Mechanical Design Engineer (Boating)

Location: Vonore, Tennessee, United States

Workplace: on_site

Description

Overview:

We’re hiring a Mechanical Design Engineer to lead the development of high-performance hulls, decks, and structural components for our next generation of tournament-ready sport fishing boats. This is a hands-on engineering role focused on both hull, deck, and small parts design and development and the integration of structural and mechanical components, combining yacht-grade craftsmanship with race-proven performance.

You’ll take projects from sketch to sea trial, creating 3D CAD models, supporting tooling and lamination planning, and collaborating with production to bring your designs to life. Hull and deck geometry will be central to your work, from performance prediction and structural integrity to fit-and-finish and ergonomics. You’ll also help define the mechanical and propulsion system layouts within those designs, ensuring seamless integration with real-world manufacturability.

Ideal candidates bring a deep understanding of fiberglass and composite construction methods, a passion for boat performance and ride quality, and the communication skills to work cross-functionally across engineering, tooling, production, and quality. This is a fast-paced, detail-oriented environment for engineers who want full ownership of the product and the pride of seeing their work on the water.

Benefits

• $95k - $115k
• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) retirement savings plan
• Paid time off, holidays, and personal leave

Requirements

Responsibilities

• New Product Development – Drive boat design projects from concept to production, supporting everything from layout and structure to system integration.
• 3D CAD Design – Develop detailed CAD models and engineering drawings of Fiberglass Reinforced Products (FRP) components, mechanical assemblies, and boat systems using NX or Solid Edge.
• Design for Manufacturability (DFM) – Apply DFM principles to ensure designs can be efficiently produced using fiberglass layup, CNC machining, and modular assembly processes.
• Performance Engineering – Design propulsion layouts and mechanical systems with performance prediction and real-world use in mind.
• BOM & Drawing Management – Create and manage engineering BOMs and detailed drawing packages to support production, purchasing, and service.
• Prototype Testing – Assist in prototype builds and on-the-water testing to validate designs, collect feedback, and implement performance or structural changes.
• Tooling & Vendor Support – Coordinate closely with tooling suppliers to ensure manufacturability, fit, and structural performance of fiberglass parts.
• Production Support – Collaborate with process engineering and quality teams to troubleshoot issues on the floor and implement design improvements.
• Continuous Improvement – Lead model changes, upgrades, and product improvements after launch, ensuring each boat evolves with customer expectations.
• Cross-Team Communication – Coordinate closely with Sales, Purchasing, and Service teams to ensure product consistency, customer alignment, and support readiness.
• Documentation & Folder Maintenance – Maintain complete and updated project folders, ensuring traceability and organized documentation throughout the lifecycle.

Qualifications

Required

• Education – Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Naval Architecture, or related field
• Experience – Minimum 4 years of marine or vehicle product designexperience
• CAD Proficiency – Strong background in 3D CAD modeling and drawing development
• Prototyping Experience – Familiarity with low-volume or one-off prototyping processes, including rapid iteration and hands-on testing.
• Mechanical Aptitude – Experience designing propulsion systems, structural elements, and mechanical layouts in a production setting.
• Lean Mindset – Familiarity with lean manufacturing or continuous improvement principles is beneficial.
• Team Collaboration – Strong communication and coordination skills across engineering, production, and support teams.
• Hands-On Orientation – Comfortable working in both office and manufacturing environments, with an interest in prototyping and testing.

Preferred

• Marine Engineering – Experiencer in recreational marine engineering
• Specific CAD Software – NX or Solid Edge 
• Composite Knowledge – Working knowledge of composite fiberglass construction and tooling design
• Project Management – Manage timelines, deadlines, and updates across cross-functional engineering teams.

Benefits

Benefits

• $95k - $115k
• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) retirement savings plan
• Paid time off, holidays, and personal leave