Naval Engineer

JobsCloseBy Editorial Insights

J.D. Irving, Limited is hiring a seasoned Naval Architect to join the Hull Engineering team in Dartmouth for full-time onsite work on Royal Canadian Navy and Canadian Coast Guard vessels. The role provides technical oversight across all design and construction phases, leads launches, dockings and performance trials, originates complex deliverables and statements of work for subcontractors, reviews technical products, develops processes, mitigates risks, drives continuous improvement, and mentors junior engineers. Requirements include advanced education in Naval Architecture or Marine Engineering, proven ship design and construction experience, strong leadership and communication skills, and the ability to work independently. Note CGP, Canadian government security clearance and ITAR are mandatory; full-time in-office; accommodations available. Even if you don’t meet every criterion, apply with a focus on relevant wins and mentoring impact.

Are you a seasoned Naval Architect with a passion for complex marine systems and a drive to shape the future of Canada’s maritime fleet? We’re looking for a Naval Architect to join our Hull Engineering team and play a pivotal role in the design, construction, and delivery of Royal Canadian Navy and Canadian Coast Guard vessels.

This is your opportunity to contribute to national shipbuilding programs, lead critical engineering milestones, and mentor the next generation of marine engineers—all while working on some of the most advanced vessels in the country.

• Provide expert technical oversight and support across all phases of ship design and construction
• Lead engineering efforts during ship launch, dockings, inclining experiments, and performance trials.
• Originate complex engineering deliverables and statements of work for subcontractors.
• Review and approve technical products from internal teams and external stakeholders.
• Develop and document engineering processes and procedures.
• Identify and mitigate risks within your discipline.
• Champion continuous improvement initiatives.
• Mentor junior engineers and foster a culture of knowledge sharing and technical excellence.

• Advanced education in Naval Architecture or Marine Engineering.
• Proven experience in ship design and construction—preferably in naval or commercial shipbuilding.
• Deep understanding of complex marine mechanical systems.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Strong leadership and communication skills.
• A passion for mentoring and developing engineering talent.

Due to the nature of work Irving Shipbuilding does, all successful applicants must meet requirements for the Canadian Controlled Goods Program (CGP), Canadian Government Security clearance, and U.S. International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR).

Please note this position requires a full-time, in-office presence.

Founded in 1882, J.D. Irving, Limited (JDI) operates in Eastern Canada (New-Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, Québec, Ontario, Newfoundland and Labrador), as well as in USA. We are a team of 20,000 dedicated employees.  At J.D. Irving, Limited, you are part of a dynamic team of professionals who lead with integrity and are passionate about delivering results. With a culture that nurtures talent and creates an inclusive workplace, you can grow your career across our various operating divisions.

We are committed to creating accessible environments for our colleagues, candidates, and customers. Requests for accommodation due to a disability (which may be visible or invisible, temporary, or permanent) can be made at any stage of application and employment. We encourage candidates to make their accommodation needs known so that we can provide equitable opportunities.

Worried you do not meet all the requirements? Studies have shown that many applicants apply only to job opportunities when they feel they meet 100% of the criteria. We promote an inclusive environment where everyone is appreciated, recognized, and empowered to contribute fully. If you are interested in this position but are worried you did not meet all the requirements, we would encourage you to still apply.

Our recruitment advisors and hiring teams will utilize human screening combined with AI technology to help identify the skills and qualities that matter most to our business, while safeguarding your privacy and using AI responsibly.

We appreciate your interest in our company however only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.