Job Description

Position Summary: 

As a Senior Design Engineer at Barletta, you will lead the design and development of innovative, high-quality pontoon boats. You will apply advanced engineering expertise to conceptualize, optimize, and execute designs that meet the highest standards of aesthetics, functionality, and performance. As a senior team member, you will also mentor junior engineers, oversee complex projects, and ensure alignment with Barletta’s values: Treat everyone like family, Always do the right thing, and Relentlessly pursue excellence. 

Barletta’s culture prioritizes leadership behaviors: Connect with Purpose, Execute with Excellence, and Build the Future. 

Job Responsibilities: 

Strategic Conceptualization and Design: 

• Lead the conceptualization and design of innovative pontoon boats, balancing creative vision with practical manufacturability.
• Evaluate and improve upon existing designs, driving innovation and competitive differentiation.

Advanced CAD Modeling and Drafting: 

• Oversee the creation of detailed 2D and 3D models of complex boat components, systems, and structures using advanced CAD software.
• Establish best practices for design documentation, ensuring compliance with Barletta’s standards and regulatory requirements.

Comprehensive Structural Analysis and Simulation: 

• Conduct advanced structural analysis and simulations to validate and optimize designs for strength, stability, and performance under diverse operating conditions.
• Guide the integration of findings into design improvements and ensure long-term durability of products.

Material Selection and Specifications Expertise: 

• Lead the research and specification of materials for boat construction, optimizing for durability, weight, cost, and sustainability.

• Establish and maintain strategic relationships with suppliers to ensure material quality and consistency.

Prototype Development and Advanced Testing: 

• Spearhead the development and testing of prototypes, leveraging a deep understanding of performance, usability, and manufacturing requirements.
• Develop actionable insights from test results to refine designs and drive excellence.

Cross-Functional Collaboration and Leadership: 

• Act as a key liaison between design, product development, manufacturing, marketing, and sales teams, ensuring alignment on objectives, timelines, and deliverables.
• Present design concepts and progress updates to senior leadership and external stakeholders.

Regulatory Compliance Leadership: 

• Ensure all designs exceed regulatory standards, including ABYC, USCG, and other applicable certifications.
• Proactively monitor regulatory changes and integrate requirements into design processes.

Continuous Improvement and Innovation: 

• Drive continuous improvement initiatives in design methodologies, tools, and technologies to maintain Barletta’s position as an industry leader.
• Mentor and develop junior engineers to enhance team expertise and innovation capacity.

Safety and Risk Mitigation: 

• Champion Barletta’s safe culture by advocating for safe design practices, conducting risk assessments, and implementing hazard mitigation strategies in the design process.

QUALIFICATIONS:  

• Proven experience in marine design, preferably within the pontoon boat industry. Experience with fiberglass, aluminum, and composite materials is highly desirable.
• Advanced proficiency in CAD software such as SolidWorks, AutoCAD, or similar tools. Experience with finite element analysis (FEA) software is a plus.
• Advanced knowledge and understanding of engineering principles, including structural mechanics, fluid dynamics, and materials science.
• Excellent problem-solving skills and attention to detail, with a demonstrated ability to translate conceptual ideas into practical, manufacturable designs.
• Effective communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to work cross-functionally in a fast-paced team environment.
• Familiarity with regulatory standards and certifications related to boat design and manufacturing.
• Passion for boating and a commitment to delivering high-quality, innovative products that delight customers.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS: 

• Compensation is based on past job history, knowledge and experience.
• Medical/Rx
• HSA/FSA
• Dental & Vision
• Short and Long-Term Disability
• Company Paid Life Insurance and AD&D
• Voluntary Life, Accident, Critical Illness, Hospital, Legal, Identity Theft 
• 401k with match
• Employee Stock Purchase Program
• Tuition Reimbursement