Job Overview

The Labeling Engineer / Planner plans and manages all aspects of vessel labeling, including nameplates, equipment and nomenclature labels, piping and valve identification, compartment and safety labeling, and warning/caution placards, across every system on the ship. This role defines label content, label manufacturing or outsourcing strategy, and the specific installation location for every label aboard the vessel, ensuring the ship is correctly and consistently identified for operation, maintenance, and damage control.

Shipboard labeling is a detailed, highly standardized discipline, particularly on naval and government vessels, where label content, format, material, and placement are governed by strict specifications and must support safe operation and casualty response. This role draws on direct experience with Navy ship labeling conventions and standards to ensure Saronic's vessels meet the same rigor expected by naval customers and classification authorities.

This role works closely with design engineering, systems engineering, outfitting planning, and production teams to ensure every label is correctly specified, manufactured or sourced, and installed at the right location and at the right stage of construction.

Responsibilities

Labeling Plan Development

• Develop the overall vessel labeling plan, defining what must be labeled, including equipment nameplates, piping and valve identification, compartment and door labels, electrical panel and circuit labels, and safety/warning placards.

• Define label content, format, and standards for each label type, drawing on Navy and classification society labeling conventions and specifications.

• Establish the master label list tying each label to its specific system, equipment item, or location on the ship.

Installation Location Planning

• Define the specific installation location for every label aboard the vessel, coordinating with structural, piping, electrical, HVAC, and outfitting planning to ensure labels are placed where they are visible, accessible, and useful to the crew.

• Sequence label installation relative to coatings, outfitting completion, and compartment closeout so labels are not damaged, covered, or installed before surfaces are ready.

• Resolve conflicts where label placement competes with equipment, piping, or structural features.

Manufacturing & Outsourcing Strategy

• Determine which labels are manufactured in-house versus outsourced to qualified label vendors, based on label type, material, durability requirements, and volume.

• Establish vendor qualification and quality requirements for outsourced label manufacturing, including material, adhesive, engraving, and environmental durability standards.

• Manage label procurement, lead times, and delivery sequencing to align with the installation schedule.

Standards & Compliance

• Ensure labeling content and format comply with applicable Navy, classification society, and regulatory requirements (NAVSEA, ABS, USCG) for nomenclature, hazard warnings, and damage control markings.

• Maintain label specification documentation and traceability records to support configuration management and regulatory review.

• Support design changes and engineering change orders that affect label content or location.

Production Support & Continuous Improvement

• Support first-article labeling installations, walking the work with production and quality teams to confirm label accuracy and placement.

• Resolve labeling discrepancies identified during production, inspection, or trials.

• Refine the labeling plan and standard processes based on floor feedback and lessons learned across programs.

What Success Looks Like

• Every label aboard the ship is correctly specified, manufactured, and installed in the right location at the right stage of construction.

• Label content and format meet Navy and classification labeling standards without late-stage corrections.

• Outsourced label vendors consistently deliver on time and to specification.

• Labeling discrepancies are rare and caught early through inspection rather than at trials or delivery.

• Production and design teams trust the labeling plan as an accurate, executable reference.

Qualifications

Required

• Direct experience with Navy ship labeling conventions, standards, and specifications from prior shipbuilding or ship repair programs.

• Experience developing or managing a vessel-wide labeling plan, including nameplates, nomenclature, piping/valve identification, and safety placards.

• Understanding of label manufacturing methods and materials (engraving, embossing, adhesive-backed, metal, laminate) and their application in a marine environment.

• Ability to read and interpret arrangement drawings, system diagrams, and equipment lists to determine labeling requirements and locations.

• Strong organizational skills to manage a large, detailed label list across multiple systems and compartments.

Preferred

• Experience with NAVSEA or other Navy labeling specifications and standard drawings.

• Experience managing outsourced label vendors, including vendor qualification and quality audits.

• Familiarity with classification society (ABS) or regulatory (USCG) labeling and marking requirements.

• Experience with PLM/ERP systems used to track label lists, procurement, and installation status.

• Technical/trade school, associate's, or bachelor's degree in a relevant field, or equivalent hands-on labeling/outfitting planning experience.

Physical Demands

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer

• Occasional standing and walking within the office

Benefits

• Medical Insurance: Comprehensive health insurance plans covering a range of services

• Time Off: Generous PTO and Holidays

• Retirement Plan: 401(k) plan with company match