What are the responsibilities and job description for the Marine Designer / Production Engineer position at Gulf Coast Tactical LA, LLC?
Job Title: Marine Designer / Production Engineer (Mid-Level)
Location: New Iberia, LA
Position Type: Full-Time
Company Overview
Gulf Coast Tactical (GCT) is a maritime defense technology company specializing in the design, development, and deployment of advanced unmanned and manned surface vessel systems. GCT delivers modular, mission-driven solutions supporting naval, security, and critical infrastructure operations worldwide.
Position Overview
Gulf Coast Tactical (GCT) is seeking a Marine Designer / Production Engineer to support the design, development, and building of next-generation unmanned surface vessels (USVs) and specialized maritime platforms. This is a highly hands-on engineering role that spans the full lifecycle of vessel development, from concept design through production and sea trials.
This position bridges engineering and execution, working across CAD design, production support, shop floor coordination, and vendor integration to deliver practical, build-ready solutions. The ideal candidate is comfortable moving between design and fabrication environments and can translate mission requirements into manufacturable, real-world systems.
This role is best suited for someone who wants to build real boats, not just design them, and who thrives in a fast-paced, collaborative environment working directly with leadership, engineering, and production teams.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop 2D/3D CAD models, general arrangements, and production drawings
- Support hull design, hydrodynamics, and structural analysis for small craft and USVs
- Perform stability, performance, and weight estimates
- Create build packages, cut lists, and work orders
- Provide hands-on support to the shop floor and resolve build issues in real time
- Coordinate with production, vendors, and subcontractors to ensure build success
- Support payload and mission system integration
- Participate in design reviews, prototyping, testing, and sea trials
- Maintain technical documentation, revisions, and configuration control
- Ensure compliance with marine standards (ABS, DNV, USCG)
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Naval Architecture, Marine Engineering, or equivalent hands-on experience
- 3–8 years of experience in vessel design, shipbuilding, marine engineering, or production engineering
- Experience designing small crafts (workboats, patrol boats, crew boats, or similar)
- Strong experience with aluminum vessel design and/or composite construction
- Proficiency in AutoCAD (required) and 3D CAD tools (e.g., SolidWorks, Rhino, or similar)
- Experience developing production-ready designs, build packages, and fabrication drawings
- Solid understanding of hydrodynamics, stability, and marine structures
- Familiarity with marine regulatory and classification standards (ABS, DNV, USCG)
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office
- Ability to work in a fast-paced, hands-on environment and support both design and production teams
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience with unmanned systems (USVs/UUVs) or autonomous platforms
- Background in high-speed craft or small combatant vessels
- Experience supporting DoD, Navy, or defense contracts
- Familiarity with CFD tools and simulation software
- Knowledge of modular payload systems and mission integration
- Active security clearance or ability to obtain one
Key Attributes
- Practical, solutions-oriented mindset with a focus on buildable designs
- Strong collaboration skills across engineering and production teams
- Ability to balance performance, cost, and manufacturability
- Comfortable working in a startup-like, high-growth environment
Salary Range
- $80,000 – $115,000 annually, depending on experience, skill set, and clearance status
Higher compensation may be considered for senior-level candidates with extensive USV, defense, or shipbuilding experience.
Benefits
- Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance
- 401(k) with company contribution
- Paid Time Off (PTO) Company Holidays
- Opportunity for security clearance sponsorship
- Hands-on work with cutting-edge maritime defense systems
Salary : $80,000 - $115,000