Marine Quality Engineer

Position Overview:

We are seeking a detail-oriented and experienced Quality Engineer to join our team in support of the building, integration, and testing of autonomous surface vessels. In this role, you will be primarily responsible for ensuring the highest standards of quality across shipyard operations—including hull fabrication, welding, outfitting, electrical integration, and sea trials. You will work closely with engineering, production, and regulatory bodies to monitor, evaluate, and enhance product and process quality, ensuring vessels meet all customer, naval, and industry requirements.

Responsibilities:

• Quality Assurance: Develop, implement, and maintain quality assurance protocols for shipyard processes including fabrication, assembly, outfitting, and testing. Perform inspections to ensure compliance with drawings, specifications, Regulatory/Military standards, and customer requirements.
• Process Improvement: Identify opportunities for improvement within shipyard operations and recommend solutions to enhance quality, efficiency, and reliability. Partner with production teams to drive best practices and lessons learned into ongoing programs.
• Inspection and Testing: Conduct inspections and oversight of critical processes (e.g., welding, mechanical systems, electrical systems, and systems integration). Support harbor and sea trial activities by verifying system readiness and ensuring quality standards are met before delivery.
• Documentation and Reporting: Maintain accurate records of inspections, test results, and quality findings. Prepare and present reports on quality performance, nonconformances, and corrective/preventive actions.
• Compliance and Standards: Ensure compliance with regulatory and military standards, customer specifications, ISO 9001, and internal company policies. Stay current on evolving regulatory requirements and shipyard quality practices.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner with engineering, production, and program teams to resolve quality issues, provide technical support, and contribute to process and design improvements that enhance vessel reliability and safety.
• Training and Mentorship: Support training of shipyard personnel and inspectors on quality requirements, standards, and proper use of inspection tools, processes, and documentation systems.

Qualifications:

• Education: Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering, Naval Architecture, Marine Engineering, or a related technical field. Advanced degrees or certifications in quality engineering, welding inspection, or maritime standards (e.g., AWS, ASQ, NDT Level II/III) are a plus.
• Experience: 3–5 years of experience in quality engineering, quality assurance, or related roles within shipbuilding, defense, or complex manufacturing environments. Experience working with ABS, US Navy, and maritime compliance standards is highly desirable.
• Technical Skills: Strong understanding of shipyard fabrication processes (welding, hull construction, outfitting, electrical/electronic integration). Proficiency in inspection tools, measurement techniques, and software for data collection, analysis, and reporting. Familiarity with ISO 9001 and defense/maritime quality standards is preferred.
• Problem-Solving: Strong analytical and troubleshooting skills with the ability to identify root causes and drive corrective/preventive actions in a fast-paced production environment.
• Communication: Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to interact effectively with shipyard personnel, engineering teams, and external regulatory bodies.
• Attention to Detail: High attention to detail with commitment to delivering products that meet strict naval, customer, and regulatory requirements.

Physical Requirements

• Mobility and Movement: Ability to stand and walk for extended periods (e.g., 4–8 hours/day), climb stairs or ladders occasionally (if accessing elevated workspaces), bend, stoop, kneel, or crouch as needed during inspections or audits
• Manual Dexterity: Ability to manipulate small parts and tools during product inspections. Ability to use precision measuring instruments (e.g., calipers, micrometers)
• Lifting and Carrying: Ability to lift and carry up to 25–50 pounds occasionally (e.g., sample materials, equipment). Ability to push or pull carts or equipment as needed
• Visual and Auditory Requirements: Must have strong visual acuity (close vision, color vision, depth perception) to inspect products and read technical documents. Ability to detect subtle differences in materials, surface finish, or defects. Adequate hearing ability to respond to alarms, machine sounds, or communicate in noisy environments
• Environmental Conditions: Ability to work in manufacturing, warehouse, or cleanroom environments (may include exposure to dust, noise, or temperature variations). May require wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) such as gloves, safety glasses, ear protection, or lab coats
• Technology Use: Comfortable working at a computer workstation for extended periods (for report writing, data analysis, and documentation)

Benefits

• Medical Insurance: Comprehensive health insurance plans covering a range of services
• Dental and Vision Insurance: Coverage for routine dental check-ups, orthodontics, and vision care
• Saronic pays 100% of the premium for employees and 80% for dependents
• Time Off: Generous PTO and Holidays
• Parental Leave: Paid maternity and paternity leave to support new parents
• Competitive Salary: Industry-standard salaries with opportunities for performance-based bonuses
• Retirement Plan: 401(k) plan
• Stock Options: Equity options to give employees a stake in the company’s success
• Life and Disability Insurance: Basic life insurance and short- and long-term disability coverage
• Additional Perks: Free lunch benefit and unlimited free drinks and snacks in the office