Marine Product Designer Engineer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Marine Product Designer Engineer

Company: BLUE OPS INC

Location: Valdosta, Georgia, USA

Job Type: OTHER

Category: Engineering & Design Operations

Date Posted: September 15, 2026

Experience Level: Mid-Level (2-5 years)

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Drive the design and development of Uncrewed Surface Vessels (USVs) from concept to production, focusing on practical, manufacturable marine hardware.

• Apply advanced engineering and marine design principles to create detailed 3D CAD models and production drawings using Rhino and SolidWorks.

• Integrate critical vessel systems, including propulsion, fuel, electrical, and mission payloads, ensuring seamless functionality and reliability.

• Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams (PD engineering, manufacturing, integration, operations) to optimize designs for production and field performance.

• Maintain comprehensive engineering documentation, including Bills of Materials (BOMs), and support prototype fabrication and testing.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the job title is "Marine Product Designer Engineer" and the description leans heavily into design and engineering, the context of "operations teams" and "production-ready hardware" indicates a strong need for someone who understands the practicalities of manufacturing and ongoing operations. This role bridges design with manufacturing and operational readiness, common in GTM (Go-to-Market) or product operations contexts where design feasibility directly impacts scalability and market success.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Develop detailed 3D CAD models and production drawings for USV platforms and integrated marine systems, with a strong emphasis on Rhino and SolidWorks proficiency.

• Design composite parts, considering composite tooling design and Design for Manufacturability (DFM) principles to ensure efficient production.

• Create comprehensive vessel general arrangements, machinery layouts, structural layouts, and detailed equipment installation plans.

• Integrate propulsion systems, fuel systems, steering components, electrical equipment, sensors, antennas, communications equipment, and mission payloads into vessel designs.

• Collaborate with autonomy, electrical, mechanical, and systems engineers to ensure seamless integration of advanced technologies into practical marine platforms.

• Produce and maintain accurate Bills of Materials (BOMs) and all necessary engineering documentation for production and compliance.

• Support prototype fabrication by resolving design-related issues directly with composite technicians, welders, machinists, and assemblers on the production floor.

• Incorporate lessons learned from manufacturing processes and field testing into future design revisions to drive continuous improvement.

• Evaluate critical design parameters such as weight, center of gravity, equipment placement, accessibility, structural loading, and specific marine-environment requirements.

• Participate actively in design reviews, configuration control processes, drawing releases, and engineering change management to maintain design integrity.

• Work with suppliers and vendors to select appropriate marine components, hardware, and materials that meet design specifications and performance criteria.

• Support the rapid development of new USV variants and mission-specific configurations by adapting existing designs and creating new modules.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a hands-on approach, moving beyond pure CAD work to include direct interaction with manufacturing and testing. This implies a need for an operations-minded engineer who can translate design into tangible, scalable products, a key aspect of product operations within a GTM framework.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: A degree or technical background in Marine Design, Naval Architecture, Mechanical Engineering, Marine Engineering, Industrial Design, or Manufacturing Engineering is preferred.

Experience: 3+ years of experience in marine design, boatbuilding, naval architecture, mechanical design, or a closely related field.

Required Skills:

• Strong proficiency with Rhino and SolidWorks 3D CAD software, essential for detailed modeling and drawing creation.

• Proven experience in creating detailed manufacturing and fabrication drawings for complex assemblies.

• Practical understanding of Composite boat construction methods and materials.

• Solid understanding of marine machinery, vessel systems, and their integration requirements.

• Ability to design components that are efficient to fabricate, assemble, inspect, and service.

• Strong grasp of dimensional tolerancing, fasteners, materials selection, fabrication methods, and mechanical assembly principles.

• Demonstrated ability to independently manage a design from initial concept through to production readiness.

• Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills, critical for resolving design and manufacturing challenges.

• Comfort and adaptability in a fast-moving development and manufacturing environment.

• Willingness to work directly on vessels during prototype builds, integration, and testing phases.

• Proficient in Microsoft Office Product Suites (Excel, Word) for documentation and reporting. Preferred Skills:

• Experience with high-speed composite vessels, military or government vessels, or Uncrewed Surface Vessels (USVs).

• Background in small craft or patrol boat design.

• Expertise in naval architecture principles and applications.

• Knowledge of marine propulsion systems, including diesel engines and waterjet propulsion.

• Specific experience in fuel tank and fuel system design.

• Advanced understanding of composite structures and their design optimization.

• Familiarity with electrical and electronics integration for marine applications.

• Experience with sensors, radar, EO/IR, communications, and antenna installations.

• Exposure to autonomous vehicle systems and their integration.

• Experience with Design for CNC cutting and production assembly workflows.

• Proficiency with SolidWorks PDM or similar configuration management systems for engineering documentation.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "Design for Manufacturability," "prototype fabrication," and "incorporating lessons learned from manufacturing and field testing" strongly suggests this role operates within a product operations framework, where efficient production and operational success are paramount, not just initial design.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase a range of detailed 3D CAD models and production drawings created in Rhino and SolidWorks, demonstrating proficiency and attention to detail.

• Include case studies of composite part designs, highlighting considerations for tooling, manufacturability, and material selection.

• Present examples of vessel general arrangements, machinery layouts, and system integration plans, illustrating comprehensive design thinking.

• Demonstrate experience in developing Bills of Materials (BOMs) and other essential engineering documentation for production.

• Provide evidence of successful design problem-solving, particularly in resolving issues during prototype fabrication or testing phases. Process Documentation:

• Illustrate workflow design and optimization for product development cycles, from concept to production.

• Detail methods for implementing and automating design processes, especially concerning CAD modeling, drawing release, and change management.

• Showcase experience in measuring and analyzing the performance of designs post-production, including feedback loops for continuous improvement.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for a portfolio that includes "prototype fabrication" and "lessons learned from manufacturing and field testing" points to an expectation for candidates to demonstrate not just design skills but also an understanding of operationalizing designs and iterating based on real-world feedback. This aligns with product operations principles of bridging design, manufacturing, and market deployment.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on experience level and regional benchmarks for engineering roles in Valdosta, GA, a competitive salary range for a Mid-Level Marine Product Designer Engineer (2-5 years experience) would typically fall between $75,000 - $100,000 annually. This estimate accounts for the specialized nature of marine design and the required CAD proficiency.

Benefits:

• Competitive salary plus a generous annual equity package.

• Potential for performance-based bonuses.

• Health insurance (details not specified but standard for full-time roles).

• Paid time off (details not specified but standard for full-time roles).

• Opportunities for professional development and training in advanced marine technologies.

Working Hours: Standard full-time employment, approximately 40 hours per week, with potential for occasional off-hours or weekend work as needed for emergency responses or project deadlines.

📝 Enhancement Note: The provided compensation includes "annual equity package and potential bonuses," which are common in growth-oriented tech or manufacturing companies. These incentives often align employees with the company's long-term success and market performance, a typical characteristic of roles that contribute to Go-to-Market strategy and product lifecycle management.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Defense & Security, Maritime Technology, Robotics, Advanced Manufacturing. BLUE OPS INC is at the forefront of developing Uncrewed Surface Vessels (USVs) for critical defense, security, and multi-domain maritime operations. This industry demands innovation, precision, and reliability.

Company Size: The description implies a growing, agile company, likely in the startup or early-stage growth phase, given the focus on rapid development and hands-on roles. Company size is not explicitly stated but likely falls within the 50-200 employee range based on typical tech/manufacturing startup growth curves.

Founded: The company's founding date is not specified, but its mission to build the "next generation of Uncrewed Surface Vessels" suggests a modern, forward-thinking organization.

Team Structure:

• The Marine Designer will be part of a Product Development (PD) engineering team, working closely with manufacturing, integration, and operations teams.

• This role is described as "hands-on" and requires direct interaction with technicians, welders, machinists, and assemblers, indicating a collaborative, integrated team structure.

• Reporting likely goes up through an Engineering Manager or Head of Product Development. Methodology:

• Emphasis on rapid development, moving quickly from concept through detailed design, prototype fabrication, testing, and production.

• A strong focus on practical, production-ready hardware and understanding how boats are "actually built."

• Iterative design processes, incorporating lessons learned from manufacturing and field testing.

• Data-driven decision-making is implied through the evaluation of weight, center of gravity, and performance metrics.

Company Website: https://www.blueops.us/

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's focus on "next generation" technology and "rapid development" suggests a culture that values agility, innovation, and a results-oriented approach. For an operations professional, this means being adaptable, proactive, and comfortable with fast-paced environments where feedback loops are short and impact is measurable.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as a Mid-Level Engineer (2-5 years of experience). It requires independent judgment and accountability for technical decisions affecting vessel performance, manufacturability, and reliability. The scope extends from concept to production, indicating a significant level of responsibility.

Reporting Structure: The Marine Designer will report to a lead engineer or engineering manager within the Product Development (PD) team. They will work collaboratively with various functional teams, including manufacturing, integration, and operations, requiring strong cross-functional communication skills.

Operations Impact: The role directly impacts the company's ability to deliver production-ready USV platforms. Successful design execution means faster time-to-market, improved product quality, reduced manufacturing costs, and enhanced operational reliability for clients in demanding defense and security sectors. This directly contributes to the company's revenue and market position.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific areas like high-speed composite vessel design, advanced propulsion systems, or integration of autonomous technologies.

• Leadership: Progress into a Senior Marine Designer role, leading design projects, mentoring junior engineers, and contributing to strategic design decisions.

• Cross-functional Mobility: Transition into roles within manufacturing engineering, product management, or program management, leveraging a strong understanding of the product lifecycle from design to deployment.

• Technical Acumen: Develop advanced skills in naval architecture, composite engineering, or systems integration through ongoing projects and potential training.

📝 Enhancement Note: The growth potential here is significant for someone who can demonstrate not only design excellence but also an understanding of how design impacts downstream operational efficiency, manufacturing scalability, and overall product lifecycle management. This is a key differentiator for operations-focused roles.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role involves a hybrid work environment, combining time spent at a CAD workstation with significant time on the production floor, in vessel assembly areas, and potentially at dockside or on-water testing locations. It is explicitly stated that this is "not purely a desk-based CAD position."

Office Location(s): 601 Gil Harbin Industrial Blvd, Valdosta, GA 31601. This location is likely an industrial facility housing design offices, manufacturing bays, and testing areas.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: Expect close interaction with engineering, fabrication, assembly, and testing teams. The workspace is designed for hands-on collaboration and problem-solving.

• Tools & Technology: Access to advanced CAD workstations (Rhino, SolidWorks), potentially PDM systems, and other engineering software. Proximity to manufacturing equipment and vessel prototypes is a given.

• Team Interaction: Frequent opportunities to work directly with skilled tradespeople (technicians, welders, machinists) and fellow engineers, fostering a dynamic and practical work setting.

Work Schedule: A standard 40-hour work week is expected, but flexibility is required. Occasional off-hours or weekend work may be necessary to support critical project phases, prototype builds, integration, or field testing, especially for time-sensitive client deployments or emergency response scenarios.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "moving between the CAD workstation, production floor, vessel, and waterfront" underscores the operational aspect of this role. It requires an individual comfortable with diverse environments and direct engagement with the physical product and its creation process, a common trait for individuals excelling in roles that bridge engineering and operational execution.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of resume and portfolio to assess foundational skills in CAD, marine design, and composite construction.

• Technical Interview: In-depth discussion on design methodologies, CAD software proficiency (Rhino, SolidWorks), composite tooling, and marine system integration. Expect problem-solving scenarios related to design challenges.

• Hands-on Assessment/Case Study: Candidates may be asked to present a detailed portfolio review or tackle a design problem relevant to USV development. This will assess practical application of skills and ability to communicate technical concepts.

• Team/Cultural Fit Interview: Meetings with potential team members from engineering, manufacturing, and operations to evaluate collaboration style, problem-solving approach, and adaptability to a fast-paced, hands-on environment.

• Final Interview: Discussion with senior management to assess overall fit, career aspirations, and understanding of the company's mission and operational goals.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Showcase CAD Mastery: Clearly present detailed 3D models and production drawings from Rhino and SolidWorks. Highlight complex assemblies and precision in tolerancing.

• Demonstrate Practicality: Include examples of designs that emphasize Design for Manufacturability (DFM) and Design for Assembly (DFA). Explain how your designs facilitate efficient fabrication and integration.

• Highlight Problem-Solving: Present case studies of challenges encountered during design or prototyping phases and detail your solutions, emphasizing lessons learned and design improvements.

• Quantify Impact: If possible, include metrics related to weight savings, material efficiency, or production time reduction achieved through your design contributions.

• Tailor to USVs: Emphasize any experience or understanding relevant to Uncrewed Surface Vessels, composite construction, and marine systems integration.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared to discuss how you would approach designing a specific component for a USV, considering factors like weight, structural integrity, environmental resistance, and integration with other systems.

• Practice articulating your design process, from initial requirements gathering to final production drawings, highlighting trade-offs and decision-making rationale.

• Review common marine systems (propulsion, fuel, electrical) and be ready to discuss integration challenges and solutions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "practical, production-ready marine hardware" and "how boats are actually built" in the job description suggests that interviewers will be looking for candidates who can demonstrate an understanding of manufacturing constraints and operational realities, not just theoretical design. A portfolio that showcases this practical application will be highly valued.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• 3D CAD Software: Rhino and SolidWorks are paramount. Proficiency in creating complex models, detailed drawings, and assemblies is essential.

• Configuration Management: SolidWorks PDM or similar systems for managing engineering documentation, revisions, and change control.

• Design for Manufacturing (DFM) Tools: While not explicitly listed, understanding principles and potentially using associated software features within CAD packages for DFM analysis.

• Collaboration Tools: Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word) for documentation, reporting, and communication.

Analytics & Reporting:

• BOM Management: Proficiency in creating and managing detailed Bills of Materials (BOMs).

• Weight & CG Analysis: Tools or methods within CAD software to calculate weight, center of gravity, and material distribution.

• General Reporting: Microsoft Excel for data analysis, tracking, and reporting on design parameters.

CRM & Automation:

• PDM Systems: SolidWorks PDM (or similar) for managing engineering data and workflow automation related to design releases and changes.

• ERP/MRP Integration (Implied): While not stated, designs must be compatible with manufacturing resource planning systems, requiring accurate BOMs and drawings.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit mention of Rhino and SolidWorks, along with the need for BOMs and engineering documentation, highlights the core technical requirements. The role's hands-on nature implies that familiarity with tools used on the production floor (e.g., understanding CNC cutting, composite layup processes) is also beneficial.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Innovation & Agility: A drive to develop "next generation" technologies and move quickly from concept to production.

• Practicality & Production-Readiness: A strong emphasis on creating hardware that is not just functional but also practical to build, reliable in operation, and cost-effective.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: The role requires close partnership with diverse teams, valuing input and shared problem-solving across engineering, manufacturing, and operations.

• Hands-on Problem Solving: A willingness to get directly involved in fabrication, integration, and testing to resolve issues and ensure product success.

• Continuous Improvement: A commitment to learning from manufacturing and field experiences to refine designs and enhance product performance.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Expect to work closely with engineers from different disciplines (autonomy, electrical, mechanical, systems) and directly with production staff (technicians, welders, machinists).

• Feedback-Driven: Designs are subject to review and iteration based on feedback from manufacturing feasibility, assembly challenges, and field performance.

• Knowledge Sharing: A culture that encourages sharing insights from the design office with the production floor, and vice versa, to optimize the entire product lifecycle.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's focus on building "practical, production-ready marine hardware" and its emphasis on collaboration between design and manufacturing indicates a culture that values tangible results and operational efficiency. This is crucial for roles that bridge engineering with market delivery.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Rapid Iteration in a Fast-Paced Environment: Balancing the need for thorough design with the company's rapid development cycle requires excellent time management and prioritization skills.

• Integrating Complex Systems: Successfully integrating diverse technologies (autonomy, advanced propulsion, sensors) into a cohesive and reliable USV platform presents significant engineering challenges.

• Bridging Design and Manufacturing: Ensuring that designs are not only technically sound but also manufacturable and cost-effective requires constant communication and compromise with production teams.

• Evolving Technology Landscape: Staying abreast of advancements in USV technology, composite materials, and marine systems to ensure BLUE OPS INC remains at the cutting edge.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Marine Design: Deepen expertise in areas like high-speed hydrodynamics, advanced composite structures, or specific propulsion systems.

• Systems Integration: Gain comprehensive knowledge of integrating complex electronic, mechanical, and software systems within a marine environment.

• Manufacturing Processes: Develop a deeper understanding of composite fabrication techniques, CNC machining, and production assembly line optimization.

• USV Technology: Become an expert in the design and operational nuances of Uncrewed Surface Vessels for defense and security applications.

• Career Progression: Opportunities to move into senior engineering roles, team leadership, or specialized areas within the company's growing product lines.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are typical of innovative companies in high-tech manufacturing. For an operations-minded individual, these challenges are opportunities to refine processes, improve efficiency, and directly contribute to the company's ability to scale and deliver complex products reliably.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a complex marine system you designed from concept to production. What were the key challenges, and how did you overcome them?" (Focus on process, problem-solving, and outcomes.)

• "How do you approach Design for Manufacturability (DFM) when designing composite parts? Provide a specific example." (Assess understanding of production constraints and practical design.)

• "Imagine a scenario where a design detail causes a significant issue during prototype assembly. How would you approach diagnosing and resolving this problem, and what steps would you take to prevent recurrence?" (Evaluate troubleshooting methodology and iterative design thinking.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What attracts you to BLUE OPS INC and our mission to develop next-generation USVs?" (Show genuine interest in the company's vision and technology.)

• "How do you handle working in a fast-paced environment with rapid design iterations and tight deadlines?" (Demonstrate adaptability and prioritization skills.)

• "Describe your experience collaborating with manufacturing teams. How do you ensure your designs are well-received and practical for production?" (Highlight cross-functional communication and teamwork.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Narrative: For each project, clearly outline the objective, your role, the design process, key challenges, solutions, and the final outcome/impact.

• Quantify Results: Where possible, use metrics to demonstrate the effectiveness of your designs (e.g., weight reduction, improved efficiency, reduced assembly time).

• Highlight Practicality: Emphasize how your designs considered manufacturing constraints, material selection, and ease of assembly. Show your understanding of "how boats are actually built."

• Showcase CAD Skills: Be ready to walk through complex CAD models and drawings, explaining your modeling techniques and attention to detail.

• Address USV Relevance: Connect your experience and skills directly to the requirements of designing Uncrewed Surface Vessels.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview preparation advice focuses on demonstrating practical design application, problem-solving abilities, and an understanding of the manufacturing and operational aspects of product development. This aligns with the role's blend of engineering and operations.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the provided Paycom link: https://www.paycomonline.net/v4/ats/web.php/portal/5AD026B572360C389220B208D63C6B33/jobs/413058

• Curate Your Portfolio: Select 2-3 key projects that best showcase your proficiency in Rhino/SolidWorks, composite design, system integration, and your ability to translate concepts into production-ready hardware. Ensure your portfolio highlights your hands-on approach and problem-solving skills.

• Tailor Your Resume: Emphasize experience with marine design, boatbuilding, CAD software, composite construction, and cross-functional collaboration. Use keywords from the job description to align with ATS scanning.

• Prepare Your Presentation: Practice walking through your portfolio, focusing on the practical aspects of your designs, the challenges you overcame, and the lessons learned from manufacturing or field testing. Be ready to discuss your thought process for resolving design issues.

• Research BLUE OPS INC: Understand their mission, the types of USVs they build, and the industries they serve (defense, security, maritime). Prepare to articulate why your skills and experience are a strong match for their specific operational needs and innovative approach.

⚠️ 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.