Job Title: Mechanical/Design Engineer
Location: Jay & Kay Fabrication (Michigan) — Armstrong Nautical Group
Department: Engineering
Reports to: Engineering Manager
Job Type: Full-time
Position Overview
Jay & Kay Fabrication is seeking a highly motivated Mechanical Engineer with a passion for marine design and innovation. Jay & Kay provides custom aluminum and stainless fabrication for OEM boat builders and marine manufacturers — including outboard brackets, swim platforms, hard tops, T-tops, tubular arches, radar masts, NAV and satellite TV mounts, ladders, grab handles, rod holders, and tuna towers. This role works closely with ownership, technical sales, and production teams to design and deliver these products from concept through finished part. The ideal candidate brings hands-on fabrication and product development experience, a strong 3D modeling background, and a genuine feel for marine engineering and boat building.
Key Responsibilities
Collaboration & Design
- Work directly with ownership and the design team to develop and refine marine fabrication products — outboard brackets, swim platforms, hard tops and T-tops, tubular arches, radar masts and antenna mounts, ladders, rod holders, tuna towers, and related hardware
- Produce detailed shop drawings to guide fabrication employees through assembly
- Lead design efforts on new product programs while improving and optimizing existing product lines
Manufacturing Support
- Ensure designs are manufacturable, partnering closely with production staff to streamline builds without sacrificing function or quality
- Apply working knowledge of Jay & Kay's in-house capabilities — CNC tube bending, plasma cutting and punching, machining, MIG/TIG welding, and painting/finishing — to keep designs cost-effective and efficient
- Support custom and repeatable production work across marine and adjacent product lines
Project Management
- Manage multiple design projects simultaneously, delivering on time and to a high standard
- Own product development from concept through prototype, with a constant eye toward practicality and ease of production
Quality Control & Improvement
- Implement processes that ensure products meet quality standards throughout manufacturing and before shipment
- Continuously refine designs to simplify production while enhancing functionality
Documentation & Archiving
- Maintain thorough records of design files, technical specifications, and project histories for the engineering department
Field Testing & Troubleshooting
- Travel as needed for sea trials, product testing, and troubleshooting across varying sea conditions; comfort on the water and hands-on testing is essential
Bill of Materials (BOM) Responsibilities
- Create and maintain accurate BOMs, ensuring all parts, components, and materials are properly specified
- Keep BOMs current as designs evolve, maintaining consistency with builds and manufacturing processes
- Use BOM data to calculate and track material costs for budgeting and pricing
- Coordinate with procurement to ensure timely sourcing and delivery of materials
- Build BOMs that clearly guide assembly and manufacturing teams
- Track and manage BOM revisions to ensure only the current version is in use
- Integrate BOM data with PLM/ERP systems to track product changes and production timelines
Qualifications & Skills
- Marine industry background — prior experience in the marine or boating industry required
- Technical expertise — proficiency in 3D modeling (SolidWorks required, including Sheet Metal and Weldments); 2D AutoCAD experience required; strong grasp of fabrication techniques including sheet metal work, tube bending, machining, welding, and assembly
- Hands-on skills — experience in a fab shop or machine shop environment preferred, with exposure to processes like plasma cutting, tool and die design, coatings, and electropolishing
- Education — Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or Marine Engineering preferred
- Communication — strong written and verbal skills, able to translate technical detail for team members, customers, and stakeholders
- Computer skills — proficient with standard office software (MS Office, email, internet)
Physical Requirements
Willingness to travel and participate in sea trials in varying sea conditions. Must be comfortable working aboard boats and conducting tests in active marine environments.
Compensation & Benefits
- Salary: Competitive, commensurate with experience
- Benefits: Available after 90 days
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $55,000.00 - $75,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
Experience:
- Project engineering: 3 years (Preferred)
Work Location: In person
