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Boat Building Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Freeman Boatworks

Design Engineer

Moncks Corner, SC · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The ideal candidate has a background in marine design and engineering, or hands-on boat design, and understands how designs translate to real-world boat building in a production environment. This is ...

Freeman Boatworks

Design Engineer

Moncks Corner, SC · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The ideal candidate has a background in marine design and engineering, or hands-on boat design, and understands how designs translate to real-world boat building in a production environment. This is ...

Freeman Boatworks

Design Engineer

Moncks Corner, SC

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The ideal candidate has a background in marine design and engineering, or hands-on boat design, and understands how designs translate to real-world boat building in a production environment. This is ...

Freeman Boatworks

Design Engineer

Moncks Corner, SC

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The ideal candidate has a background in marine design and engineering, or hands-on boat design, and understands how designs translate to real-world boat building in a production environment. This is ...

Armor Marine

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Welder Fabricator

Mount Vernon, WA · On-site

$20 - $45/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • PTO

No mindless mass production--just real, rugged boat building. * Clear Pathways to Growth: We reward leadership and skill. As ARMOR expands, we actively promote from within for Lead-Hand and ...

Armor Marine

Be Seen First

Welder Fabricator

Sequim, WA · On-site

$20 - $45/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • PTO

No mindless mass production--just real, rugged boat building. * Clear Pathways to Growth: We reward leadership and skill. As ARMOR expands, we actively promote from within for Lead-Hand and ...

Armor Marine

Be Seen First

Welder Fabricator

Sequim, WA · On-site

$20 - $45/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • PTO

No mindless mass production--just real, rugged boat building. * Clear Pathways to Growth: We reward leadership and skill. As ARMOR expands, we actively promote from within for Lead-Hand and ...

Armor Marine

Be Seen First

Welder Fabricator

Mount Vernon, WA · On-site

$20 - $45/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • PTO

No mindless mass production--just real, rugged boat building. * Clear Pathways to Growth: We reward leadership and skill. As ARMOR expands, we actively promote from within for Lead-Hand and ...

Armor Marine

Be Seen First

Welder Fabricator

Port Townsend, WA · On-site

$20 - $45/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • PTO

No mindless mass production--just real, rugged boat building. * Clear Pathways to Growth: We reward leadership and skill. As ARMOR expands, we actively promote from within for Lead-Hand and ...

eZone Staffing LLC

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Naval Architect

Edenton, NC · On-site

$80K - $100K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Proven innovation and problem-solving skills, with a sound appreciation of boat building practices and of boat operation as an end user

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boat building information

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$28K

$98.1K

$148K

How much do boat building jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average yearly pay for boat building in the United States is $98,146.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $78,000.00 and $120,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a boat building?

A Boat Building job involves constructing, repairing, and maintaining boats using materials such as wood, fiberglass, or metal. Boat builders work with blueprints, tools, and machinery to assemble hulls, decks, and interiors. They may specialize in certain types of boats, such as sailboats, yachts, or commercial vessels. Skills in carpentry, welding, and fiberglass work are often required. This job can be performed in boatyards, manufacturing facilities, or custom workshops.

What does a typical day look like for someone working in boat building?

A typical day in boat building often involves reading design plans, preparing or shaping materials like wood or fiberglass, assembling components, and conducting quality checks to ensure safety and functionality. Employees may work individually on specialized tasks or as part of a team to bring various sections of a vessel together. The work environment can range from small artisan workshops to large shipyards, with an emphasis on both hands-on craftsmanship and project deadlines. Throughout the day, boat builders frequently collaborate with engineers, designers, and quality assurance staff to address challenges and maintain construction standards. This dynamic environment offers problem-solving opportunities and the satisfaction of seeing tangible progress on marine vessels.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in boat building, and why are they important?

To excel in Boat Building, a strong background in woodworking, metalworking, and marine engineering is typically required, often with experience or education in marine trades or vocational programs. Familiarity with tools such as saws, sanders, CAD design software, and, in some cases, relevant safety certifications are crucial. Attention to detail, teamwork, and problem-solving abilities are valuable soft skills in this field. Mastery of these skills ensures precision crafting, structural integrity, and efficient collaboration throughout the boat construction process.

How do you get into boat building?

To become a boat builder, gaining experience through vocational training, apprenticeships, or technical education in woodworking, fiberglass, or marine systems is essential. Developing skills in blueprint reading, carpentry, and working with tools is important, and some positions may require relevant certifications or a background in construction or engineering.

How much money can you make building boats?

Boat builders typically earn between $30,000 and $60,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and the complexity of the vessels they construct. Skilled workers with certifications or specialized tools may earn higher wages, especially in larger or custom boat manufacturing facilities.
More about boat building jobs

What cities are hiring for Boat Building jobs?

Cities with the most Boat Building job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Boat Building jobs?

The most popular types of Boat Building jobs are:

What states have the most Boat Building jobs?

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What job categories do people searching Boat Building jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Boat Building jobs are:

boat building jobs near you
Infographic showing various Boat Building job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 79% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 19% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $98,146 per year, or $47.2 per hour.

Design Engineer

Freeman Boatworks

Moncks Corner, SC • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 2 days ago

Job description

Freeman Boatworks is seeking a Design Engineer with direct marine vessel design experience to support the development of our high-performance composite catamarans. This role is responsible for designing, engineering, and refining boat structures and components that move efficiently from concept into production.
The ideal candidate has a background in marine design and engineering, or hands-on boat design, and understands how designs translate to real-world boat building in a production environment. This is a highly collaborative, hands-on role where engineering decisions directly impact build quality, performance, and manufacturability.
What You'll Do
Conceptual Design
  • Contribute to the conceptual design of a boats composite large parts, small parts and structural components for production boats
  • Develop and refine layouts and structural concepts that consider performance, strength, weight, and manufacturability

Engineering Development
  • Create detailed 3D models, assemblies, and 2D / 3D layout drawings using CAD software (Rhino 3D)
  • Maintain accurate and production-ready engineering documentation
  • Create and document revisions of core & fiberglass kits, including CNC programming using CAM software (Rhino Cam) and updating build schematics
  • Creation of 3D printed parts to be used in production as jigs, fixtures or finished parts
  • Mold design - work closely with our in-house tooling department & outside composite tooling companies

Structural Analysis & Optimization
  • Evaluate structural performance under operational loading conditions
  • Identify and implement design improvements to enhance durability, stiffness, and overall boat performance

Materials & Construction
  • Select appropriate composite materials, cores, and laminates based on performance, durability, and cost considerations
  • Design with a strong understanding of composite boat-building methods and production constraints

Prototyping & Production Support
  • Support prototype builds, first articles, and ongoing production
  • Collaborate closely with manufacturing teams to resolve design and build challenges

Cross-Functional Collaboration
  • Work with manufacturing, procurement, quality, and leadership to ensure smooth integration of design into production
  • Incorporate feedback from the shop floor into continuous design improvements

What We're Looking For
  • Experience in Naval Architecture, Yacht Design, or a closely related marine-focused discipline
  • Demonstrated experience in Design Engineering within the marine industry
  • Strong understanding of composite boat construction
  • Proficiency in CAD / CAM software such as SolidWorks, Rhino 3D, Rhino Cam or similar platforms
  • Proven experience taking boat designs from concept through production
  • Strong problem-solving skills with a high level of attention to detail
  • Ability to work effectively in a hands-on, fast-paced production environment

What We Offer
  • Competitive compensation
  • Comprehensive benefits: medical, dental, vision, company-paid life & disability + more!
  • 401(k) with company match
  • Paid time off and holidays
  • A collaborative, people-focused workplace built on craftsmanship and innovation

Please note: Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a background check and drug screening.

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