Manufacturing Engineer – Paint & Coatings Planning

The role

This person will define the paint and coatings plan for vessel programs and build the shipyard's long-term coatings capability. They will manage outsourced contractor qualifications and develop internal coatings expertise.

What you will do

• Develop the overall paint and coatings plan for each vessel program.
• Sequence coating work against fabrication, outfitting, and erection.
• Define environmental control requirements and surface prep standards.
• Establish and maintain standards for qualifying outsourced coatings contractors.
• Build the evaluation, audit, and onboarding process for the approved vendor base.
• Manage the qualification lifecycle for contractors.
• Define and build the path to develop internal coatings capability.
• Identify internal candidates and structure on-the-job training and mentorship.
• Maintain documentation, qualification records, and audit trail.
• Refine the coatings plan and qualification program based on performance.

Required qualifications

• Hands-on experience in marine or industrial coatings (applicator, inspector, coatings/corrosion engineer) or equivalent planning experience built on that trade background.
• Understanding of coating systems and surface prep standards (SSPC-SP grades, NACE standards) and application methods.
• Working knowledge of SSPC-QP1 and SSPC-QP3 contractor certification standards.
• Understanding of what it takes for an individual to become SSPC-QP1 or NACE coatings inspector certified.
• Strong written communication skills to produce clear coatings specifications and audit documentation.

Nice to have

• Experience in new construction shipbuilding; industrial, marine repair, or heavy fabrication coatings experience also considered.
• NACE or SSPC certification, or active pursuit of one.
• Experience building contractor qualification, audit, and vendor management processes.
• Familiarity with ABS, USCG, or NAVSEA coatings requirements and documentation expectations.
• Technical/trade school, associate's, or bachelor's degree in coatings technology, materials/corrosion engineering, or a related field.

Benefits

• Medical Insurance: Saronic pays 100% of the premium for employees and 80% for dependents
• Dental and Vision Insurance: Saronic pays 100% of the premium under the basic plan for employees and 80% for dependents
• Generous PTO and Holidays
• Paid maternity and paternity leave
• Competitive Salary with opportunities for performance-based bonuses
• 401(k) plan with company match
• Equity options
• Basic life insurance and short- and long-term disability coverage
• Discounted pet insurance options including 24/7 Telehealth helpline
• Free lunch benefit
• Unlimited free drinks and snacks in the office

Before you apply

• Requires access to export-controlled information or items that require “U.S. Person” status (U.S. citizens, legal permanent residents, or certain protected classes of asylees and refugees).

About the company

Saronic Technologies is a leader in revolutionizing autonomy at sea, dedicated to developing state-of-the-art solutions that enhance maritime operations through autonomous and intelligent platforms.