Shipyard Integration Manager

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 Shipyard Integration Manager owns two things that decide whether Port Alpha starts up cleanly: bringing the new facility into operation asset by asset, and integrating subcontracted trades and trade partners into the yard so they operate as an extension of the Saronic workforce. This role sits at the seam between the Port Alpha Development Program, which builds the shipyard, and the operating organization that will run it. As each building, crane, shiplift, panel line, utility system, and support area is completed, this role drives it through acceptance, turnover, and operational readiness: documentation, training, spares, maintenance plans, and the people and procedures needed to run it on day one. In parallel, it establishes how external trades and contractors are onboarded, supervised, measured, and held to the yard's safety, quality, and schedule standards, so that the mix of internal and contract labor needed to ramp production never becomes a source of friction or risk. This role works closely with Asset Reliability & Facility Operations, Production, Production Engineering, EHS, Quality, Supply Chain / Procurement, the facility construction team, and the Site Project Management Team. It requires someone comfortable running a disciplined turnover process while also managing the field-level realities of contract labor on a live construction and production site. RESPONSIBILITIES: - Facility Integration & Operational Readiness - Own the asset-by-asset integration plan for the new facility: define what 'ready to operate' means for each building, system, and major piece of equipment, and track every asset against it. - Run the acceptance and turnover process with the construction team and vendors, including commissioning witness, punch list closure, turnover packages, as-builts, and warranty handover. - Ensure operating procedures, operator and maintainer training, critical spares, and preventive maintenance plans are in place before an asset is released to Production or Facility Operations. - Coordinate operational readiness reviews and manage the risks and open items that could delay the start of production in each area. Contractor & Trade Partner Integration - Own the integration of subcontracted trades, specialty contractors, and trade partners into shipyard operations, from initial scoping through demobilization. - Establish clear expectations for contractor performance, supervision, and accountability, and act as the primary escalation point for contractor issues affecting production or readiness. - Ensure contractor scopes are sequenced with internal work and with facility turnover so that crews, access, and SIMOPS are deconflicted. - Develop the yard's long-term model for using contract labor at scale, including governance, oversight, and the internal capability needed to manage it. Onboarding, Standards & Field Execution - Design and enforce standardized onboarding for all contractors covering safety orientation, site-specific requirements, quality and workmanship standards, work rules, access controls, and communication protocols. - Ensure contractors understand how work is planned, sequenced, and released in the yard, and close gaps between contract scope language and actual execution requirements. - Support development of trade school and workforce partnerships that feed qualified trades into the yard. Safety & Quality Alignment - Partner with EHS to ensure contractor compliance with shipyard safety rules, permit-to-work systems (hot work, confined space, work at height), SIMOPS coordination, and exclusion zones. - Partner with Quality and Production to ensure contractor crews are qualified for assigned scopes (welding, coatings, electrical, machinery, and others) and that their work meets yard standards. - Support incident investigations involving contract labor and drive corrective actions to closure. Performance Management & Governance - Establish contractor and turnover performance metrics tied to safety outcomes, quality and rework, schedule adherence, and workforce reliability. - Lead regular performance reviews with contractors and internal stakeholders, and support decisions on contractor continuation, expansion, or removal. - Report integration status, readiness risk, and contractor performance to the VP, Shipyards and site leadership. Cross-Functional Coordination - Serve as the day-to-day interface between the Port Alpha Development Program, Asset Reliability & Facility Operations, Production, Planning, Quality, EHS, and Procurement on all integration matters. - Prevent conflict between internal crews, external trades, and construction contractors by clarifying ownership, interfaces, and handoffs. - Drive rapid resolution of field-level issues that threaten turnover dates or production schedule. QUALIFICATIONS: - Required - Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Construction Management, Industrial Management, or a related discipline, or equivalent experience. - 7+ years of experience in shipyard, heavy industrial, or large capital construction environments. - Direct experience commissioning, accepting, or bringing new industrial facilities, production lines, or major equipment into operation. - 3+ years managing subcontractors, specialty trades, or contract labor programs in an active production or construction setting. - Strong understanding of shipyard or industrial safety requirements, permit-to-work systems, quality and workmanship standards, and multi-trade sequencing and interfaces. - Proven ability to resolve contractor performance issues and turnover disputes without disrupting production. - Strong organizational and written communication skills; comfortable owning a readiness tracker, turnover packages, and performance reporting. Preferred - Experience on a greenfield shipyard, major yard expansion, or other large industrial startup. - Familiarity with cranes, shiplifts or dry docks, panel lines, blast and paint facilities, and marine industrial utilities. - Experience with labor agreements, union environments, or mixed internal and contract labor models. - Background in contractor safety programs and field compliance auditing. - Lean, Six Sigma, or continuous improvement experience. - Familiarity with ABS, USCG, or NAVSEA requirements and with security considerations for government shipbuilding work. PHYSICAL DEMANDS - Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer - Occasional standing and walking within the office - Manual dexterity to operate a computer keyboard, mouse, and other office equipment - Visual acuity to read screens, documents, and reports - Occasional reaching, bending, or stooping to access file drawers, cabinets, or office supplies - Lifting and carrying items up to 20 pounds occasionally (e.g., office supplies, packages) BENEFITS Medical Insurance: 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.