Junior Engineer, Research & Development

As a Junior Engineer, Research & Development, you will play a key role in designing, planning, and executing improvements to processes, tools, methods, and equipment to support high-quality, efficient operations in ship construction, delivery, and repair. This role includes working on research and development (R&D) initiatives to drive innovation and continuous improvement across shipbuilding operations.

Why Join Us?

• Be part of a team driving innovation and excellence in shipbuilding.
• Lead impactful R&D projects that shape the future of marine manufacturing.
• Work in a dynamic environment with opportunities for professional growth.
• Contribute to projects that have a lasting impact on national defense and maritime operations.
• Analyze and improve production processes using scientific and engineering methodologies.
• Support R&D projects from proposal development through execution and evaluation.
• Build project proposals that define scope, objectives, timelines, budgets, and resource needs.
• Test equipment performance and conduct pilot projects to validate new technologies.
• Manage relationships with external vendors and suppliers to support project execution and technical evaluations.
• Apply lean, Six Sigma, and other industrial engineering principles to optimize workflows.
• Use formal project management tools to plan, monitor, and report on complex projects.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to influence change using structured change management approaches.
• Work independently under general supervision to deliver results within an assigned scope.
• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, or a related field.
• Currently pursuing or interest in achieving Professional Engineers Designation (PEng).
• 0-4 years of experience in a technical or process-oriented environment, preferably in manufacturing or shipbuilding.
• Practical knowledge gained through hands-on experience, mentorship, and coaching.
• Strong analytical skills and proficiency in root cause analysis and solution testing.
• Effective communication and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Experience in shipbuilding or heavy manufacturing environments.
• Experience in running scientific testing.
• Knowledge of change management principles and tools.
• Ability to work with minimal supervision and manage multiple priorities.
• Familiarity with lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, and continuous improvement methodologies.

Founded in 1882, J.D. Irving, Limited (JDI) has operations in Canada and the United States and 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. We appreciate your interest in our company however only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.