Marine Product Designer Engineer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Marine Product Designer Engineer

Company: RED CAT HOLDINGS

Location: West Palm Beach, FL, USA

Job Type: OTHER

Category: Engineering / Product Design

Date Posted: 2026-09-15

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

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

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

• Leverage advanced 3D CAD skills in Rhino and SolidWorks to create detailed models and production drawings for hull structures, systems, and payload integrations.

• Apply a deep understanding of composite design and manufacturing principles to ensure efficient fabrication and assembly of vessel components.

• Collaborate closely with cross-functional engineering disciplines (autonomy, electrical, mechanical, systems) to seamlessly integrate advanced technologies into robust marine platforms.

• Actively participate in hands-on prototype fabrication, testing, and field integration, incorporating lessons learned to continuously refine designs for enhanced performance and reliability.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role title "Marine Product Designer Engineer" suggests a blend of product design and engineering, emphasizing practical application and production readiness. The description highlights a "hands-on" approach, indicating that this is not a purely theoretical design role but requires direct engagement with manufacturing and testing processes. The focus on USVs and maritime operations places this within a specialized engineering niche.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Develop comprehensive 3D CAD models and detailed production drawings for Uncrewed Surface Vessel (USV) platforms and associated marine systems, with a strong emphasis on Rhino and SolidWorks proficiency.

• Design composite parts, including decks, structural components, and machinery spaces, applying thorough knowledge of composite tooling design and Design for Manufacturability (DFM) principles.

• Create detailed vessel general arrangements, machinery layouts, structural layouts, and execute equipment installations for optimal performance and accessibility.

• Integrate critical marine systems such as propulsion, fuel, steering, electrical equipment, sensors, antennas, communication equipment, and mission payloads into the USV design.

• Work in close partnership with autonomy, electrical, mechanical, and systems engineers to ensure the practical integration of advanced technologies into marine platforms.

• Generate and meticulously maintain Bills of Materials (BOMs) and comprehensive engineering documentation to support production and maintenance.

• Utilize Microsoft Office Product Suites (Excel, Word) for documentation, reporting, and project management tasks.

• Provide direct technical support to prototype fabrication, resolving design and build issues in collaboration with composite technicians, welders, machinists, and assemblers.

• Systematically incorporate feedback and lessons learned from manufacturing processes and field testing into subsequent design revisions and product improvements.

• Conduct detailed evaluations of weight, center of gravity, equipment placement, accessibility, structural loading, and specific marine environment requirements to optimize vessel design.

• Actively participate in design reviews, manage configuration control, facilitate drawing releases, and contribute to the engineering change process.

• Collaborate with suppliers and vendors to select and specify appropriate marine components, hardware, and materials.

• Support the rapid development and iteration of new USV variants and mission-specific configurations to meet evolving operational needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities clearly indicate a hands-on role requiring direct engagement with manufacturing and testing. The emphasis on DFM, BOM management, and direct support for fabrication points towards an operations-centric design engineering function, crucial for efficient production and reliable deployment of USVs.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• A degree or technical background in one of the following fields is preferred: Marine Design, Naval Architecture, Mechanical Engineering, Marine Engineering, Industrial Design, or Manufacturing Engineering. Experience:

• Minimum of 3 years of progressive experience in marine design, boatbuilding, naval architecture, mechanical design, or a closely related engineering discipline.

• Proven ability to independently manage a design from initial concept through to production-ready status. Required Skills:

• Exceptional proficiency in 3D CAD software, specifically Rhino and SolidWorks, for complex model creation and detailed drawing production.

• Demonstrated experience in developing detailed manufacturing and fabrication drawings suitable for production environments.

• Practical and hands-on understanding of composite boat construction techniques and materials.

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

• Ability to design components with a focus on efficient fabrication, assembly, inspection, and long-term serviceability.

• Strong understanding of dimensional tolerancing, fastener selection, material properties, fabrication methods, and mechanical assembly principles.

• Proven ability to exercise independent judgment in evaluating design alternatives, material selection, manufacturing processes, and system integration strategies.

• Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving capabilities, with a track record of resolving complex technical challenges.

• Comfort and adaptability in a fast-paced, dynamic development and manufacturing environment.

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

• Experience with high-speed composite vessels.

• Background in military or government vessel design and production.

• Prior experience with Uncrewed Surface Vessels (USVs).

• Expertise in small craft or patrol boat design.

• Formal training or experience in naval architecture.

• In-depth knowledge of marine propulsion systems, including diesel engines and waterjet propulsion.

• Experience in fuel tank and fuel system design.

• Advanced understanding of composite structures and their engineering applications.

• Familiarity with electrical and electronics integration for marine platforms.

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

• Exposure to autonomous vehicle systems and their integration into marine platforms.

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

• Proficiency with SolidWorks PDM or similar product data management and configuration management systems.

📝 Enhancement Note: The qualification requirements emphasize practical, hands-on experience over purely theoretical knowledge. The strong preference for specific CAD software (Rhino, SolidWorks) and composite construction knowledge are critical for success in this role. The "Preferred Qualifications" list provides clear areas for candidates to highlight their specialized expertise, particularly in defense-related marine applications.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase detailed 3D CAD models created in Rhino and/or SolidWorks, demonstrating proficiency in complex assemblies and part design relevant to marine applications.

• Include examples of production drawings, highlighting clear dimensioning, tolerancing, material specifications, and manufacturing notes for composite and metal components.

• Present case studies of marine systems integration, such as propulsion, fuel, or payload installations, detailing design considerations and problem-solving approaches.

• Demonstrate a clear understanding of Design for Manufacturability (DFM) and Design for Assembly (DFA) principles through project examples, illustrating how designs were optimized for efficient production.

• Provide evidence of experience with Bills of Materials (BOMs) and engineering documentation, showcasing organization and attention to detail. Process Documentation:

• Illustrate the process of transforming conceptual requirements into detailed, production-ready designs, including phases of concept development, detailed design, and documentation release.

• Detail experience in supporting prototype fabrication, including how design issues were identified, communicated, and resolved with manufacturing teams.

• Showcase examples of how lessons learned from manufacturing or field testing were incorporated back into the design process for iterative improvements.

• Document the approach to evaluating and integrating various marine systems and components, considering factors like weight, balance, accessibility, and environmental resilience.

📝 Enhancement Note: For this hands-on design engineering role, the portfolio should strongly emphasize practical application and production readiness. Demonstrating the ability to translate concepts into manufacturable designs, supported by detailed CAD work and manufacturing considerations, will be key. The ability to document and iterate on designs based on real-world feedback is also crucial.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

The estimated annual salary for a Marine Product Designer Engineer with 2-5 years of experience in West Palm Beach, FL, typically ranges from $75,000 to $105,000. This range is based on industry benchmarks for specialized engineering roles in the marine and defense sectors, considering the high demand for CAD proficiency, composite design knowledge, and hands-on product development experience. Factors such as specific project complexity, company size, and the candidate's precise skill set can influence the final offer.

Benefits:

• Generous annual equity package, offering long-term financial participation and alignment with company growth.

• Potential for bonuses, providing performance-based incentives and additional compensation.

• Comprehensive health insurance coverage (details typically provided during the offer stage).

• Paid time off (PTO) and holidays, supporting work-life balance.

• Opportunities for professional development and continued learning in advanced marine technologies. Working Hours:

• Standard full-time work week of approximately 40 hours.

• Occasional off-hours or weekend work may be required to support emergency facility responses or critical project deadlines, reflecting the dynamic nature of the industry.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is based on industry data for similar engineering roles in the West Palm Beach area, factoring in the specialized skills required (Rhino, SolidWorks, composite design). The mention of "salary plus generous annual equity package and potential bonuses" indicates a competitive total compensation structure, common in technology and defense-focused startups.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Defense Technology / Maritime Robotics

Company Size: Red Cat Holdings is a publicly traded company with a growing presence in advanced technology solutions, including Uncrewed Surface Vessels (USVs). The "BlueOps" division, specifically, is focused on building the next generation of these vessels, suggesting a dynamic, innovation-driven environment. The company size implies a structure that can offer both the resources of a larger entity and the agility of a specialized unit.

Founded: Red Cat Holdings was founded in 2009. The BlueOps division is a more recent venture, focused on innovation in the maritime domain.

Team Structure:

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

• This role requires close collaboration with autonomy, electrical, mechanical, and systems engineers, indicating a highly cross-functional and integrated engineering environment.

• The team is likely structured to support rapid product development cycles, moving from concept to prototype and production efficiently. Methodology:

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

• A hands-on, practical approach to design and engineering, valuing an understanding of how boats are actually built and function in real-world conditions.

• Data-driven decision-making, utilizing feedback from manufacturing and field testing to inform design improvements and future iterations.

• Focus on Design for Manufacturability (DFM) and Design for Assembly (DFA) to ensure efficient and cost-effective production.

Company Website: https://redcatholdings.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture appears to be fast-paced and results-oriented, with a strong emphasis on practical engineering and rapid iteration. The BlueOps division is positioned as an innovator in the USV space, likely attracting engineers who are passionate about cutting-edge maritime technology and enjoy a hands-on role.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as a mid-level Engineer (2-5 years experience), focusing on product design and development within a specialized engineering domain. It requires independent contribution and the ability to manage designs from concept to production.

Reporting Structure: The Marine Designer will work directly with PD engineering, manufacturing, integration, and operations teams. The specific reporting manager is not detailed but is likely a lead engineer or engineering manager within the BlueOps division.

Operations Impact: The Marine Designer's work directly impacts the core product offering – the USV platforms. Their ability to translate requirements into practical, manufacturable designs directly influences the reliability, performance, and cost-effectiveness of these vessels, which are critical for defense, security, and ISR operations. Successful designs enable the company to deliver advanced maritime solutions to clients.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in composite design, naval architecture, or specific USV systems (propulsion, autonomy integration).

• Leadership: Progress to a Senior Marine Designer or Engineering Lead role, taking on more complex projects and mentoring junior engineers.

• Cross-functional Advancement: Transition into roles within manufacturing engineering, systems integration, or product management, leveraging a strong understanding of the product lifecycle.

• Skill Development: Opportunities to gain experience with advanced materials, manufacturing processes, and cutting-edge maritime technologies.

📝 Enhancement Note: The growth path emphasizes specialization within marine design and engineering, with potential to move into leadership or broader product lifecycle roles. The "hands-on" nature of the role provides valuable experience that can be leveraged across various engineering and operational functions within the maritime and defense sectors.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is based at the BlueOps facility in West Palm Beach, FL. This is not a purely desk-based CAD position; it involves significant interaction with the production floor, fabrication areas, and potentially the waterfront for testing.

Office Location(s):

• BlueOps Facility: 1468 Skees Road, West Palm Beach, FL 33411. This location is described as having large indoor and outdoor facilities. Workspace Context:

• A blend of CAD workstation environments and active production/fabrication areas.

• Access to engineering teams for collaborative problem-solving and integration efforts.

• Opportunities to work directly with technicians and assemblers, fostering a strong understanding of manufacturing realities.

• Exposure to the dynamic environment of vessel assembly, integration, and testing, including dockside and on-water activities. Work Schedule:

• Primarily a standard 40-hour work week.

• Flexibility is required, with potential for occasional off-hours or weekend work to support urgent project needs, emergency responses, or critical testing phases.

📝 Enhancement Note: The work environment is characterized by its hands-on nature and proximity to manufacturing. Candidates should be comfortable transitioning between the office/CAD environment and the physical production and testing areas. This setting is ideal for engineers who thrive on seeing their designs come to life and actively contributing to problem-solving on the ground.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of resume and application to assess minimum qualifications and relevant experience.

• Technical Interview: Discussion focusing on marine design principles, CAD proficiency (Rhino/SolidWorks), composite construction knowledge, and problem-solving approaches. Expect scenario-based questions about design challenges.

• Portfolio Review: Presentation and discussion of selected projects from the candidate's portfolio. This is a critical stage to demonstrate practical application, design process, and problem-solving skills.

• Cross-functional Team Interviews: Meetings with engineers from other disciplines (e.g., mechanical, electrical, autonomy) and potentially manufacturing leads to assess collaboration skills and technical fit.

• Final Interview: May involve senior leadership to discuss overall fit, career aspirations, and alignment with company culture.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Highlight Key Projects: Select 2-3 projects that best showcase your experience in marine design, composite fabrication, and system integration. Prioritize projects similar to USV development.

• Emphasize Process: For each project, clearly articulate the problem statement, your design process, the tools used (CAD software), challenges encountered, solutions implemented, and the final outcome/impact.

• Showcase CAD Skills: Include detailed 3D models, renderings, and production drawings. Be prepared to discuss your modeling techniques and design choices.

• Detail DFM/DFA: Explicitly explain how you incorporated Design for Manufacturability and Design for Assembly principles. Provide specific examples of design modifications made to improve production efficiency.

• Quantify Results: Whenever possible, use metrics to demonstrate the impact of your designs (e.g., weight reduction achieved, cost savings from optimized assembly, performance improvements).

• Be Prepared to Discuss: Anticipate questions about your design decisions, trade-offs considered, and how you would approach specific design challenges relevant to USVs.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be ready for potential design exercises or case studies that assess your ability to quickly analyze a problem, propose design solutions, and justify your technical decisions.

• Practice articulating your design rationale clearly and concisely, especially when discussing trade-offs between performance, cost, and manufacturability.

• Prepare to discuss your experience working with manufacturing teams and resolving production issues, demonstrating a collaborative and practical mindset.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will heavily scrutinize practical design skills and the ability to translate concepts into manufacturable products. The portfolio review is paramount, so candidates should meticulously curate and prepare to present their most relevant work, focusing on the process and outcomes.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

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

• Product Data Management (PDM): SolidWorks PDM or similar systems are preferred for managing design revisions, configurations, and engineering documentation.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Microsoft Office Suite: Excel for BOM management, data analysis, and reporting; Word for technical documentation.

CRM & Automation:

• While not explicitly mentioned, familiarity with project management tools and potentially ERP systems for BOM management would be beneficial.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core technical requirement is advanced proficiency in Rhino and SolidWorks. This indicates a need for engineers who can not only model but also create robust, production-ready designs within these platforms. Familiarity with PDM systems is a strong plus for efficient design management.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Innovation & Agility: A drive to develop next-generation USV platforms and move quickly from concept to production.

• Practical Application: Valuing hands-on experience and a deep understanding of how marine hardware is actually built and performs.

• Collaboration: Strong emphasis on working closely with diverse engineering disciplines and manufacturing teams.

• Problem-Solving: A proactive approach to identifying and resolving technical challenges encountered during design, fabrication, and testing.

• Continuous Improvement: Commitment to incorporating feedback and lessons learned to refine designs and enhance product capabilities.

Collaboration Style:

• Highly integrated and cross-functional, requiring close communication and partnership between design engineers, manufacturing personnel, and other engineering specialists (autonomy, electrical, mechanical, systems).

• Open exchange of technical information and feedback to ensure designs are optimized for all aspects of the product lifecycle.

• A "team-first" mentality, where individuals are willing to contribute directly to support project goals, even if it means stepping outside traditional role boundaries.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture emphasizes a blend of cutting-edge innovation and pragmatic execution. Collaboration is key, with an expectation that engineers will work closely with manufacturing and be comfortable with a hands-on approach. This environment suits proactive, adaptable individuals who enjoy tangible results.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Rapid Development Cycles: Balancing the need for speed in product development with the rigorous demands of marine engineering and production quality.

• System Integration Complexity: Seamlessly integrating diverse technologies (autonomy, sensors, propulsion) into a cohesive and reliable USV platform.

• Hands-on Manufacturing Liaison: Effectively bridging the gap between design intent and manufacturing reality, requiring direct involvement on the production floor and potentially troubleshooting in real-time.

• Evolving Requirements: Adapting designs to meet diverse and potentially changing operational requirements for defense, security, and ISR missions.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Marine Technologies: Gaining in-depth knowledge of cutting-edge USV systems, propulsion, and sensor integration.

• Composite Design & Manufacturing: Deepening expertise in high-performance composite structures and their production techniques.

• Defense & Maritime Sector Exposure: Understanding the unique requirements and operational contexts of defense and security applications.

• Cross-disciplinary Skill Development: Opportunities to learn from and collaborate with specialists in autonomy, electrical engineering, and systems engineering.

• Product Lifecycle Management: Gaining comprehensive experience across the entire product lifecycle, from initial concept to fielded product.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role presents challenges inherent in a rapidly evolving, high-tech industry. Growth opportunities are significant for those who embrace continuous learning and seek to specialize in advanced maritime technologies and complex system integration.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

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

• "How do you approach integrating diverse technologies like sensors, propulsion, and autonomy into a single vessel design? What are the primary considerations?" (Focus on systems thinking, collaboration)

• "Walk me through a time you had to resolve a design issue discovered during prototype fabrication. What was your approach, and what was the outcome?" (Focus on hands-on problem-solving, communication with manufacturing)

• "How would you ensure your composite designs are optimized for efficient manufacturing processes?" (Focus on DFM for composites, material knowledge) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about working with Uncrewed Surface Vessels and Red Cat Holdings' mission?" (Show genuine interest in the company and its technology)

• "Describe your experience working in a fast-paced, hands-on engineering environment. How do you adapt to rapid development cycles?" (Highlight adaptability, proactive nature)

• "How do you approach collaboration with manufacturing teams and technicians?" (Emphasize teamwork, respect for production expertise) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: For each project, use a clear story: Problem -> Your Solution (Design Process, Tools) -> Challenges -> Outcome (Quantifiable if possible).

• Visuals: Use high-quality renderings, CAD screenshots, and if possible, photos of prototypes or finished products. Clearly label all diagrams and models.

• Technical Depth: Be prepared to discuss specific design decisions, material choices, manufacturing considerations, and trade-offs.

• Conciseness: Focus on the most impactful aspects of your work that align with the job description. Aim for 3-5 minutes per project.

• Engagement: Encourage questions throughout or at the end, and be ready to elaborate on any aspect of your work.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should heavily focus on practical application, CAD skills, and the ability to work closely with manufacturing. Candidates should be ready to demonstrate their design process and problem-solving acumen through specific examples from their portfolio.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Marine Product Designer Engineer position:

• Submit your application through the provided Paycom link: https://www.paycomonline.net/v4/ats/web.php/portal/DF82F4FEC533913CE59D380DC7829351/jobs/413058

• Customize Your Resume: Tailor your resume to prominently feature your experience with Rhino, SolidWorks, composite design, marine systems integration, and any direct involvement in boatbuilding or manufacturing processes. Use keywords from the job description.

• Curate Your Portfolio: Select 2-3 key projects that best demonstrate your skills in 3D CAD, production drawing creation, Design for Manufacturability (DFM), and hands-on product development. Ensure it highlights your ability to translate concepts into manufacturable marine hardware.

• Prepare Your Portfolio Presentation: Practice walking through your selected portfolio projects, focusing on the design process, challenges, solutions, and quantifiable results. Be ready to discuss your technical decisions and collaboration experience.

• Research Red Cat Holdings & BlueOps: Understand the company's mission, the BlueOps division's focus on USVs, and the broader defense/maritime technology landscape to articulate your interest and fit.

⚠️ 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.