Background check, US Citizenship, and a drug screening are requirements for this position. Pending client approved candidate.

The Senior Propulsion Alignment Engineer serves as the shipyard’s technical authority for propulsion shafting and reduction gear alignment across new construction, repair, and modernization programs. This role owns the mechanical integrity of the propulsion train—from the reduction gear output flange through the shaft line, bearings, seals, and propeller.

This is a hands-on, deckplate-driven role, responsible for identifying and resolving alignment risks before they become propulsion failures during dock trials, sea trials, or in service. The position carries the authority to stop work when alignment conditions or installation practices place the propulsion system at risk.

What This Role Is (and Is Not)

Is: A propulsion risk owner and technical authority

Is: A deckplate-focused problem solver

Is Not: A junior or support engineering role

Is Not: A purely analytical or desk-based position

Why This Role Matters

When propulsion alignment is done correctly, nothing dramatic happens.

When it is not, failures are expensive, schedule-impacting, and highly visible.

This role exists to ensure those failures never occur. 

Core Responsibilities

Propulsion Shafting & Alignment Authority

Act as the final technical authority for propulsion shaft alignment, including:

Cold and hot alignment

Bearing offsets, slopes, and reaction loads

Sag & gap and laser alignment measurements

Jacking load evaluation

Review, approve, or reject alignment results prior to final coupling and bolt-up

Ensure alignment conditions meet OEM, NAVSEA, and classification society requirements

Reduction Gear Integration

Lead technical integration of propulsion reduction gears with shafting systems

Review and validate OEM installation and alignment procedures

Verify:

Gear foundation flatness and chocking

Gear seating and mounting tolerances

Gear-to-shaft interface geometry

Serve as the technical interface with gear OEMs, class, and government stakeholders

Engineering ? Production Interface

Translate design assumptions into executable shipyard practices

Identify and resolve conflicts related to:

Hull deflection and distortion

Foundation tolerances

Bearing placement and geometry

Shaft straightness and fit-up

Provide real-time deckplate support during installation and alignment activities

Alignment Analysis & Validation

Perform or review shaft alignment models and calculations

Evaluate thermal growth, hull girder effects, and bearing load distributions

Validate alignment assumptions against actual ship conditions

Identify design or installation risks early to avoid rework and schedule impacts

Dock & Sea Trial Support

Support propulsion system testing during dock and sea trials

Monitor bearing temperatures, vibration trends, and propulsion behavior

Diagnose abnormal conditions and recommend corrective actions

Support root-cause analysis for propulsion discrepancies and failures

Risk, Schedule & Warranty Protection

Prevent propulsion-related failures, rework, and trial delays

Protect the shipyard from warranty exposure and post-delivery claims

Maintain technical documentation supporting alignment decisions and approvals

Serve as a single point of accountability for propulsion alignment integrity 

Required Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or equivalent experience

15+ years of hands-on shipyard or marine propulsion experience

Demonstrated expertise in:

Propulsion shaft alignment and bearing load analysis

Reduction gear installation and integration

Large rotating marine machinery

Strong knowledge of NAVSEA, ABS, and OEM propulsion requirements

Proven ability to work onsite in active shipyard environments

Willingness and authority to stop work when propulsion risk is identified

Preferred Experience

Navy, MSC, or large commercial vessel programs

New construction and major repair shipyard environments

Experience serving as the primary or sole propulsion alignment authority

Familiarity with laser alignment systems and traditional alignment methods