Manufacturing Engineer – Paint & Coatings Planning

The posting, as Saronic wrote it

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 Engineer – Paint & Coatings Planning defines the paint and coatings plan for each vessel program and builds the shipyard's long-term coatings capability through qualified outside labor and a developed internal workforce. This role determines what gets coated, when, with what systems, and in what sequence relative to fabrication and outfitting.

Coatings protect the long-term integrity of every hull the yard builds, and a coatings failure is often invisible until the ship is in service and far more expensive to fix than to prevent. This role establishes qualification standards (SSPC-QP1, SSPC-QP3) for outsourced painting contractors and builds the path to bring SSPC-QP1 and NACE-certified coatings expertise in-house.

This role works closely with structural, piping, electrical, and HVAC planning teams, quality assurance, and outside coatings contractors to build a credible, auditable coatings program from the ground up.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Coatings Planning

Develop the overall paint and coatings plan for each vessel program, defining coating systems, surface preparation, and application methods by compartment and structure type.

Sequence coating work against fabrication, outfitting, and erection so blasting and painting happen at the correct stage.

Define environmental control requirements and surface prep standards (SSPC-SP grades, NACE standards), and establish inspection hold points and acceptance criteria.

Outsourced Contractor Qualification

Establish and maintain standards for qualifying outsourced coatings contractors, requiring SSPC-QP1 certification for field application and SSPC-QP3 for shop/fabrication-coating application.

Build the evaluation, audit, and onboarding process for the approved vendor base.

Manage the qualification lifecycle, including renewals, re-audits, and corrective action.

Internal Capability Development

Define and build the path to develop internal coatings capability, including the training and certification roadmap for personnel to achieve SSPC-QP1 and NACE coatings inspector credentials.

Identify internal candidates and structure on-the-job training and mentorship.

Coordinate external training and exam requirements toward a long-term internally qualified workforce.

Documentation & Continuous Improvement

Maintain documentation, qualification records, and audit trail for classification/regulatory review.

Refine the coatings plan and qualification program based on floor performance and inspection results.

Identify and resolve sequencing conflicts between coatings work and other trades.

What Success Looks Like

Coating systems are applied at the correct build stage without rework from later welding or fit-up.

Outsourced contractors consistently meet SSPC-QP1/QP3 qu
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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.