What are the responsibilities and job description for the Marine Engineering Technician position at Freeman Boatworks?
Description
At Freeman Boatworks, we build high-performance offshore fishing catamarans designed to withstand the most demanding marine environments. We pride ourselves on exceptional craftsmanship, cutting-edge technology, and unparalleled ride quality. As an Engineering Technician, you will play a critical role in bridging the gap between design and production, ensuring our boats are engineered for quality, reliability, and real-world performance.
Position Summary
The Engineering Technician serves as the vital link between the Engineering team and the shop floor assembly line. This is a hands-on role that combines physical production labor, mechanical troubleshooting, prototyping, and sea-trial testing. You will work primarily on the assembly floor installing, testing, and refining boat systems, as well as on the water conducting design validation and performance testing.
Key Responsibilities
- Assembly Line Liaison: Serve as the primary technical point of contact on the production floor, helping shop technicians interpret engineering drawings, resolve assembly challenges, and implement design changes seamlessly into production
- Hands-On Marine Assembly & Repair: Perform hands-on assembly, mechanical/electrical installation, retrofits, and repairs on high-performance fiberglass catamarans during prototype build phases and standard production
- Process Improvement & Troubleshooting: Identify manufacturability issues, electrical/mechanical bottlenecks, and assembly defects. Partner with engineers to develop practical, scalable shop-floor solutions
- Testing & Data Collection: Rig, test, and troubleshoot marine systems—including outboard engines, helm electronics/navigation systems, 12V/24V DC and AC electrical systems, plumbing, livewells, and steering systems
- Feedback & Documentation: Document shop-floor engineering feedback, prototype deviations, and test results to update Engineering Change Notices (ECNs) and standard operating procedures (SOPs)
Qualifications & Requirements
- Experience: 3 years of hands-on experience in marine technician work, boat manufacturing, marine rigging, or marine service engineering
- Boat Operation: Strong experience operating, maneuvering, and trailering multi-engine center console boats or large vessels in offshore/coastal conditions
- Mechanical & Electrical Aptitude: Proficient in marine mechanical systems, outboard engine setup, marine hydraulics, fuel systems, and marine electrical wiring/diagnostics (NMEA 2000, ABYC standards)
- Fabrication & Shop Skills: Hands-on experience working with composite materials (fiberglass/resin), marine hardware installation, power tools, and shop equipment
- Communication & Problem-Solving: Ability to effectively communicate engineering concepts to shop technicians and communicate floor challenges back to design engineers
- Physical Demands: Ability to work on your feet in a manufacturing shop floor environment, lift up to 50 lbs, bend/crawl into tight bilge/console compartments, and perform work in outdoor marine environments
Preferred Skills
- Familiarity with ABYC standards and NMEA installations
- Experience with Yamaha and Mercury outboard systems and diagnostic tools
- Experience with Garmin, Simrad, and Furuno marine electronics systems
- Experience reading engineering CAD models, blue-prints, or wiring schematics
- Prior experience in high-end offshore center console or catamaran production
Why Join Freeman Boatworks?
- Competitive pay
- Paid time off and paid holidays
- Medical, dental, and vision insurance
- Company-paid life and long-term disability insurance
- 401(k) with company match
- Additional voluntary benefit options
- A collaborative, team-focused work environment
Benefits, paid time off, and other offerings are subject to applicable eligibility requirements.
Please note: Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a background check and drug screening.