Naval Architecture Student/Co-op- Winter 2027

Job Description

As a member of the Hull Engineering team, you'll play an important role in supporting the design, construction, testing, commissioning, and delivery of vessels for the Royal Canadian Navy and Canadian Coast Guard. Working alongside experienced engineers, you'll review technical calculations, models, reports, and specifications, help resolve complex engineering challenges, and support shipyard production, testing, and commissioning activities.

This is a unique opportunity to apply your engineering knowledge in both office and industrial shipbuilding environments, gain hands-on experience with large-scale marine projects, and contribute to the construction of some of Canada's most advanced ships. If you're passionate about engineering, problem-solving, and seeing your work come to life, this is your chance to launch your career while helping build Canada's next generation fleet.

We’re proud to support our student hires - not just with mentorship and experience, but financially too. Irving Shipbuilding will cover your co-op program fees up to $1,000.

Responsibilities

• Serve as technical project manager for vendor scope of supply for the assigned systems.
• Interface with shipyard production and planning teams to ensure the outfitting design products adequately reflect facility limitations, capabilities, and build methodology.
• Oversee design agent progress of system maturity and design deliverables.
• Originate routine or low complexity deliverables including technical specifications, system arrangement drawings, technical reports, and test reports.
• Identify opportunities for Continuous Improvement within their engineering discipline.
• Author processes and procedures documenting how recurring engineering support and deliverables in their assigned discipline are created.
• Identify technical risks and develop mitigation plans for risks associated with their engineering discipline and make risk-based technical decisions.
• Interface with Classification Society and RCN customer to obtain approval of functional engineering products.
  
  

Qualifications

• Currently enrolled in a Naval Architecture or Marine Engineering degree program.
• 0–2 years of relevant experience, co-op, internship, or volunteer work welcome.
• Interest in the marine or defense industry.
• Strong communication, interpersonal, and problem-solving abilities.
• Proficient in the Microsoft Office Suite and open to learning new tools and technologies.
• Highly organized, able to manage multiple tasks with shifting priorities.
• A fast learner and effective problem solver who thrives in dynamic environments.
  
  

Due to the nature of work Irving Shipbuilding does, all successful applicants must meet requirements for the Canadian Controlled Goods Program (CGP), Canadian Government Security clearance, and U.S. International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR).

Please note this position requires a full-time, in-office presence.

About Us

Founded in 1882, J.D. Irving, Limited (JDI) operates in Eastern Canada (New-Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, Québec, Ontario, Newfoundland and Labrador), as well as in USA. We are a team of 20,000 dedicated employees. At J.D. Irving, Limited, you are part of a dynamic team of professionals who lead with integrity and are passionate about delivering results. With a culture that nurtures talent and creates an inclusive workplace, you can grow your career across our various operating divisions.

We are committed to creating accessible environments for our colleagues, candidates, and customers. Requests for accommodation due to a disability (which may be visible or invisible, temporary, or permanent) can be made at any stage of application and employment. We encourage candidates to make their accommodation needs known so that we can provide equitable opportunities.

Worried you do not meet all the requirements? Studies have shown that many applicants apply only to job opportunities when they feel they meet 100% of the criteria. We promote an inclusive environment where everyone is appreciated, recognized, and empowered to contribute fully. If you are interested in this position but are worried you did not meet all the requirements, we would encourage you to still apply.

Our recruitment advisors and hiring teams will utilize human screening combined with AI technology to help identify the skills and qualities that matter most to our business, while safeguarding your privacy and using AI responsibly.

We appreciate your interest in our company however only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.

About The Team

Irving Shipbuilding is proud to be Canada's National Shipbuilder. Our team is constructing more than 20 modern patrol ships and destroyers for the Royal Canadian Navy and Canadian Coast Guard as part of the largest defence procurement project in Canadian history.

By joining our team of more than 2,400 shipbuilders, you can enjoy a dynamic and exciting career with a company dedicated to your success, development, and safety.

At Irving Shipbuilding, we're making history - why not make it with us? Learn more about careers at Irving Shipbuilding: shipsforcanada.ca/opportunities.

We invite applications from all qualified candidates, including racially visible persons, women in underrepresented roles, persons with disabilities, Indigenous persons, and members of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, and encourage applicants to self-identify.