The Accuracy Control Engineer develops and maintains the dimensional control systems required to ensure large ship structures align properly throughout fabrication, assembly, and erection. This role establishes the measurement standards, control points, and engineering processes that allow ship blocks and modules to fit together reliably during construction.

Shipbuilding relies on the precise alignment of extremely large structural assemblies. The Accuracy Control Engineer ensures that dimensional tolerances are controlled from plate cutting through final block erection, enabling repeatable modular production while minimizing rework and fit-up issues.

Responsibilities:

Dimensional Control Program Development

• Establish the shipyard’s accuracy control program governing dimensional tolerances throughout fabrication and assembly.
• Define measurement standards and control processes for panels, subassemblies, blocks, and erected structures.
• Develop dimensional control procedures that support modular ship construction.

Measurement Systems & Metrology

• Implement measurement systems used to verify structural alignment and geometry.
• Utilize advanced metrology technologies such as laser scanning, total stations, and digital measurement tools.
• Develop methods for tracking dimensional variation throughout the production process.

Production Integration

• Work closely with fabrication and assembly teams to ensure dimensional accuracy during panel line production, sub-assembly, block construction, and hull erection.
• Establish alignment procedures for block fit-up and erection.
• Support production teams in resolving dimensional conflicts during assembly.

Tolerance Development

• Define allowable tolerances for structural components and assemblies.
• Ensure tolerances support efficient welding, assembly, and fit-up processes.
• Coordinate tolerance standards with naval architects and structural engineers.

Root Cause Analysis

• Investigate dimensional discrepancies that lead to fit-up issues or rework.
• Identify process improvements to reduce dimensional variation.
• Implement corrective actions to prevent recurring alignment issues.

Digital Integration

• Support integration of dimensional control into digital ship models and production systems.
• Develop processes to compare as-built measurements with design models.
• Support development of digital twins and production simulation models.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Coordinate with welding engineering to understand distortion effects.
• Work with quality assurance to establish dimensional inspection procedures.
• Support production engineering in developing modular construction strategies.

What Success Looks Like

• Ship blocks and modules consistently align during assembly and erection.
• Dimensional rework is minimized across fabrication and block assembly.
• Measurement systems provide reliable verification of structural geometry.
• Modular construction processes operate predictably and efficiently.
• Production teams trust and rely on the dimensional control system.

Qualifications:

Required

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Structural Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or a related technical discipline.
• Understanding of dimensional control, metrology, or structural alignment in large-scale manufacturing or construction environments.
• Experience working with large fabricated structures, modular assemblies, or industrial production systems.
• Ability to interpret engineering drawings and structural models.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills related to structural tolerances and dimensional accuracy.

Preferred

• Experience in shipbuilding, offshore fabrication, heavy manufacturing, or large modular construction environments.
• Experience using industrial metrology technologies such as laser scanning, total stations, photogrammetry, or digital measurement systems.
• Familiarity with dimensional control programs used in shipyards or large fabrication environments.
• Experience analyzing welding distortion and structural deformation during fabrication.
• Experience integrating dimensional control with digital models, digital twins, or production simulation tools.