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 …