Structural Build Engineer

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)