Manufacturing Engineering Manager

About the role

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. JOB OVERVIEW The Manufacturing Engineering Manager leads all ship disciplines — piping/HVAC, electrical, structural, propulsion/machinery, paint and coatings, accuracy control, and outfitting — through the detail planning activities that turn ship designs into buildable work at Port Alpha. In the near term, this role is hands-on and build-critical: owning the conversion of the Engineering Bill of Material (EBOM) into the Manufacturing Bill of Material (MBOM) and building the manufacturing plan inside Saronic's MES system for the first ship program. As the organization matures, this role grows into leading the broader manufacturing engineering team, including the Production Support function that captures feedback and changes from the deck plates and routes them back into design and the plan. This is a foundational leadership role for someone who can operate deep enough to personally stand up the MBOM and MES plan for a first-of-class ship, and broad enough to lead a multi-disciplinary engineering team as the program scales. This role works closely with design engineering, the Master Planner, production, and facilities to ensure the manufacturing plan reflects real yard capability and stays aligned to the master schedule. RESPONSIBILITIES - EBOM-to-MBOM Conversion & MES Planning ● Own the conversion of the Engineering Bill of Material into the Manufacturing Bill of Material for the first ship program at Port Alpha. ● Build out the manufacturing plan within Saronic's MES system, including process routers, work center definitions, and operation sequencing. ● Personally own the Manufacturing Plan for the first ship program, serving as the source of truth that discipline planners build their work instructions against. Program Alignment ● Work with design engineering to resolve EBOM structure issues. ● Align the MBOM and MES plan to the master schedule and work station flow with the Master Planner and program leadership. ● Validate the plan against real yard capability with production and facilities. Team Leadership ● Lead manufacturing engineers across all ship disciplines, setting technical direction and planning standards. ● Hire, develop, and mentor discipline-specific detail planners, ensuring consistent planning quality and cross-discipline coordination. ● Build and lead the Production Support function as the team and program mature. Program Representation & Risk Management ● Represent manufacturing engineering in program reviews. ● Manage planning risk and schedule interfaces with the master schedule. ● Ensure the manufacturing plan and MES data support quality, traceability, and classification/regulatory requirements. What Success Looks Like ● The MBOM and MES plan accurately reflect how the first ship program is actually built. ● Discipline planners across all ship systems build consistent, coordinated work instructions from a shared manufacturing plan. ● Deck-plate feedback flows back into design and the plan through an established Production Support function. ● The manufacturing plan remains a trusted, living reference rather than a static artifact. ● Manufacturing engineering is a credible, well-represented voice in program reviews and schedule decisions. QUALIFICATIONS - Required ● Significant hands-on experience in shipyard manufacturing engineering or production engineering. ● Direct experience building or maintaining a Manufacturing Bill of Material from an Engineering Bill of Material. ● Experience planning production work inside an MES or equivalent manufacturing execution/planning system. ● Prior experience leading or managing an engineering or planning team. ● Strong understanding of how a ship is actually built and how multiple disciplines interlock at each station and stage. Preferred ● Experience across multiple ship disciplines (piping, electrical, structural, propulsion, coatings). ● New construction shipbuilding experience, ideally including first-of-class or early-program experience. ● Experience building feedback loops between production and engineering, including deviation/change capture processes. ● Familiarity with ABS, USCG, or NAVSEA requirements as they apply to manufacturing planning. ● Bachelor's degree in a relevant engineering field (mechanical, industrial, naval architecture, or similar). PHYSICAL DEMANDS - Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer - Occasional standing and walking within the office - Manual dexterity to operate a computer keyboard, mouse, and other office equipment - Visual acuity to read screens, documents, and reports - Occasional reaching, bending, or stooping to access file drawers, cabinets, or office supplies - Lifting and carrying items up to 20 pounds occasionally (e.g., office supplies, packages) BENEFITS Medical Insurance: Comprehensive health insurance plans covering a range of services Saronic pays 100% of the premium for employees and 80% for dependents Dental and Vision Insurance: Coverage for routine dental check-ups, orthodontics, and vision care Saronic pays 100% of the premium under the basic plan for employees and 80% for dependents Time Off: Generous PTO and Holidays Parental Leave: Paid maternity and paternity leave to support new parents Competitive Salary: Industry-standard salaries with opportunities for performance-based bonuses Retirement Plan: 401(k) plan with company match Stock Options: Equity options to give employees a stake in the company’s success Life and Disability Insurance: Basic life insurance and short- and long-term disability coverage Pet Insurance: Discounted pet insurance options including 24/7 Telehealth helpline Additional Perks: Free lunch benefit and unlimited free drinks and snacks in the office Saronic CCPA Notice for Candidates and California Employees https://saronic-assets-public.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/Saronic%20CCPA%20Notice%20for%20Candidates%20and%20California%20Employees.pdf If this role is based in the United States, it requires access to export-controlled information or items that require “U.S. Person” status. As defined by U.S. law, individuals who are any one of the following are considered to be a “U.S. Person”: (1) U.S. citizens, (2) legal permanent residents (a.k.a. green card holders), and (3) certain protected classes of asylees and refugees, as defined in 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3) https://www.govinfo.gov/link/uscode/8/1324b. Saronic does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, color, religion, age, national origin, marital status, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or any other reason prohibited by law in provision of employment opportunities and benefits. We are also committed to providing reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities.