Job Overview

The Manufacturing Engineer – Outfitting Detail Planning translates design packages for joinery, safety equipment, and metal outfitting items into the detailed work instructions that sequence installation at the correct stage of construction. This role covers a wide and varied scope, including manholes, incline and vertical ladders, independent tanks, windows, walkways, handrails, joiner bulkheads and doors, and life-saving and safety equipment.

Outfitting touches nearly every space on the ship and has to be planned around structure, access, and every other trade working the same compartments. This role ensures outfitting items are installed in the correct sequence so they don't block access for other trades or require removal and reinstallation.

This role works closely with structural, piping, electrical, HVAC, and coatings planning teams to coordinate compartment and zone completion strategy across the full outfitting scope.

Responsibilities

• Outfitting Work Instruction Development

  ● Develop detailed work instructions and installation sequences across the full outfitting scope: metal outfitting items, joinery, and safety/life-saving equipment.

  ● Determine installation sequence and method for each item type relative to structural closure, coatings, and other outfitting.

  ● Translate arrangement drawings, joiner plans, and vendor/equipment data into instructions a mechanic or joiner can follow without guessing.

  Compartment & Zone Sequencing

  ● Plan around compartment and zone completion strategy, coordinating with structural, piping, electrical, HVAC, and coatings planning.

  ● Sequence tank closures for independent tanks and manhole/access cover coordination with piping/HVAC/electrical routing.

  ● Sequence ladder, walkway, and handrail installation relative to structural completion and personnel access during the build.

  Constructability & Compliance

  ● Identify and resolve constructability issues and interferences before they reach the floor.

  ● Ensure work instructions reflect applicable code and class requirements (ABS, USCG, NAVSEA) for life safety, means of egress, and penetration integrity.

  ● Work iteratively with design engineering to correct drawings or adjust installation strategy.

  Production Support & Continuous Improvement

  ● Support first-article installations, walking the work with mechanics, joiners, and leads.

  ● Refine instructions and standard work based on floor feedback.

  ● Maintain outfitting planning documentation and standards across the program.

  What Success Looks Like

  ● Outfitting items install in the correct sequence without blocking access for other trades.

  ● Tank closures, manholes, and access covers are coordinated correctly with piping, HVAC, and electrical routing.

  ● Rework from out-of-sequence outfitting installation is minimized.

  ● Life safety and means-of-egress requirements are met without late-stage rework.

Qualifications

• Required

  ● Hands-on experience in shipyard outfitting (outfitting mechanic, joiner, or metal fabricator/installer) or equivalent planning experience built on that trade background.

  ● Understanding of metal outfitting fabrication and installation practices (ladders, walkways, handrails, manholes, independent tanks) and joinery installation methods.

  ● Working knowledge of how ships are built, including unit/block construction, erection sequence, and zone outfitting.

  ● Ability to read arrangement drawings, joiner plans, 3D models, and vendor/equipment data.

  ● Strong organizational skills to manage a wide, varied scope across many compartments in parallel.

  Preferred

  ● Experience in new construction shipbuilding; repair/overhaul experience also considered.

  ● Familiarity with how safety/life-saving equipment is specified and installed to meet regulatory requirements.

  ● Experience with PLM/ERP systems such as Teamcenter or SAP.

  ● Familiarity with ABS, USCG, or NAVSEA requirements as they apply to outfitting, life safety, and means of egress.

  ● Technical/trade school, associate's, or bachelor's degree in a relevant field.

Physical Demands

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

• Occasional standing and walking within the office

Time Off: Generous PTO and Holidays

Retirement Plan: 401(k) plan with company match