Ship Structural Drafter Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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
We are seeking a talented and motivated Structural Build Engineer to support the design, analysis, and construction of autonomous surface vessels. This role will provide hands-on experience in ship structural design, main hull structure, foundations, and advanced autonomous technologies, driving impact in defense innovation. As a Structural Build Engineer, you'll interface remotely with our design engineering teams in Austin while owning the hands-on oversight of structural fabrication, assembly, and issue resolution at the shipyard.
Responsibilities
• Assist in the design, analysis, and fabrication of ship structural components including main hull structure, bulkheads, decks, foundations, framing, and cutfile generation for CNC plasma/waterjet cutting
• Collaborate with engineering teams to perform CAD modeling, analysis, and system optimization
• Operate as liaison between engineering, drafting, and production teams to resolve technical challenges during construction
• Identify and resolve non-conformances, lead root cause analysis, and drive resolution via IRBs (Issue Review Boards) and rework plans
• Lead and coordinate Engineering Change Orders (ECOs)-ensure traceability, communication, implementation, and verification
• Support the integration of autonomous navigation and control systems into vessel designs
• Participate in design reviews and provide technical input on system architecture and performance
• Support documentation including technical drawings, specifications, test procedures, and as-built records for internal use, regulatory bodies, and client presentations
• Manage CAD models to document as-built changes made during ship construction
• Oversee fabrication processes including welding, machining, assembly, and structural fit-up to ensure compliance with structural engineering specifications
• Perform dimensional inspections, structural surveys, and verification of welded joints and structural assemblies
Qualifications
• Bachelor's degree in Naval Architecture, Marine Engineering, Ocean Engineering, Structural Engineering, or a related field
• Familiarity with maritime industry standards including ABS structural rules, AWS welding standards, and US Coast Guard regulations
• Strong fundamentals in structural engineering principles including statics, strength of materials, marine structures, and ship structural design
• Experience working in a shipyard, fabrication shop, or marine construction environment with focus on structural work
• Strong knowledge of 2D and 3D CAD software (e.g., SolidWorks, NX, Rhino, AutoCAD)
• Experience with structural cutfile generation, nesting software, and CNC cutting processes
• Deep familiarity with interpreting structural drawings, GD&T, weld symbols, fabrication tolerances, and assembly procedures
• Understanding of welding processes, NDT methods, material properties, and marine-grade materials (aluminum, steel, composites)
• Experience with structural analysis, finite element analysis (FEA), or computational structural tools
• Knowledge of ship structural design principles including longitudinal strength, transverse framing, and foundation design
• Strong communication skills across engineers, welders, fabricators, quality teams, and leadership
• Comfortable working in an industrial shipyard environment with exposure to structural fabrication, welding, and heavy equipment
Physical Demands

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer
• Occasional standing and walking within the office
• Manual dexterity to operate a computer keyboard, mouse, and other office equipment
• Visual acuity to read screens, documents, and reports
• Occasional reaching, bending, or stooping to access file drawers, cabinets, or office supplies
• Lifting and carrying items up to 20 pounds occasionally (e.g., office supplies, packages)

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
If this role is based in the United States, it 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. We are also committed to providing reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities.