About Blue Ops
Blue Ops is building the next generation of Uncrewed Surface Vessels (USVs) for defense, security, ISR, and multi-domain maritime operations.
We are looking for a Marine Designer who can turn concepts and operational requirements into practical, production-ready marine hardware.
Position Overview
The Marine Designer will work directly with PD engineering, manufacturing, integration, and operations teams to develop and continuously improve Blue Ops USV platforms.
This is a hands-on product-development role. The ideal candidate understands how boats are actually built—not just how they look in CAD—and is comfortable moving quickly from concept through detailed design, prototype fabrication, testing, and production.
The position will include design of Composite parts including, decks, structural components, machinery spaces, fuel systems, equipment mounting, payload interfaces, propulsion installations, and general vessel arrangements.
The Marine Product Designer Engineer is responsible for applying advanced engineering and marine design knowledge to develop, evaluate, and implement vessel designs and integrated systems. The position exercises substantial independent judgment and discretion in matters of engineering significance and is accountable for technical decisions affecting vessel performance, manufacturability, reliability, and mission capability.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop detailed 3D CAD models and production drawings for USV platforms and marine systems. CAD skills are paramount. Rhino/Solidworks.
- Design Composite parts with a thorough understanding of Composite tooling design and Design for Manufacturability.
- Develop vessel general arrangements, machinery layouts, structural layouts, and equipment installations.
- Integrate propulsion systems, fuel systems, steering components, electrical equipment, sensors, antennas, communications equipment, and mission payloads.
- Work closely with autonomy, electrical, mechanical, and systems engineers to integrate advanced technology into practical marine platforms.
- Produce and maintain Bills of Materials (BOMs) and engineering documentation.
- Proficient in Microsoft Office Product Suites – Excel, Word etc.
- Support prototype fabrication and resolve issues directly with Composite technicians, welders, machinists, assemblers etc.
- Incorporate lessons learned from manufacturing and field testing into future design revisions.
- Evaluate weight, center of gravity, equipment placement, accessibility, structural loading, and marine-environment requirements.
- Assist with design reviews, configuration control, drawing release, and engineering change processes.
- Work with suppliers and vendors to select appropriate marine components and hardware.
- Support the rapid development of new USV variants and mission-specific configurations.
Required Qualifications
- 3+ years of experience in marine design, boatbuilding, naval architecture, mechanical design, or a closely related field.
- Strong proficiency with Rhino and SolidWorks 3D CAD software.
- Experience in creating detailed manufacturing and fabrication drawings.
- Practical understanding of Composite boat construction.
- Understanding of marine machinery and vessel systems.
- Ability to design components that can be efficiently fabricated, assembled, inspected, and serviced.
- Strong understanding of dimensional tolerancing, fasteners, materials, fabrication methods, and mechanical assemblies.
- Exercises independent judgment in evaluating design alternatives, materials, manufacturing methods, and system integration approaches.
- Ability to independently move a design from concept through production.
- Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills.
- Comfortable working in a fast-moving development and manufacturing environment.
- Willingness to work directly on vessels during prototype builds, integration, and testing.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience in one or more of the following is highly desirable:
- High-speed Composite vessels
- Military or government vessels
- Uncrewed Surface Vessels (USVs)
- Small craft or patrol boat design
- Naval architecture
- Marine propulsion systems
- Diesel engines and waterjet propulsion
- Fuel tank and fuel system design
- Composite structures
- Electrical and electronics integration a plus
- Sensors, radar, EO/IR, communications, and antenna installations a plus
- Autonomous vehicle systems
- Design for CNC cutting and production assembly
- SolidWorks PDM or similar configuration-management systems
Education
A degree or technical background in one of the following is preferred:
- Marine Design
- Naval Architecture
- Mechanical Engineering
- Marine Engineering
- Industrial Design
- Manufacturing Engineering
Physical Requirements and Working Conditions
- This is not purely a desk-based CAD position.
- The Marine Designer will routinely interact with engineering, fabrication, vessel assembly, integration, and testing teams and may participate in dockside and on-water testing.
- Candidates should be comfortable moving between the CAD workstation, production floor, vessel, and waterfront.
- Must be able to walk, stand, and navigate large indoor and outdoor facilities for extended periods of time.
- Ability to lift, carry, and move materials and equipment weighing up to 25 lbs on a regular basis.
- Use of personal protective equipment (PPE) may be required in designated areas or when performing specific tasks, in accordance with safety protocols and company policy.
- May be required to climb ladders, stoop, kneel, or crouch during inspections, maintenance walk-throughs, or emergency response situations.
- Regular exposure to facility operations including noise, dust, temperature fluctuations, and industrial equipment.
- Occasional off-hours or weekend work required for emergency facility responses or projects as needed
- Requires frequent use of a computer and other standard office equipment for documentation, communication, and coordination tasks.
Work Authorization / Compliance
U.S. persons only
Background Check
This position will require successfully completing a post-offer background check. Qualified candidates with criminal history will be considered and are not automatically disqualified, consistent with federal and state law.
EEO and ITAR/EAR Work Authorization Disclosure
Red Cat Holdings provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This position requires direct or indirect access to hardware, software, technology or technical data controlled under the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and the Export Administration Regulations (EAR). Successful candidates for positions subject to ITAR/EAR restrictions must provide proof of U.S. Citizenship or Permanent Residence and must not require sponsorship for export-restricted work authorization.
E-Verify
The company participates E-Verify ensure eligibility for employment and compliance with Right to Work rules.
Compensation: Salary plus generous annual equity package and potential bonuses.