Standards Developer

ABYC is seeking a Standards Developer to faclitate the development, review, and publication of marine industry standards and technical information reports. This role serves as the primary point of contact for assigned standards, coordinating committee activity, managing volunteer participation, and guiding each standard through the full review cycle from initiation through final publication.

This is an opportunity to make a meaningful impact on boating safety while collaborating with boatbuilders, component manufacturers, technical experts, and marine industry organizations in the United States and internationally.

About the Role

·      Serve as the primary contact for assigned ABYC standards and related technical activities.

·      Facilitate standards development, review, comment resolution, balloting, and publication.

·      Coordinate volunteer committees, subcommittees, meetings, documents, and project timelines.

·      Support ABYC members and the broader marine industry with technical information and standards-related guidance.

·      Build relationships with boatbuilders, component manufacturers, committee members, and industry professionals.

What You’ll Do

Standards Development and Publication

Manage assigned standards through the development and review process in alignment with Technical Board Rules and ANSI Essential Requirements for American National Standards.

·      Initiate calls for comments, consensus ballots, and Technical Board ballots for publication.

·      Organize and participate in committee meetings.

·      Prepare agendas, drafts, comment summaries, meeting packages, subcommittee reports, and meeting minutes.

·      Incorporate comment resolutions, edit and format draft documents, and prepare standards for publication.

·      Coordinate subcommittee work, technical research, and practical testing.

·      Track changes, critical issues, timelines, and required updates throughout the review cycle.

·      Ensure proper industry representation and balance on Project Technical Committees.

Department and Member Support

·      Support the Standards and Compliance Department’s strategic priorities.

·      Respond to member inquiries by email and phone.

·      Contribute to ABYC content, including articles, technical resources, and social media posts.

·      Assist with grant writing, proofreading, technical research, and practical testing.

·      Review and support digital platforms such as the ABYC Standards Library and EZ-PTC.

·      Collaborate with other ABYC departments to develop educational tools, training resources, and member materials.

International Standards and Industry Relationships and Engagement

·      Support ISO standards development and harmonization as directed.

·      Build relationships across the international marine industry.

·      Represent ABYC at industry events, meetings, and standards-related activities (ABYC Annual Meeting and Standards Week, IBEX, and NMMA Engineering Compliance Seminar).

·      Promote ABYC as a leading global source of technical information for boating safety.

What We’re Looking For

The ideal candidate brings technical knowledge, strong organization, and a collaborative approach to standards development.

·      Strong understanding of boat systems, technical standards, and safety practices.

·      ABYC certifications and boat building experience are a plus.

·      Strong project management skills and the ability to manage multiple deadlines.

·      Experience coordinating volunteers, committees, or stakeholder-driven projects.

·      Ability to work independently while collaborating with a team.

·      Passion for boating and a commitment to improving boating safety.

·      Proficiency with Word, Excel, Acrobat, and Zoom.

Location

This position is based in Annapolis, Maryland. Hybrid or remote work arrangements may be considered.

Compensation and Benefits

ABYC offers a generous compensation and benefits package, including PTO, paid holidays, health insurance with premiums paid, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term and long-term disability, 401(k) with profit sharing, and performance bonus opportunities.

How to Apply

If you are technically minded, highly organized, and passionate about boating safety, we encourage you to apply and help advance ABYC’s mission of supporting safer boating through trusted standards and technical expertise.

About ABYC

The American Boat & Yacht Council (ABYC) is a nonprofit, member-based organization that develops voluntary global safety standards for the design, construction, maintenance, and repair of boats. ABYC also supports the marine industry through technical education, certification, training, and professional development. Its standards are developed through a consensus-based process with input from marine professionals, government agencies, trade organizations, manufacturers, and technical experts, all working toward the shared goal of making boating safer.