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Shipbuilding Engineering Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Working at Irving Shipbuilding's engineering facility and shipyard in Halifax, Nova Scotia, this role supports the successful testing and integration of complex naval systems to ensure operational ...

Working at Irving Shipbuilding's engineering facility and shipyard in Halifax, Nova Scotia, this role supports the successful testing and integration of complex naval systems to ensure operational ...

Working at Irving Shipbuilding's engineering facility and shipyard in Halifax, Nova Scotia, this role supports the successful testing and integration of complex naval systems to ensure operational ...

$32/hr

... Engineering Technician to join our team in Norfolk, VA. Position Responsibilities ... Shipboard tag-out, WAF programs and applicable Naval procedures / instructions. * Knowledge of OSHA ...

Position Summary We are seeking a Shipboard Engineering Deployment Lead to support the planning, coordination, and execution of fleetwide shipboard technology deployments. This role will work closely ...

Shipbuilding Trades

Pascagoula, MS · On-site

$21 - $26.75/hr

Read and interpret blueprints, schematics, and engineering drawings. * Fabricate, assemble, install, and repair ship structures, piping systems, and foundations. * Perform cutting, grinding, fitting ...

Shipbuilding Trades

Pascagoula, MS

$21 - $26.75/hr

Read and interpret blueprints, schematics, and engineering drawings. * Fabricate, assemble, install, and repair ship structures, piping systems, and foundations. * Perform cutting, grinding, fitting ...

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Shipbuilding Engineering information

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$32.5K

$63K

$95.5K

How much do shipbuilding engineering jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 25, 2026, the average yearly pay for shipbuilding engineering in the United States is $62,977.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $47,000.00 and $72,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To excel as a Shipbuilding Engineer, you need a strong background in naval architecture, mechanical or marine engineering, and typically a bachelor's degree in a relevant field. Familiarity with CAD software, ship design tools, and knowledge of maritime regulations and standards are commonly required. Attention to detail, effective teamwork, and problem-solving abilities help professionals manage complex design and construction challenges. These skills ensure the safe, efficient, and compliant construction of vessels in a demanding industry.

What engineers make $300,000 a year?

In shipbuilding engineering, senior engineers such as naval architects or project managers with extensive experience and specialized skills can earn $300,000 or more annually, especially in leadership roles or with bonuses. High compensation often requires advanced certifications, a strong track record, and working in large, complex projects or companies.

What is the salary of a Shipbuilding engineer?

The average salary of a shipbuilding engineer in many regions ranges from $70,000 to $120,000 per year, depending on experience, location, and level of expertise. Entry-level positions typically start lower, while experienced engineers or those with specialized skills can earn higher salaries. Certifications in engineering and familiarity with CAD and design software can also influence compensation.

What engineers make $500,000?

In shipbuilding engineering, senior engineers with extensive experience, specialized skills, and leadership roles can reach or exceed a $500,000 annual salary, especially in high-cost regions or with bonuses and profit sharing. Such compensation typically requires advanced certifications, management responsibilities, and a strong track record of project success.

What are some typical challenges faced by shipbuilding engineers during the construction phase, and how are they addressed?

Shipbuilding engineers often encounter challenges such as coordinating complex interdisciplinary tasks, adhering to tight project timelines, and managing unexpected technical issues during construction. Effective communication between design, production, and quality assurance teams is essential for resolving these issues promptly. Utilizing advanced project management tools, regular progress reviews, and close collaboration with suppliers and contractors help ensure that construction stays on schedule and meets quality standards. Continuous learning and adaptability are also important for overcoming evolving technical and regulatory requirements.

How much do engineers make on ships?

Shipbuilding engineers typically earn between $70,000 and $120,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and specific role. Senior engineers or those with specialized skills in design, systems, or project management can earn higher salaries, especially in large shipyards or with advanced certifications.

What is shipbuilding engineering?

Shipbuilding engineering is a specialized branch of engineering focused on the design, construction, and maintenance of ships and other marine vessels. Shipbuilding engineers work on various types of watercraft, including cargo ships, tankers, passenger ships, and naval vessels. Their responsibilities include structural design, systems integration, materials selection, and ensuring that ships comply with safety and regulatory standards. This field combines principles from mechanical, electrical, and civil engineering to create vessels that are safe, efficient, and seaworthy.

What is the difference between Shipbuilding Engineering vs Naval Architecture?

AspectShipbuilding EngineeringNaval Architecture
CredentialsEngineering degrees, certifications in marine or mechanical engineeringEngineering degrees, certifications in naval architecture or marine engineering
Work EnvironmentShipyards, manufacturing plants, design officesDesign offices, research facilities, shipyards
Industry UsageDesign, construction, and maintenance of ships and marine vesselsDesign and analysis of ship structures and hydrodynamics

Shipbuilding Engineering and Naval Architecture share overlapping skills and work environments, but Shipbuilding Engineering focuses more on the construction and manufacturing processes, while Naval Architecture emphasizes the design and hydrodynamic analysis of ships. Both roles are essential in the maritime industry and often collaborate during ship development.

Infographic showing various Shipbuilding Engineering job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $62,977 per year, or $30.3 per hour.
Combat Systems Test Engineer

Combat Systems Test Engineer

Leidos

Arlington, VA • On-site

$92K - $166K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 12 days ago


Leidos rating

8.4

Company rating: 8.4 out of 10

Based on 147 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

56th of 429 rated business services


Job description

Description

About Leidos Gibbs & Cox

Leidos Gibbs & Cox is the largest independent naval architecture and marine engineering firm in the United States. Since our founding in 1929, 24 classes of combatants and nearly 7,000 vessels have been built to Gibbs & Cox designs. We proudly support military and commercial clients in the U.S. and internationally through all phases of marine design, construction, and lifecycle management. Our passion is solving our customers’ 21st century maritime challenges with quality and integrity.

Combat System Test & Trials Engineer

Position Overview

The Combat System Test & Trials Engineer will play a key role in planning, coordinating, and executing verification, validation, and acceptance trials for the Canadian Surface Combatant — Canada’s first warship program in over 20 years.

Working at Irving Shipbuilding’s engineering facility and shipyard in Halifax, Nova Scotia, this role supports the successful testing and integration of complex naval systems to ensure operational performance, safety, and compliance with NATO standards, classification society rules, and customer requirements.

This position offers hands-on involvement in land-based, dockside, and at-sea trials while partnering closely with multidisciplinary engineering teams, naval authorities, shipyard personnel, and equipment suppliers.

Location: This role is onsite in Halifax, Nova Scotia, and candidates available to work onsite full time are preferred. A rotational schedule may also be considered for candidates open to a six-weeks-onsite/six-weeks-remote arrangement.

Key Responsibilities

Test Planning & Documentation

  • Develop and maintain Test & Trials Plans and strategies for ship systems and integrated platforms
  • Define test procedures aligned with NATO standards (e.g., STANAGs) and project requirements
  • Prepare Test Readiness Reviews (TRR) and acceptance documentation

Execution of Trials

Lead and participate in:

  • Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT)
  • Land-Based Testing
  • Harbour Acceptance Tests (HATs)
  • Sea Acceptance Trials (SATs)
  • Builder’s and Commissioning Trials

Additional responsibilities include:

  • Coordinating onboard testing activities across multiple systems, including combat systems, propulsion, navigation, and communications
  • Planning for and ensuring safe execution of trials in accordance with naval and regulatory requirements

Systems Integration & Verification

  • Verify system performance against specifications and operational requirements
  • Support integration of:
    • Combat Management Systems (CMS)
    • Radar, sonar, and weapon systems
    • Platform systems, including power, propulsion, HVAC, and auxiliary systems
  • Identify deficiencies and support resolution efforts with engineering teams

Data Collection & Analysis

  • Collect, analyze, and interpret test data
  • Produce detailed test reports, including findings, anomalies, and recommendations
  • Support root cause analysis and corrective actions

Stakeholder Coordination

Collaborate with:

  • Shipyard teams
  • OEMs and subcontractors
  • Naval customer representatives
  • Classification societies

Additional responsibilities include:

  • Supporting customer demonstrations and acceptance processes

Compliance & Standards

Ensure compliance with:

  • NATO standards (STANAGs)
  • Naval regulations and safety requirements
  • Classification rules (e.g., Lloyd’s Register, DNV, ABS)

Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree in Marine Engineering, Naval Architecture, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or Systems Engineering. Equivalent hands-on experience may be considered in lieu of a degree.
  • 10+ years of experience in:
    • Naval shipbuilding, marine systems, or defense programs
    • Installation, testing, commissioning, or trials of complex systems
  • Experience with surface combatants or military vessels
  • Knowledge of naval systems, including:
    • Propulsion and power generation
    • Combat and sensor systems
    • Integrated Platform Management Systems (IPMS)
  • Familiarity with NATO standards and defense procurement processes
  • Strong understanding of systems engineering and integration principles
  • Experience with test instrumentation and data acquisition tools
  • Familiarity with IBM DOORS
  • Comfortable working in office, shipyard, and onboard naval vessel environments, including confined spaces, heights, and varying weather conditions
  • Must be a U.S. Citizen with an active Secret Clearance

Preferred Qualifications

  • Experience with NATO naval programs or allied fleets
  • Certification in Systems Engineering (e.g., INCOSE)
  • Sea-going experience or naval background
  • Familiarity with risk management and safety case development

If you're looking for comfort, keep scrolling. At Leidos, we outthink, outbuild, and outpace the status quo — because the mission demands it. We're not hiring followers. We're recruiting the ones who disrupt, provoke, and refuse to fail. Step 10 is ancient history. We're already at step 30 — and moving faster than anyone else dares.

Original Posting:May 13, 2026

For U.S. Positions: While subject to change based on business needs, Leidos reasonably anticipates that this job requisition will remain open for at least 3 days with an anticipated close date of no earlier than 3 days after the original posting date as listed above.

Pay Range:Pay Range $92,300.00 - $166,850.00

The Leidos pay range for this job level is a general guideline only and not a guarantee of compensation or salary. Additional factors considered in extending an offer include (but are not limited to) responsibilities of the job, education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, as well as internal equity, alignment with market data, applicable bargaining agreement (if any), or other law.

About Leidos

Leidos is an industry and technology leader serving government and commercial customers with smarter, more efficient digital and mission innovations. Headquartered in Reston, Virginia, with 47,000 global employees, Leidos reported annual revenues of approximately $16.7 billion for the fiscal year ended January 3, 2025. For more information, visit www.Leidos.com.

Pay and Benefits

Pay and benefits are fundamental to any career decision. That's why we craft compensation packages that reflect the importance of the work we do for our customers. Employment benefits include competitive compensation, Health and Wellness programs, Income Protection, Paid Leave and Retirement. More details are available at www.leidos.com/careers/pay-benefits.

Securing Your Data

Beware of fake employment opportunities using Leidos’ name. Leidos will never ask you to provide payment-related information during any part of the employment application process (i.e., ask you for money), nor will Leidos ever advance money as part of the hiring process (i.e., send you a check or money order before doing any work). Further, Leidos will only communicate with you through emails that are generated by the Leidos.com automated system – never from free commercial services (e.g., Gmail, Yahoo, Hotmail) or via WhatsApp, Telegram, etc. If you received an email purporting to be from Leidos that asks for payment-related information or any other personal information (e.g., about you or your previous employer), and you are concerned about its legitimacy, please make us aware immediately by emailing us at LeidosCareersFraud@leidos.com.

If you believe you are the victim of a scam, contact your local law enforcement and report the incident to the U.S. Federal Trade Commission.

Commitment to Non-Discrimination

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, race, ethnicity, age, national origin, citizenship, religion, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, pregnancy, family structure, marital status, ancestry, domestic partner status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran or military status, or any other basis prohibited by law. Leidos will also consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories consistent with relevant laws.


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About Leidos

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Leidos, we deliver innovative solutions through the efforts of our diverse and talented people who are dedicated to our customers' success. We empower our teams, contribute to our communities, and operate sustainable practices. Everything we do is built on a commitment to do the right thing for our customers, our people, and our community.

Industry

It services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Reston, VA, US

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