Marine Design Manager

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Marine Design Manager

Company: LED FastStart (Saronic)

Location: New Orleans, Louisiana, United States

Job Type: FULL_TIME

Category: Engineering Management / Marine Design

Date Posted: 2026-07-31

Experience Level: 10+ years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead and manage a high-performing team of marine designers and drafters focused on the development of autonomous surface vessels.

• Drive the creation and enforcement of technical standards, best practices, and rigorous quality control for all marine design documentation.

• Foster strong cross-functional partnerships with naval architects, marine engineers, and other engineering disciplines to ensure seamless vessel design implementation.

• Oversee the complete lifecycle of new vessel construction documentation, from initial design drawings to accurate as-built records, ensuring adherence to maritime regulations.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is critical for a company involved in defense innovation, specifically in autonomous surface vessel development. The "U.S. Person" requirement strongly suggests a need for individuals who can access export-controlled technology, a common stipulation in defense and aerospace sectors. The emphasis on leadership, technical standards, and cross-functional collaboration positions this as a senior management role within the design and engineering function.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Team Leadership & Management: Lead, mentor, and develop a team of marine designers and drafters, fostering professional growth in CAD modeling and ship design best practices to enhance overall team capability.

• Design Standards & Quality Assurance: Own the development, implementation, and enforcement of drawing standards, technical specifications, and best practices across the entire design organization to ensure consistency and quality.

• Cross-functional Collaboration: Actively partner with naval architects, mechanical engineers, electrical engineers, structural engineers, and piping designers to drive the successful implementation of new vessel designs from concept to production.

• Documentation Oversight: Manage the creation and maintenance of all new vessel construction documentation, including detailed ship construction drawings, assembly instructions, and precise as-built records.

• Regulatory Compliance: Ensure all design documentation and processes adhere to relevant maritime regulatory requirements, classification society standards (e.g., ABS, DNV, LR), and industry best practices.

• Production Interface: Coordinate closely with production and build engineering teams to manage design-to-build handoffs, troubleshoot technical issues, and ensure efficient integration of designs into manufacturing processes.

• Process Improvement: Champion and drive continuous improvement initiatives within the design department, focusing on optimizing design processes, evaluating and implementing new tooling, and refining team workflows for greater efficiency and effectiveness.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of people management, technical oversight, and process optimization, common for a manager in a specialized engineering field like marine design. The emphasis on "autonomous surface vessel development" and "defense innovation" suggests a forward-looking and potentially rapid development environment.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in Naval Architecture, Drafting, Engineering Technology, or a closely related technical field is preferred.

• An Associate degree will be considered if accompanied by extensive, relevant professional experience in marine design and drafting.

• Technical certifications in relevant CAD software or marine design disciplines will also be valued. Experience:

• A minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in CAD drafting and marine industry design is required.

• A proven track record of at least 3 years in a management or team leadership role, specifically overseeing marine designers or a similar technical drafting team. Required Skills:

• Marine Design Expertise: Strong expertise across key vessel design disciplines, including general arrangement, mechanical systems, electrical systems, structural integrity, and piping design.

• CAD Software Proficiency: Demonstrated mastery of industry-standard 2D and 3D CAD software, with specific proficiency required in NX, ShipConstructor, AutoCAD, and Rhino.

• Maritime Regulations & Construction: Deep knowledge of maritime regulatory requirements, classification society standards (ABS, DNV, LR), construction tolerances, and vessel construction processes.

• Team Leadership & Development: Proven ability to lead, mentor, and develop technical teams, fostering skill enhancement in CAD, design principles, and project execution.

• Cross-functional Collaboration: Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, enabling effective collaboration with diverse engineering disciplines, production teams, and external stakeholders.

• Technical Drawing & Documentation: Expertise in creating and managing detailed technical drawings, production support documentation, and as-built records for complex marine projects.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with autonomous surface vessel (ASV) design principles and technologies.

• Familiarity with defense contracting environments and associated compliance requirements.

• Experience managing drawing submittals and approvals with major classification societies (ABS, DNV, LR).

• Background in process improvement methodologies (e.g., Lean, Six Sigma) applied to design workflows.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for specific CAD software (NX, ShipConstructor, AutoCAD, Rhino) is crucial. Candidates should be prepared to demonstrate their proficiency and experience with these tools, potentially through portfolio examples or technical assessments. The emphasis on regulatory compliance and classification societies signifies the critical nature of accuracy and adherence to industry standards in marine engineering.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Design Documentation: Showcase examples of comprehensive 2D and 3D CAD models, detailed technical drawings, and schematics for marine vessels or complex mechanical systems.

• Process Improvement Case Studies: Present at least one detailed case study illustrating a significant improvement implemented in a design workflow or process, quantifying the impact on efficiency, cost, or quality.

• System Implementation Examples: Include evidence of experience with implementing or managing design software and tools, demonstrating an understanding of their integration into broader engineering workflows.

• Regulatory Compliance Documentation: Provide examples of design documentation that successfully met specific maritime regulatory or classification society standards, highlighting the process of ensuring compliance.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Design & Optimization: Demonstrate experience in mapping, analyzing, and optimizing design workflows, from initial concept generation through to final design release and production handoff.

• Implementation & Automation: Showcase methods used for implementing new design tools, standards, or automation techniques within a design team to enhance productivity and reduce errors.

• Measurement & Analysis: Provide examples of how design processes were measured for performance, including the metrics used and the analysis conducted to drive further improvements and report on team effectiveness.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a management role in design, the portfolio should not only showcase technical output but also leadership in process improvement and team development. Candidates should be ready to articulate their role in implementing and managing design systems and processes, emphasizing their strategic contribution to operational efficiency and quality.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

New Orleans, Louisiana, offers a competitive market for experienced engineering management roles. Based on industry benchmarks for a Marine Design Manager with 10+ years of experience, including 3+ years in leadership, within the defense and marine sectors, the estimated salary range is $130,000 - $170,000 annually. This estimate accounts for the specialized skills, leadership responsibilities, and the strategic importance of this role in autonomous vessel development.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive Health Insurance: Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance plans with Saronic covering 100% of employee premiums and 80% for dependents.

• Generous Time Off: Ample Paid Time Off (PTO) and paid Holidays.

• Parental Leave: Paid maternity and paternity leave to support new parents.

• Retirement Savings: 401(k) plan with a company match to support long-term financial planning.

• Equity Ownership: Stock options offering employees a stake in the company's success.

• Life and Disability Coverage: Basic life insurance and short-term/long-term disability insurance.

• Additional Perks:

  • Pet Insurance: Discounted options and a 24/7 Telehealth helpline for pets.

  • Office Amenities: Free lunch benefit, unlimited free drinks, and snacks provided in the office. Working Hours:

• The standard full-time workweek is typically 40 hours.

• While on-site, there may be some flexibility in daily start/end times, subject to team coordination and project demands, allowing for efficient workflow management.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is an estimate based on typical compensation for similar roles in New Orleans and the specified experience level. The benefits package is exceptionally strong, particularly the 100% premium coverage for employees and 80% for dependents, which is a significant financial advantage. The stock options indicate a growth-oriented company culture.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Defense Technology / Autonomous Systems / Marine Engineering. Saronic operates at the intersection of advanced marine engineering and cutting-edge autonomous technology, focusing on defense applications. This context implies a high-stakes environment demanding precision, innovation, and strict adherence to quality and security standards.

Company Size: LED FastStart is a program designed to attract and retain businesses in Louisiana, indicating Saronic is a company operating within or benefiting from this initiative. While specific company size isn't provided, the focus on advanced technology and defense suggests a growing, potentially mid-sized to large enterprise with significant R&D investment.

Founded: The founding date isn't explicitly stated, but the involvement in developing autonomous surface vessels implies a relatively modern and technologically advanced company.

Team Structure:

• Design Department: This role leads the Marine Design team, comprising experienced designers and drafters.

• Cross-functional Integration: The team collaborates closely with Naval Architecture, Mechanical, Electrical, Structural, and Piping Engineering departments.

• Reporting: The Marine Design Manager likely reports to a Director of Engineering or VP of Engineering, with direct oversight over the design team's output and performance.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Design: Emphasis on leveraging data and engineering principles for robust vessel design.

• Agile Development Principles: Likely incorporates iterative design processes and rapid prototyping, common in autonomous systems development.

• Process Standardization: Focus on defining and enforcing clear design standards and workflows to ensure consistency and quality, especially critical for defense applications and regulatory compliance.

Company Website: https://opportunities.ledfaststart.com/global/en (Note: This links to the LED FastStart portal, the direct Saronic company website may vary but is likely focused on their autonomous vessel technology.)

📝 Enhancement Note: The "LED FastStart" affiliation points to a company that has received or is receiving support for establishing or expanding operations in Louisiana, highlighting a growth trajectory and commitment to the region. The focus on defense innovation and autonomous systems suggests a culture that values technical expertise, security, and forward-thinking solutions.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role represents a senior management position within the engineering and design function. It requires not only deep technical expertise in marine design but also strong leadership capabilities to manage a specialized team, influence cross-functional strategies, and drive process improvements. The scope includes direct impact on product development timelines, quality, and regulatory adherence.

Reporting Structure: The Marine Design Manager will oversee a team of designers and drafters and will report to higher levels of engineering leadership, likely a Director or VP of Engineering. This position acts as a key liaison between the design team and other engineering disciplines, as well as production.

Operations Impact: The role's impact is substantial, directly influencing the quality, accuracy, and timeliness of vessel designs, which are foundational to the company's autonomous surface vessel development. Effective management here ensures regulatory compliance, efficient production handoffs, and ultimately, the successful deployment of advanced marine technology.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Advancement: Potential to move into Director-level roles within Engineering or Operations, managing larger departments or multiple engineering disciplines.

• Technical Specialization: Opportunity to become a subject matter expert in advanced marine design, autonomous systems integration, or defense contracting compliance.

• Process Engineering Focus: Develop expertise in optimizing engineering and design workflows for complex, high-tech products, potentially leading to roles in operations strategy or continuous improvement.

• Cross-functional Leadership: Gain broader experience by collaborating on strategic initiatives across R&D, production, and business development.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on autonomous surface vessels and defense innovation suggests a company at the forefront of its field, offering opportunities to work with cutting-edge technology and contribute to significant projects. Growth will likely involve expanding leadership scope and deepening expertise in specialized marine and systems engineering.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is on-site in New Orleans, Louisiana, indicating a professional office environment. Given the industry and technology focus, it's likely a modern facility equipped for engineering and design work, potentially including collaborative spaces and access to relevant technical resources.

Office Location(s): New Orleans, Louisiana. This location is known for its maritime industry, providing a relevant ecosystem for marine design and engineering firms.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: Expect a workspace that encourages interaction between designers, engineers, and potentially production liaisons to facilitate problem-solving and design reviews.

• Tools & Technology: Access to high-performance workstations, advanced CAD software (NX, ShipConstructor, AutoCAD, Rhino), and potentially simulation or visualization tools.

• Team Interaction: Opportunities for regular team meetings, design reviews, and cross-functional project discussions, fostering a dynamic and engaged work atmosphere.

Work Schedule:

• Standard full-time hours (approximately 40 per week) are expected.

• While the role is on-site, there might be some flexibility in daily scheduling to accommodate personal needs, provided it aligns with team collaboration and project deadlines. The focus on defense innovation could also lead to periods of intense work to meet project milestones.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "on-site" requirement is critical. Candidates should be prepared for a traditional office-based role, with potential for occasional site visits to production facilities or shipyards. The New Orleans location offers a rich maritime heritage, which can be a positive aspect for those in the marine industry.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and application to assess alignment with core requirements, particularly experience in marine design, leadership, and CAD proficiency.

• Technical Interview: Likely involves in-depth discussions about your experience with specific CAD software (NX, ShipConstructor, AutoCAD, Rhino), vessel design principles, regulatory compliance, and team management strategies. You may be asked to walk through specific design challenges you've overcome.

• Portfolio Review: A dedicated session where you present selected projects from your portfolio. Focus on demonstrating your leadership in design processes, problem-solving, and quantifiable achievements. Be prepared to discuss your role, the challenges faced, solutions implemented, and the impact of your work.

• Managerial/Behavioral Interview: Assessment of leadership style, team development approach, conflict resolution skills, and ability to collaborate cross-functionally. Questions will likely focus on how you motivate teams, manage performance, and drive continuous improvement.

• Final Round/Executive Interview: May involve senior leadership to assess cultural fit, strategic alignment, and overall suitability for the role within the company's long-term vision.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 2-3 key projects that best showcase your leadership in marine design, team management, and process optimization. Prioritize projects demonstrating impact on defense or autonomous vessel development if possible.

• Structure Your Narrative: For each project, clearly articulate the problem statement, your role and responsibilities, the solutions you implemented (highlighting technical and leadership contributions), the tools and processes used, and the measurable outcomes (e.g., efficiency gains, cost savings, quality improvements, successful regulatory approval).

• Quantify Achievements: Use data and metrics wherever possible to demonstrate the impact of your work. For example, "Reduced design iteration time by X%," "Achieved Y% reduction in production errors attributed to design," or "Successfully managed a team of Z designers to deliver X projects on time."

• Highlight Leadership: Emphasize your role in mentoring team members, developing standards, improving workflows, and fostering collaboration.

• Prepare for Technical Deep Dives: Be ready to answer detailed questions about the technical aspects of your projects, including CAD software usage, design methodologies, and problem-solving approaches.

Challenge Preparation:

• Process Improvement Scenario: You might be presented with a hypothetical design process challenge or asked to outline how you would improve a specific workflow (e.g., from concept to production handoff). Prepare to discuss your systematic approach, potential bottlenecks, and how you'd leverage data and team input.

• Team Management Scenario: Be ready to discuss how you would handle common team management situations, such as underperformance, inter-team conflict, or motivating a team through challenging projects.

• Technical Problem-Solving: Prepare to discuss complex technical challenges you've faced in marine design and how you approached solving them, including collaboration with other engineering disciplines.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on a portfolio review means candidates should proactively prepare detailed case studies that not only showcase technical skills but also leadership, problem-solving, and process improvement capabilities. Demonstrating the ability to manage technical teams and drive efficiency will be key.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• CAD Software:

  • NX: Advanced CAD/CAM/CAE software, likely used for complex 3D modeling, assembly design, and potentially simulation. Proficiency is a must.
  • ShipConstructor: Specialized shipbuilding CAD software, crucial for detailed hull design, outfitting, and integration of various systems within a vessel.
  • AutoCAD: Widely used 2D drafting software, essential for layout, schematics, and general drafting tasks.
  • Rhino: Versatile 3D modeling software, often used for complex surface modeling and conceptual design.

• Design Management Tools: Potentially PDM (Product Data Management) or PLM (Product Lifecycle Management) systems for managing design data, revisions, and workflows.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Internal Reporting Tools: Likely use internal dashboards or BI tools for tracking team performance, project progress, and design metrics.

• Spreadsheet Software: Advanced proficiency in Excel or similar for data analysis, reporting, and process modeling.

CRM & Automation:

• While not a direct sales/marketing role, understanding how design data integrates with broader company systems (e.g., ERP, project management software) is beneficial.

• Automation within the design process might involve scripting or utilizing features within CAD software to streamline repetitive tasks.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in NX and ShipConstructor is a strong indicator of the company's focus on detailed, professional shipbuilding design. Candidates should be prepared to discuss their specific experience and depth of knowledge with these tools, including any advanced features or customization they have utilized.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Technical Excellence: A strong commitment to high-quality, precise, and innovative marine design.

• Collaboration: Emphasis on teamwork and effective communication across diverse engineering disciplines and with production.

• Integrity & Compliance: Adherence to strict regulatory standards, safety protocols, and ethical practices, especially critical in defense and maritime sectors.

• Continuous Improvement: A drive to constantly refine processes, adopt new technologies, and enhance team performance.

• Accountability: Taking ownership of design outcomes, project timelines, and team responsibilities.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: The role necessitates proactive engagement with engineering teams (Naval Architecture, Mechanical, Electrical, Structural, Piping) to ensure designs are holistic and feasible.

• Design Review Culture: Expect regular design review meetings where team members and stakeholders provide feedback to ensure design integrity and alignment with project goals.

• Knowledge Sharing: An environment that encourages sharing best practices, lessons learned, and technical insights among team members and across departments.

📝 Enhancement Note: The values suggest a culture that is technically rigorous, team-oriented, and safety-conscious. Candidates who can demonstrate a collaborative spirit and a commitment to quality and continuous improvement will likely be a good fit.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Rapid Technological Advancement: Keeping pace with evolving autonomous systems technology and integrating new design approaches.

• Complex Regulatory Landscape: Navigating and ensuring compliance with diverse and evolving maritime regulations and classification society requirements.

• Cross-Disciplinary Coordination: Effectively managing design dependencies and communication across multiple specialized engineering teams.

• Talent Development: Attracting, retaining, and developing skilled marine designers in a competitive market.

• Defense Sector Demands: Meeting stringent security requirements and project timelines often associated with defense contracts.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced CAD/Design Software Training: Opportunities to deepen expertise in NX, ShipConstructor, or explore new design technologies.

• Specialized Marine/Autonomous Systems Courses: Access to training in advanced naval architecture, autonomous navigation systems, or related fields.

• Leadership & Management Development Programs: Training focused on enhancing team leadership, project management, and strategic decision-making skills.

• Industry Conferences & Certifications: Support for attending relevant conferences and obtaining professional certifications in marine engineering or design management.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges highlight the dynamic and demanding nature of the role, requiring continuous learning and adaptability. The growth opportunities are substantial, offering pathways for both technical and leadership advancement within a cutting-edge industry.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your approach to managing and motivating a team of technical designers. How do you foster professional development and ensure high performance?" (Focus on leadership philosophy, mentorship, performance management.)

• "Walk me through a complex marine design project where you encountered significant technical challenges. What was your role, how did you overcome them, and what was the outcome?" (Prepare a specific, detailed case study for your portfolio.)

• "How do you ensure adherence to design standards and regulatory compliance within a team? Provide an example of a process you implemented to improve quality." (Highlight your process-oriented thinking and commitment to standards.)

• "Describe your experience with NX and ShipConstructor. What are their strengths and weaknesses, and how have you leveraged them for complex marine designs?" (Be ready for technical deep dives.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about Saronic and our work in autonomous surface vessels? Why are you interested in this specific role and our company?" (Research the company's mission, projects, and recent news.)

• "How would you foster collaboration between the design team and other engineering disciplines (e.g., naval architecture, electrical, structural)?" (Emphasize communication strategies and proactive engagement.)

• "What are your expectations regarding work-life balance, and how do you manage demanding project timelines?" (Be honest about your capabilities and approach to managing pressure.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Select Impactful Projects: Choose 2-3 projects that best represent your leadership in design, process improvement, and team management. Ensure they align with the job description's focus on marine design and potentially autonomous systems.

• Structure for Clarity: For each project, use a STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) or similar framework. Clearly define the problem, your specific responsibilities, the actions you took (technical solutions, leadership strategies), and the quantifiable results achieved.

• Highlight Your Role: Emphasize your contributions as a manager and leader, not just a technical contributor. Discuss how you guided the team, improved processes, or resolved conflicts.

• Demonstrate Technical Depth: Be prepared to discuss the technical aspects of your projects, including the CAD tools used, design considerations, and any complex engineering challenges.

• Practice Your Pitch: Rehearse your presentation to ensure it's concise, engaging, and within the allotted time. Anticipate questions and prepare thoughtful answers.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will likely be rigorous, blending technical assessment with leadership evaluation. Candidates should prepare to articulate their management style, technical expertise, and problem-solving capabilities using concrete examples from their experience and portfolio.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the provided application link on the LED FastStart portal.

• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your extensive experience in marine design, team leadership, and specific CAD software proficiency (NX, ShipConstructor, AutoCAD, Rhino). Clearly articulate your experience with regulatory compliance and complex vessel construction documentation.

• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume effectively uses keywords from the job description, such as "Marine Design Manager," "Autonomous Surface Vessel," "Naval Architecture," "CAD," "NX," "ShipConstructor," "Regulatory Compliance," and "Team Leadership." Quantify achievements wherever possible.

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your leadership philosophy, technical expertise, and problem-solving skills using the STAR method. Prepare a concise and impactful presentation of your portfolio, focusing on relevant case studies that demonstrate process improvement and team management.

• Company Research: Thoroughly research Saronic and their work in autonomous surface vessels. Understand their mission, technological focus, and any recent company news. Prepare thoughtful questions about the role, team, and company culture to demonstrate your engagement.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.