Job Overview

The Manufacturing Engineer – Propulsion & Machinery Installation Planning defines the complex, high-precision installation steps and processes used to install, align, and commission main propulsion equipment, reduction gears, shafting, bearings, and associated drive train components aboard autonomous surface vessels. This role also plans installation of other critical ship's machinery systems, including anchor handling systems, ramp installation, and ramp lowering/actuation systems specific to LCU-type vessel programs. This role translates design intent and manufacturer requirements into sequenced, repeatable installation processes that production teams can execute precisely and safely.

Propulsion and machinery installation carries far less tolerance for error than general outfitting. A shaft line that is out of alignment, a foundation that is not set correctly, or a ramp and anchor system that is not installed and tested to specification, can cause vibration, equipment failure, or a mission-critical system failure once the vessel is underway or beaching. This role ensures installation sequence, alignment procedures, and inspection hold points are defined correctly and executed with discipline across all of these machinery systems.

This role works closely with structural, electrical, piping, and HVAC planning teams, quality assurance, and equipment manufacturer technical representatives to ensure propulsion and other ship's machinery installation happens at the correct stage of construction.

Responsibilities

• Installation Sequencing

  ● Translate machinery arrangements, vendor installation/alignment manuals, and shaft line calculations into step-by-step installation work instructions.

  ● Define installation sequence relative to hull construction and erection, including what must happen before erection, after hull closure, or only once the vessel is afloat.

  ● Coordinate with structural, electrical, piping, and HVAC planning to ensure foundations and interfacing systems are ready at the right stage.

  Foundation & Alignment Procedures

  ● Specify foundation chocking, grouting, and bolt torque/sequence requirements.

  ● Define alignment procedures (sag/gap, laser/optical alignment, bearing load checks) and sequence shaft line installation relative to hull deflection, launch, and dock trial milestones.

  ● Define rigging, lifting, and handling plans for heavy machinery moves.

  Anchor & Ramp Systems Planning

  ● Define installation and sequencing requirements for anchor handling systems, including windlass/winch foundations, chain locker and hawsepipe arrangements, and anchor stowage and deployment components.

  ● Plan installation, fit-up, and functional test sequencing for bow/stern ramp systems and ramp lowering/actuation systems specific to LCU-type vessel programs, including hydraulic or mechanical actuation components, hinge and pin arrangements, and ramp locking/securing mechanisms.

  ● Coordinate ramp and anchor system installation with structural closure, coatings, and electrical/hydraulic system planning to ensure components are installed and tested at the correct build stage.

  Quality & Acceptance Criteria

  ● Specify inspection hold points and acceptance criteria (foundation flatness, alignment tolerance, bolt torque, NDT of critical welds) across propulsion, anchor, and ramp systems.

  ● Define functional test and operational checkout requirements for anchor handling and ramp lowering systems prior to sea trials.

  ● Coordinate with quality assurance and vendor technical representatives on inspection and acceptance.

  ● Ensure instructions reflect ABS, USCG, NAVSEA requirements, vendor warranty terms, and documentation needs through sea trials.

  Production Support & Continuous Improvement

  ● Support first-article installations and witness alignment checks, functional tests, and sea trials where needed.

  ● Refine installation procedures based on floor feedback, vendor guidance, and lessons learned.

  ● Maintain installation and alignment documentation standards across the program.

  What Success Looks Like

  ● Propulsion and machinery installations meet alignment and tolerance requirements on the first attempt.

  ● Anchor handling and ramp lowering systems are installed and function correctly on the first functional test.

  ● Shaft line alignment remains valid through launch, dock trials, and sea trials.

  ● Installation sequence avoids rework from hull deflection or premature installation.

  ● Inspection hold points catch issues before they compound into equipment damage.

  ● Production, quality, and vendor representatives trust the installation plan as an accurate reference across all machinery systems.

Qualifications

• Required

  ● Hands-on experience with marine propulsion/machinery (machinist, millwright, marine engineer, machinery installation technician) or equivalent planning experience built on that trade background.

  ● Understanding of main propulsion equipment, reduction gears, shaft lines, couplings, bearings, and stern tube/seal arrangements.

  ● Hands-on familiarity with alignment methods (optical, laser, sag-and-gap) and chocking/grouting and torque/tensioning procedures.

  ● Ability to read machinery arrangements, vendor manuals, shaft calculations, and 3D models.

  ● Strong written communication skills to produce clear, unambiguous work instructions with no ambiguity on sequence or tolerance.

  Preferred

  ● Experience planning or installing anchor handling systems and ramp/ramp lowering systems, ideally on LCU or similar beaching/landing craft vessel programs.

  ● Experience with main propulsion installation and alignment on new construction vessels; marine repair, overhaul, or industrial alignment experience also considered.

  ● Experience with PLM/ERP systems and alignment/metrology data tools.

  ● Familiarity with ABS, USCG, NAVSEA requirements as they apply to propulsion, anchor, ramp, and other ship's machinery installation.

  ● Familiarity with vendor technical and warranty documentation requirements.

  ● Technical/trade school, associate's, or bachelor's degree in a relevant field (marine engineering technology, mechanical engineering technology, naval architecture).

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