Structural Engineering Research Assistant Jobs in Pawtucket, RI

The Structural/Outfitting Field Engineer will serve as a critical link between engineering and production teams at Senesco Marine for vessel structural and outfitting work. This role focuses on supporting build strategy, coordinating structural and outfitting installation, resolving field issues, maintaining accurate as-built documentation, and helping ensure work is completed safely, correctly, and in line with project schedules.

The ideal candidate is results-oriented, proactive, and comfortable working in an active shipyard environment. This position requires strong field experience with vessel structure, foundations, outfitting systems, access arrangements, equipment installation, and coordination with other trades including piping, electrical, HVAC, and production craft teams.

Key Responsibilities

• Collaborate in the development of structural and outfitting build strategy for new-build, repair, and modification projects.

• Follow up on structural and outfitting installation progress and identify opportunities to improve construction sequencing and schedule performance.

• Provide production guidance and field problem-solving support during construction activities.

• Update drawings to reflect field changes and ensure compliance with design standards.

• Create and maintain accurate structural and outfitting as-built drawings and redlines.

• Collaborate with engineering teams to interpret design intent and resolve technical issues.

• Coordinating multiple trades including structural, piping, electrical, HVAC, and machinery installation.

• Familiarity with NC nesting programs and template design.

• Work closely with production supervisors, foremen, craft leads, and subcontractors to ensure proper installation of structural and outfitting components.

• Support construction and installation of vessel structure, foundations, equipment supports, ladders, handrails, platforms, doors, hatches, deck fittings, outfit units, machinery foundations, and other vessel components.

• Ensure structural and outfitting work complies with ABS and USCG requirements.

• Provide input related to material selection, take-offs, sourcing, and purchasing support.

• Review installation locations, clearances, access requirements, and constructability concerns.

• Provide on-site technical support during fabrication, installation, inspection, testing, commissioning, and turnover activities.

• Assist with resolving interferences between structural, piping, electrical, HVAC, machinery, and outfitting systems.

• Ensure all work meets ABS, USCG, customer, and Senesco Marine standards.

• Review and revise drawings for accuracy, constructability, and compliance with specifications.

• Support inspections, quality documentation, deficiency resolution, and project closeout activities.

• Address discrepancies between design and field conditions promptly to minimize rework and schedule impacts.

• Suggest improvements to layouts, build strategy, drawings, sequencing, and work practices to improve efficiency and reduce rework.

• Support safe and efficient shipyard construction and installation practices.

Education/Experience

• Bachelor's degree in marine, mechanical, or structural engineering, naval architecture, or equivalent shipyard field experience.

• A minimum of 7 years of experience in shipyard new-build, repair, or major vessel modification projects.

• A minimum of 5 years supporting structural, outfitting, fabrication, construction, or craft management activities, including subcontractor oversight.

• Proven record of supporting projects executed on time and on budget.

• Proficiency in AutoCAD; familiarity with ShipConstructor or similar marine design software preferred.

• Strong understanding of vessel structure, outfitting systems, fabrication methods, installation practices, and shipyard production workflows.

• Ability to interpret and apply ABS and U.S. Coast Guard rules and regulations related to vessel construction.

• Ability to read and interpret structural drawings, arrangement drawings, production details, specifications, and field sketches.

• Excellent communication and problem-solving skills with the ability to work independently in an active shipyard environment.

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 be able to perform overhead work, as necessary, with a full range of motion.

• 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 must not have a fear of heights and may be required to work in an elevated environment (which could include heights of more than 50 feet) on scaffolding, from staging, planking, or a mechanical lift.

• The employee must be able to carry tools and or equipment to their designated work area. They could include but are not limited to the tools associated with their trade, or others as designated by their responsibilities. The approximate weight could be as much as 75 pounds.

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.

Disclaimer

This is not necessarily an all-inclusive list of job-related responsibilities, duties, skills, efforts, requirements or working conditions. While this is intended to be an accurate reflection of the current job, management reserves the right to revise the job or to require that other or different tasks be performed as assigned.