Principal Naval Architect / Marine Engineer

Allen Marine Inc is seeking a senior Principal Naval Architect / Marine Engineer to provide advanced naval architecture and marine engineering leadership across the company’s vessel fleet and shipyard or shore-side infrastructure projects. Based onsite in Sitka, AK, the role serves as an independent technical authority across the full project lifecycle, with periodic travel primarily throughout Southeast Alaska.

The position focuses on developing, reviewing, and approving complex engineering solutions, supporting construction and field execution, and translating operational needs into practical designs that support safety, compliance, and long-term records.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the development, technical review, and approval of vessel designs, modifications, repairs, conversions, and structural improvements.
• Prepare, review, approve, and, when required and legally authorized, seal engineering drawings, plans, specifications, calculations, and technical documentation.
• Perform or coordinate naval architectural analysis, including stability, weight, hydrostatics, buoyancy, trim, structural modifications, and machinery arrangements.
• Evaluate vessel modifications for structural integrity, stability, operational suitability, maintainability, and regulatory compliance.
• Conduct field inspections and measurements aboard vessels and incorporate existing conditions into engineering designs.
• Support vessel construction, repair, refit, conversion, and maintenance projects.
• Provide senior-level engineering judgment and practical solutions to complex problems identified by vessel crews, mechanics, welders, shipyard personnel, Project Managers, and leadership.
• Lead technical review of contractor, consultant, and vendor drawings, calculations, specifications, equipment selections, and technical submittals.
• Provide engineering and design support for docks, ramps, gangways, platforms, and other marine infrastructure.
• Design or modify structural components associated with docks, ramps, and shore-side facilities.
• Evaluate existing structures and develop repair, modification, or replacement solutions.
• Develop plans and specifications for shop-fabricated and field-installed structures.
• Perform field measurements and inspections for facilities and marine infrastructure projects.
• Assist with engineering requirements, permitting, and coordination with contractors, surveyors, architects, structural/civil engineers, and regulatory agencies.
• Translate operational and business needs into technically sound, practical, and cost-conscious engineering solutions, and provide technical direction on complex or high-risk projects.
• Assist Project Managers with technical scopes, estimates, material requirements, schedules, and project planning.
• Provide engineering support during construction and resolve field conditions or design conflicts.
• Inspect completed work and verify conformity with drawings, specifications, and engineering requirements.
• Assist with commissioning, testing, inspections, and acceptance of completed projects.
• Maintain accurate engineering drawings, calculations, revisions, and technical records.
• Lead root-cause investigation of significant engineering problems and develop corrective actions, risk-reduction measures, and long-term solutions.
• Communicate complex technical requirements and engineering recommendations clearly to Project Managers, foremen, trades personnel, contractors, regulators, and senior management.
• Ensure engineering work considers applicable U.S. Coast Guard requirements, classification standards, building codes, ASTM standards, and other relevant regulations and engineering practices.
• Assist with documentation required for regulatory inspections and approvals.
• Serve as a senior engineering representative in coordination with the U.S. Coast Guard, classification societies, permitting authorities, and other regulatory agencies when technical support is required.
• Identify regulatory, permitting, certification, and engineering approval requirements early in project planning and advise leadership and Project Managers on technical risk and compliance strategy.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Naval Architecture, Marine Engineering, Ocean Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Civil Engineering, or a closely related engineering discipline.
• Active Professional Engineer (PE) license in good standing is required.
• Must be able and willing to obtain engineering licensure by comity in Alaska and other jurisdictions as required by project needs.
• Minimum of 10 years of progressively responsible professional engineering experience in naval architecture, marine engineering, structural engineering, marine construction, or a closely related field, including demonstrated responsibility for complex engineering projects.
• Strong understanding of vessel structures, marine systems, stability, and marine construction.
• Ability to read and produce engineering drawings and technical documentation.
• Proficiency with CAD software such as AutoCAD, Rhino, SolidWorks, or equivalent.
• Strong analytical, mathematical, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to conduct field measurements and inspections and translate field conditions into practical engineering solutions.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and effectively with Project Managers, shipyard personnel, vessel crews, contractors, and regulatory agencies.
• Valid U.S. driver’s license and a clean driving record.

Technologies

• AutoCAD
• Rhino
• SolidWorks

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with commercial, passenger, or workboat vessels.
• Experience with aluminum and/or steel vessel construction.
• Experience with vessel stability calculations and U.S. Coast Guard regulatory requirements.
• Experience with structural analysis, FEA, or marine structural design.
• Experience designing docks, ramps, gangways, platforms, or other marine infrastructure.
• Experience working in a shipyard, vessel operating environment, or marine construction.
• Experience with Rhino Marine, Orca3D, SolidWorks, AutoCAD, or similar engineering software.
• Experience working effectively in a remote environment while supporting geographically dispersed operational and project teams.
• Experience establishing engineering standards, design criteria, technical review processes, and documentation practices.
• Experience mentoring engineers, designers, technical staff, or project teams without requiring direct supervisory responsibility.
• Demonstrated experience serving as engineer of record, technical lead, or principal engineer on complex marine or vessel projects.

Performance Expectations

• Senior-level engineering judgment resulting in accurate, practical, defensible, and timely engineering solutions.
• Reduction of engineering-related risk, rework, project delays, and recurring technical issues through early technical leadership and review.
• High-quality engineering drawings, calculations, specifications, design criteria, and technical reviews suitable for construction, regulatory review, and long-term recordkeeping.
• Effective technical support of vessels, shipyard, facility, and marine infrastructure projects.
• Early identification and resolution of engineering issues.
• Accurate and current engineering documentation.
• Engineering solutions that balance safety, compliance, cost, schedule, maintainability, and operational requirements.

Traits and Characteristics

• Embrace Traditional Alaska Native cultural values, including humility and pride, respect for all people (including oneself), respect for nature, humor, patience, strength, and holding each other up.
• Follow Core Values including Safety First, World-Class Employment, World-Class Guest Services, Collaborative Professionalism, Community Collaboration, Sustainability at our core, Curiosity & Innovation, and Integrity-Driven Decisions.
• Respect and celebrate Alaska Native heritage through intergenerational connections, family values, and contributions to community cultural richness.

Work Environment and Physical Demands

• Work is primarily performed remotely, with periodic work aboard vessels and at shipyards, docks, facilities, and other marine or industrial locations.
• Travel is required to Allen Marine facilities, vessels, shipyards, and operating locations, primarily in Southeast Alaska, with additional travel as project needs require.
• Work may involve exposure to machinery, welding and fabrication operations, heavy equipment, noise, weather, and other industrial conditions.
• Must have sufficient clarity of speech and hearing (or other communication capabilities) for effective communication.
• Must have sufficient vision or observation capability to use a computer screen and process numeric data.
• Must have sufficient manual dexterity to operate a computer keyboard and access files.
• Must be able to move about in an office environment with sufficient personal mobility and physical reflexes.
• Ability to walk on uneven deck surfaces, crossing from vessel to vessel.
• Must be capable of working aboard vessels and marine structures, climbing ladders, accessing confined or difficult-to-reach areas, and wearing required personal protective equipment.
• Must be able to work independently in a remote environment, maintain reliable communication and connectivity, manage priorities across multiple projects, and remain responsive across Alaska time zones and project schedules.

Allen Marine, Inc. and Affiliated Companies require adherence to the United States Coast Guard Consortium Drug & Alcohol Policies & Procedures.