
- Incorporate input from clients, regulatory authorities, and other entities into project designs.
Required Qualifications
- Minimum 6+ years of relevant design experience.
- in a shipyard, marine, or offshore fabrication environment
- Proficiency in AutoCAD and ShipConstructor (or similar marine design software)
- Strong understanding of ship structures: frames, stiffeners, bulkheads, decks, girders, and foundations
- Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, class plans, and technical specifications
- Knowledge of steel and/or aluminum vessel construction
- Familiarity with weld symbols, tolerances, and fabrication standards
- Strong communication skills and ability to work with production crews
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience with Inventor, SolidWorks, or Rhino
- Background working with Ingalls, VT Halter, Austal, Metal Shark, or similar shipyards
- Understanding of panel line processes, block construction, and modular assembly
- Prior hands‐on experience in fabrication, fitting, or welding (major plus)
Company Description
If you’re a real tradesman—someone who shows up, puts in the work, and takes pride in your craft—West Hill is where you want to be. We don’t babysit. We don’t sugarcoat. We don’t play games. We put skilled people on good jobs with good pay, and we stand behind every hand we send.