What are the responsibilities and job description for the Marine Engineer position at CHAPARRAL BOATS INC?
The Marine Engineer is responsible for the design, development, testing, and continuous improvement of marine vessels and related systems. This role ensures that all designs meet company standards for performance, safety, manufacturability, cost control, and regulatory compliance.
The Marine Engineer works cross-functionally with Prototype (PROTO), Production, Purchasing, and Quality teams to move concepts from design through production launch while maintaining a high standard of craftsmanship and accountability.
Qualifications:Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Design & Development
- Design hulls, decks, structural components, and marine systems using CAD software (AutoCAD, SolidWorks, or similar)
- Develop and revise detailed engineering drawings and specifications
- Ensure designs comply with applicable marine safety and regulatory standards (including ABYC guidelines)
- Create and maintain Bills of Materials (BOMs)
Testing & Validation
- Support prototype builds and conduct design reviews
- Participate in on-water testing and sea trials
- Analyze performance data and implement design improvements
- Troubleshoot mechanical, electrical, and structural issues
Production Support
- Collaborate with Production to ensure manufacturability and cost efficiency
- Provide technical guidance during pilot builds and model launches
- Review and approve engineering change orders (ECOs)
- Support continuous improvement initiatives
Compliance & Quality
- Ensure compliance with U.S. Coast Guard regulations and industry standards
- Maintain proper documentation control and revision history
- Work with Quality Assurance to resolve product issues
Qualifications
Education & Experience:
- Bachelor’s degree in Marine Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field required
- 3–7 years of experience in marine manufacturing or vessel design preferred
Technical Skills:
- Proficiency in 2D and 3D CAD software
- Strong understanding of marine systems (electrical, fuel, plumbing, steering, propulsion)
- Knowledge of fiberglass construction and composite materials
- Familiarity with ABYC standards and U.S. Coast Guard regulations
- Experience with ERP systems and BOM management
Core Competencies:
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
- Attention to detail and commitment to quality
- Effective cross-functional communication
- Project management capability
- Accountability and ownership of outcomes
Physical & Work Environment
- Combination of office and production floor environment
- Exposure to manufacturing conditions (noise, varying temperatures)
- Occasional travel for vendor visits, testing, or industry events
Performance Expectations
- Deliver accurate, production-ready drawings on schedule
- Maintain compliance with all regulatory standards
- Support successful prototype-to-production transitions
- Contribute to cost reduction and product improvement initiatives