Marine Product Designer Engineer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Marine Product Designer Engineer

Company: BLUE OPS INC

Location: West Palm Beach, FL 33411

Job Type: OTHER

Category: Engineering & Operations

Date Posted: 2026-09-15

Experience Level: Mid-Level (3-5 years)

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Drive the end-to-end product development lifecycle for Uncrewed Surface Vessels (USVs) by translating operational requirements into production-ready marine hardware designs.

• Execute detailed 3D CAD modeling and generate comprehensive production drawings for USV platforms and integrated marine systems, leveraging advanced software like Rhino and SolidWorks.

• Apply a deep understanding of composite design principles and manufacturing processes to create robust, efficient, and manufacturable vessel components.

• Collaborate closely with cross-functional engineering, manufacturing, and operations teams to ensure seamless integration of propulsion, fuel, electrical, and mission-specific payloads.

• Contribute to the continuous improvement of USV platforms through hands-on involvement in prototype fabrication, testing, and the incorporation of lessons learned from manufacturing and field performance.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is deeply embedded within the product development and engineering function, with a strong emphasis on practical application and hands-on involvement. The "Product Designer Engineer" title, combined with responsibilities spanning concept to production and direct interaction with manufacturing and testing, signifies a role that bridges design and engineering execution. The focus on "Uncrewed Surface Vessels (USVs)" and "marine hardware" positions this within a specialized engineering niche, likely requiring a strong understanding of naval architecture principles and composite manufacturing.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Develop and refine detailed 3D CAD models and production-ready fabrication drawings for USV platforms, ensuring adherence to design specifications and manufacturing constraints.

• Design composite parts, including decks, structural components, and machinery spaces, with a comprehensive understanding of composite tooling design and Design for Manufacturability (DFM) principles.

• Create and maintain accurate Bills of Materials (BOMs), engineering documentation, and technical specifications to support procurement, assembly, and quality control.

• Integrate propulsion systems, fuel systems, steering components, electrical equipment, sensors, antennas, communication equipment, and mission payloads, ensuring seamless system compatibility and functionality.

• Work collaboratively with autonomy, electrical, mechanical, and systems engineers to embed advanced technologies into practical and reliable marine platforms.

• Support prototype fabrication by directly resolving design-related issues with composite technicians, welders, machinists, and assemblers, ensuring efficient and accurate build processes.

• Evaluate and optimize designs for 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 and traceability.

• Engage with suppliers and vendors to select appropriate marine components, hardware, and materials, ensuring quality, cost-effectiveness, and timely delivery.

• Assist in the rapid development of new USV variants and mission-specific configurations, adapting existing designs to meet evolving operational needs.

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

• Apply advanced engineering knowledge to evaluate design alternatives, materials, manufacturing methods, and system integration approaches, exercising significant independent judgment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a hands-on, pragmatic approach to marine product design, emphasizing practical application and problem-solving on the production floor and during testing. The explicit mention of working directly with technicians and resolving build issues underscores the "hands-on" nature of this role, distinguishing it from a purely theoretical design position.

🎓 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 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, tooling design, and Design for Manufacturability (DFM).

• Solid understanding of dimensional tolerancing, fasteners, materials, fabrication methods, and mechanical assemblies.

• Ability to design components that can be efficiently fabricated, assembled, inspected, and serviced in a production environment.

• Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills with the ability to independently move a design from concept through production.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Product Suites (Excel, Word).

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

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

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

• Familiarity with small craft or patrol boat design principles.

• Knowledge of naval architecture principles and marine propulsion systems (e.g., diesel engines, waterjet propulsion).

• Experience with fuel tank and fuel system design.

• Expertise in composite structures and their design optimization.

• Exposure to electrical and electronics integration, sensors, radar, EO/IR, communications, and antenna installations.

• Understanding of autonomous vehicle systems and their integration into marine platforms.

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

• Familiarity with SolidWorks PDM or similar configuration management systems.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on both CAD software proficiency (Rhino/SolidWorks) and practical, hands-on experience in composite boat construction and manufacturing is crucial. The "Required Skills" clearly delineate the foundational competencies, while "Preferred Skills" point towards areas of specialization that would make a candidate highly valuable, particularly in the defense and maritime technology sector. The need for a "practical understanding" and willingness to work on vessels indicates a role that is not solely desk-bound.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Demonstrate a strong portfolio showcasing comprehensive 3D CAD models and detailed production drawings for marine components or vessel systems.

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

• Showcase projects where you successfully managed a design from initial concept through to detailed production documentation, illustrating your end-to-end design process.

• Present case studies of integrating various marine systems (e.g., propulsion, fuel, electrical, payloads) into vessel designs, emphasizing problem-solving and system compatibility.

• Evidence of incorporating Design for Manufacturability (DFM) and Design for Assembly (DFA) principles in your designs, leading to improved production efficiency or reduced costs. Process Documentation:

• Provide examples of how you have developed and maintained Bills of Materials (BOMs) and other critical engineering documentation.

• Illustrate your approach to creating and managing detailed manufacturing and fabrication drawings, including dimensioning and tolerancing strategies.

• Showcase experience in documenting design decisions, evaluating alternatives, and managing engineering changes throughout a product development cycle.

• Evidence of documenting lessons learned from manufacturing or field testing and how these were incorporated into subsequent design revisions.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the hands-on nature and emphasis on practical production, a portfolio that goes beyond static CAD renderings is essential. It should highlight the candidate's ability to translate design intent into tangible, buildable products, demonstrating an understanding of manufacturing realities and process integration.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: The salary range for this role is estimated to be between $80,000 and $110,000 annually, depending on experience, qualifications, and specific skill set. This estimate is based on industry benchmarks for Marine Design Engineers with 3-5 years of experience in the West Palm Beach, Florida area, considering the specialized nature of Uncrewed Surface Vessels (USVs) and composite manufacturing.

Benefits:

• Generous annual equity package, providing employees with ownership and a stake in the company's success.

• Potential for performance-based bonuses, rewarding contributions to project milestones and company objectives.

• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance plans (details to be confirmed with employer).

• Paid time off, including vacation, sick leave, and holidays.

• Opportunities for professional development and continued learning in a rapidly evolving industry.

Working Hours: This is a full-time position with a standard workweek of approximately 40 hours. While core business hours are expected, flexibility may be required to support prototype builds, integration, and testing, which could occasionally involve off-hours or weekend work as needed for urgent project demands or emergency facility responses.

📝 Enhancement Note: The provided salary range is an estimate based on industry data for similar roles in the specified location and experience level. The mention of "generous annual equity package and potential bonuses" in the raw job description is a significant component of the total compensation and is highlighted here. The working hours reflect the demanding, hands-on nature of the role, with potential for non-standard hours.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Defense Technology & Maritime Solutions. BLUE OPS INC is at the forefront of developing the next generation of Uncrewed Surface Vessels (USVs) for critical defense, security, Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR), and multi-domain maritime operations. The company operates in a high-tech, rapidly evolving sector that demands innovation, precision, and reliability.

Company Size: The provided information does not explicitly state the company size. However, the focus on rapid development, hands-on roles, and building "next-generation" USVs suggests a dynamic, potentially growing organization that may range from a startup to a mid-sized company. This environment often fosters agility, direct impact, and close-knit teams.

Founded: The founding date is not provided. However, the company's mission to build "next-generation" USVs indicates a forward-looking approach and a commitment to advanced maritime technology.

Team Structure:

• The Marine Product Designer Engineer will be part of a dedicated product development and engineering team, working closely with leads in mechanical, electrical, autonomy, and systems engineering.

• This role involves direct collaboration with manufacturing, integration, and operations teams, suggesting a highly cross-functional and integrated workflow.

• The reporting structure is likely to be within an engineering department, with a direct manager overseeing design and engineering activities. Methodology:

• Data-Driven Design: Decisions are informed by operational requirements, performance metrics, and feedback from manufacturing and field testing.

• Agile Development: The emphasis on rapid development, quick iterations, and moving quickly from concept to prototype indicates an agile approach to product development.

• Hands-on Problem-Solving: A culture that values practical application, direct engagement with the product, and immediate resolution of issues encountered during fabrication and testing.

Company Website: https://blueops.us/ (Based on domain_derived: blueops.us)

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's focus on USVs for defense and security implies a culture that values precision, reliability, security, and innovation. The role's hands-on nature suggests a collaborative environment where engineers are expected to be actively involved in the entire product lifecycle, not just theoretical design.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This position is classified as a Mid-Level role, requiring 3+ years of direct experience. It signifies an individual contributor role with significant responsibility for design execution, problem-solving, and contributing to product innovation. The expectation to independently move designs from concept to production points to a level of autonomy and trust.

Reporting Structure: The Marine Product Designer Engineer will likely report to an Engineering Manager or Lead Designer. They will collaborate closely with peers in various engineering disciplines (mechanical, electrical, autonomy, systems) and manufacturing/operations teams.

Operations Impact: This role has a direct and tangible impact on the company's core product – Uncrewed Surface Vessels. The designs created directly influence the vessel's performance, reliability, manufacturability, and overall mission capability. Successful designs contribute to BLUE OPS INC's ability to deliver advanced maritime solutions to defense and security clients, impacting revenue and market position.

Growth Opportunities:

• Technical Specialization: Deepen expertise in composite design, naval architecture, specific marine systems (propulsion, fuel), or advanced integration of payloads and autonomous systems.

• Project Leadership: Progress to leading design efforts for specific USV variants or mission modules, potentially managing smaller design teams or projects.

• Cross-Functional Expertise: Develop a broader understanding of manufacturing processes, system integration, and field operations, becoming a more holistic product development professional.

• Advanced Design Roles: Transition into senior engineering or lead design positions, taking on more complex challenges and strategic design direction.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Product Designer Engineer" title, combined with the expectation to manage designs from concept to production, positions this role as a critical individual contributor with significant potential for growth within specialized engineering fields related to maritime technology.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This role operates within a hybrid work environment that blends office-based CAD work with significant time spent on the production floor, in fabrication areas, and potentially at dockside or on-water testing locations. It is not a purely desk-bound position.

Office Location(s): The primary work location is BLUE OPS INC's facility at 1468 Skees Road, West Palm Beach, FL 33411. Candidates should be comfortable navigating large indoor and outdoor facilities.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Hub: The workspace facilitates close interaction with engineering, manufacturing, integration, and operations teams, fostering a dynamic and collaborative problem-solving environment.

• Tooling and Technology: Access to advanced CAD workstations (Rhino, SolidWorks), and potentially other relevant design and simulation software. Proximity to fabrication and assembly areas allows for direct observation and interaction with the physical product.

• Hands-on Engagement: Opportunities for direct engagement with prototype builds, vessel assembly, and testing activities, promoting a deep understanding of the product's physical realization.

Work Schedule: The standard work schedule is approximately 40 hours per week. However, the nature of prototype development, integration, and testing may require flexibility, with potential for occasional off-hours or weekend work to meet critical project deadlines or respond to urgent needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The description strongly emphasizes that this is a "hands-on" role, requiring physical presence and interaction beyond a typical office setting. This is a key differentiator that candidates should be aware of.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and application to assess core qualifications, experience with required software (Rhino, SolidWorks), and relevant marine/composite design background.

• Technical Interview: Expect in-depth discussions about your experience with CAD, composite design, DFM principles, marine systems integration, and problem-solving approaches. You may be asked to walk through specific projects from your portfolio.

• Portfolio Review: A dedicated session to present and discuss your portfolio. Be prepared to explain your design process, challenges encountered, solutions implemented, and the rationale behind your design decisions, especially concerning manufacturability and system integration.

• Practical Assessment/Case Study: Potentially a design challenge or a case study exercise focused on a specific marine component or system integration problem to evaluate your problem-solving skills and design methodology under time constraints.

• Team/Cultural Fit Interview: Meetings with potential team members and leadership to assess collaboration style, communication skills, and fit with BLUE OPS INC's fast-paced, hands-on culture.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Showcase Process, Not Just Product: Highlight your design journey, including initial concepts, iterative improvements, problem-solving steps, and how you addressed manufacturing constraints.

• Quantify Impact: Where possible, present metrics or outcomes demonstrating how your designs improved efficiency, reduced weight, enhanced performance, or facilitated easier assembly.

• Focus on DFM/DFA: Clearly articulate how you applied Design for Manufacturability and Design for Assembly principles in your work, especially for composite parts and system integration.

• Prepare for Technical Deep Dives: Be ready to discuss the specifics of Rhino/SolidWorks functionalities used, material properties considered, and engineering calculations performed.

• Tailor to USVs: If possible, include examples relevant to marine applications, even if not directly USVs. Emphasize transferable skills in vessel design, composite structures, and system integration.

Challenge Preparation:

• Brush up on fundamental naval architecture principles, composite material properties and fabrication, and common marine systems (propulsion, fuel, electrical).

• Practice articulating your design thought process clearly and concisely, focusing on identifying key constraints, evaluating alternatives, and justifying your final design choices.

• Be prepared to sketch design concepts or system layouts if a whiteboard or digital drawing tool is provided.

• Understand the importance of integrating various systems and how to troubleshoot potential conflicts or interdependencies.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process is geared towards assessing practical design skills, hands-on capability, and the ability to apply engineering principles in a production environment. A strong portfolio demonstrating these aspects will be critical.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• 3D CAD Software:

  • Rhino: Essential for complex surfacing and general modeling of vessel hulls and components. Expect questions on its advanced features and application in marine design.
  • SolidWorks: Crucial for detailed mechanical design, assemblies, drafting, and potentially simulation or PDM integration. Proficiency in creating detailed manufacturing drawings is paramount.

• Product Data Management (PDM):

  • SolidWorks PDM or similar: Experience with configuration management systems for tracking revisions, controlling changes, and managing engineering documentation is preferred.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Microsoft Excel: Required for producing and maintaining Bills of Materials (BOMs), performing basic calculations, and potentially analyzing weight and center of gravity data.

• Microsoft Word: For generating technical documentation, reports, and specifications.

CRM & Automation:

• Not explicitly mentioned, but collaboration tools and project management software may be used internally for workflow management.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core technical requirement revolves around proficiency in Rhino and SolidWorks. Understanding how these tools are used in conjunction with PDM systems for efficient product development and documentation is a key differentiator.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Innovation & Next-Generation Solutions: A drive to push boundaries and develop cutting-edge Uncrewed Surface Vessels for advanced maritime applications.

• Practical Application & Hands-on Execution: A culture that values engineers who are not afraid to get their hands dirty, work directly with manufacturing, and solve problems on the ground.

• Precision & Reliability: A commitment to designing highly reliable and precise systems critical for defense and security operations.

• Efficiency & Manufacturability: Emphasis on designing for efficient production, assembly, and servicing to ensure cost-effectiveness and scalability.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: A strong belief in the power of cross-functional teams working together to achieve common goals.

Collaboration Style:

• Integrated Workflow: Expect a highly collaborative environment where design engineers work hand-in-hand with manufacturing technicians, mechanical engineers, electrical engineers, and autonomy specialists.

• Direct Communication: Open and direct communication is likely encouraged to quickly resolve issues and iterate on designs.

• Feedback Loops: A culture that actively seeks and incorporates feedback from all stages of the product lifecycle, from design to field testing.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture appears to be one of pragmatism, innovation, and close collaboration, with a strong emphasis on tangible results and hands-on engineering.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Rapid Development Cycles: The fast-paced environment may present challenges in meeting aggressive timelines while maintaining design integrity and quality.

• Complex System Integration: Integrating diverse technologies (propulsion, sensors, autonomy, payloads) into a compact marine platform requires careful planning and problem-solving.

• Material & Manufacturing Constraints: Balancing ideal design specifications with the practical limitations of composite materials and fabrication processes.

• Evolving Requirements: Adapting designs to new mission requirements or technological advancements in a dynamic market.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Specialized Training: Opportunities to deepen expertise in advanced composite design, naval architecture, specific marine propulsion systems, or autonomous system integration.

• Industry Exposure: Gaining experience in the defense and maritime technology sectors, understanding unique operational requirements and regulatory landscapes.

• Cross-Disciplinary Learning: Working closely with experts in electrical, mechanical, and autonomy engineering to broaden technical knowledge.

• Mentorship: Potential for mentorship from experienced engineers and leaders within the company, guiding career development.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers significant opportunities for hands-on learning and specialization in a high-growth, critical industry sector. The challenges are inherent to cutting-edge product development in a demanding field.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to translate complex operational requirements into a detailed design for a physical product. What was your process?" (Focus on requirements gathering, CAD execution, and documentation.)

• "Walk us through a challenging design problem you faced during prototype fabrication or assembly. How did you identify the issue and what solution did you implement?" (Emphasize troubleshooting skills, collaboration with manufacturing, and practical problem-solving.)

• "How do you approach designing composite parts for manufacturability? What specific considerations do you make?" (Highlight DFM principles, tooling knowledge, and material selection rationale.)

• "Describe your experience integrating multiple systems (e.g., propulsion, electrical, sensors) into a single platform. What were the key challenges and how did you ensure compatibility?" (Showcase systems thinking and integration expertise.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about BLUE OPS INC and our work with Uncrewed Surface Vessels?" (Research the company's mission, recent news, and specific USV projects.)

• "This role requires significant hands-on work on the production floor and vessel. How do you feel about that aspect of the job, and what is your experience working directly with technicians?" (Express enthusiasm for practical application and collaboration.)

• "How do you handle working in a fast-paced development environment with potentially shifting priorities?" (Demonstrate adaptability and a results-oriented mindset.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Narrative: For each project, clearly state the problem, your role, the design solution, key challenges, and the outcome/impact.

• Visual Aids are Key: Use high-quality renderings, CAD screenshots, and photos of prototypes or finished products. If possible, include short videos demonstrating functionality.

• Highlight DFM/DFA: Specifically point out design features that were implemented to simplify manufacturing, reduce assembly time, or improve serviceability.

• Be Ready for Technical Questions: Anticipate detailed questions about your CAD techniques, material choices, engineering calculations, and problem-solving approaches.

• Showcase Your Process: Explain why you made certain design decisions, not just what you designed. Discuss trade-offs considered.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should be prepared to demonstrate not only technical design proficiency but also a practical, hands-on mindset and the ability to collaborate effectively in a dynamic manufacturing and development setting.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Marine Product Designer Engineer position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on paycomonline.net.

• Customize Your Resume: Tailor your resume to highlight specific experience with Rhino, SolidWorks, composite design, marine systems integration, and Design for Manufacturability (DFM). Quantify achievements whenever possible (e.g., "Reduced assembly time by X%" or "Optimized design to reduce weight by Y%").

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Curate a portfolio that showcases your best work, focusing on projects that demonstrate your ability to create detailed 3D CAD models, production drawings, and solve complex design challenges in marine or similar industrial contexts. Ensure it highlights your hands-on approach and understanding of manufacturing processes.

• Practice Interview Responses: Rehearse answers to common technical and behavioral questions, focusing on the specific responsibilities and qualifications outlined in this description. Be ready to discuss your portfolio projects in detail.

• Research BLUE OPS INC: Understand the company's mission, the types of USVs they produce, and their role in the defense and maritime technology sectors. This will help you articulate your interest and tailor your responses effectively.

⚠️ 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.