Systems & Propulsion Engineer

Job Description

Job Description

Job Title: Propulsion Engineer

Employment Type: Full-Time 

Classification: Exempt

Reports To: Engineering Team Leader

Pay Range: $65,000 - $85,000

Location : Orlando, Florida 

 

Why Regal? For over five decades, Regal Boats has been a beacon of excellence in the boating industry. As a family-owned and operated company since 1969, we take immense pride in our tradition of craftsmanship and quality. With a dedicated team of 600+ skilled members, we have continued to innovate and build stunning 20-50 foot boats that embody the essence of luxury and performance.

What sets Regal Boats apart is our status as a privately owned company, allowing us to stay true to our values and focus on our team members. We believe in the power of nurturing our team, fostering a culture of growth, and offering advancement opportunities. At Regal Boats, your passion for boating and dedication will be rewarded with a fulfilling and dynamic career journey.

 

Our Purpose: Honor God & Enrich Lives.

Our Mission: With God’s help we will develop an exceptional team dedicated to enriching lives and providing an awesome boating experience. 

 

JOB DESCRIPTION

Summary

Regal Boats is seeking a motivated self-starter to join our team as a Propulsion Engineer. This role is responsible for the design, integration, testing, and validation of propulsion systems across our luxury recreational boats, including express cruisers, bowriders, surf series, and center console hybrids. The ideal candidate will ensure propulsion systems deliver optimal performance, reliability, efficiency, and compliance with applicable industry standards. This position will support concept development, prototyping, product introduction, and continuous improvement across the Regal product line, from 20' to 50'.

Key Responsibilities

1. Propulsion Design & Integration

• Lead propulsion system design and integration across the Regal Boats product line.
• Evaluate and integrate marine engines, transmissions, sterndrives, outboard motors, propellers, and related propulsion components.
• Collaborate with mechanical, electrical, and naval architecture teams to optimize propulsion layouts and installation.
• Evaluate engine and propeller combinations to optimize speed, efficiency, handling, and overall vessel performance.
• Work with propulsion manufacturers and suppliers to select, evaluate, and validate components for production.
• Support the integration of propulsion controls, steering interfaces, and associated systems.

2. Testing, Validation & Compliance

• Conduct propulsion performance testing, including on-water trials, speed and acceleration testing, and fuel efficiency evaluations.
• Support engine calibration, diagnostics, troubleshooting, and performance optimization.
• Identify and resolve propulsion-related issues through root cause analysis and failure investigation.
• Validate propulsion configurations on new models and prototypes to ensure performance, reliability, and consistency.
• Ensure propulsion designs and installations comply with applicable ABYC, NMMA, USCG, ISO, and CE requirements.
• Document test results, performance data, and engineering recommendations.

3. Collaboration & Project Management

• Collaborate with engineering, manufacturing, quality, and service teams to support new product development and production launches.
• Coordinate with engine manufacturers and suppliers regarding technical specifications, installation requirements, troubleshooting, and product updates.
• Support cost analysis, component selection, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Develop and maintain technical documentation, installation specifications, and propulsion testing procedures.
• Coordinate with vendors to support technical training and resolve propulsion-related production or service concerns.
• Represent Regal in a professional, ethical, and socially responsible manner.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Naval Architecture, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Marine Engineering, or a related field.
• 3+ years of experience in marine systems engineering, preferably in boat building or OEM manufacturing.
• Proficiency in 3D CAD software (SolidWorks, Siemens NX, Rhino, Catia, Pro-E, or AutoCAD).
• Knowledge of marine propulsion, fuel systems, electrical networks, and onboard automation.
• Strong understanding of ABYC, USCG, and NMMA regulations.
• Experience with systems troubleshooting, root cause analysis, and failure mode testing.
• Conversational English.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with Volvo Penta, Yamaha, and Mercury propulsion systems.
• Experience with engine and propeller matching, propulsion calibration, and performance optimization.
• Hands-on experience with on-water testing, including sea trials, speed and acceleration testing, and performance validation.
• Experience with data acquisition and testing software, such as Dewesoft.
• Familiarity with marine engine diagnostics and manufacturer-specific diagnostic tools.
• Experience supporting propulsion integration across multiple boat models.
• Experience with boats ranging from 20' to 50'.
• Professional memberships in industry organizations such as ABYC.
• Strong problem-solving, project management, and cross-functional collaboration skills.
• Ability to multitask, meet deadlines, and work independently or within a team.

Work Environment
Must be able to work in a non-climate-controlled environment where ambient air temperature can exceed outside air temperature, reaching over 100 degrees Fahrenheit at times.

Physical Demands
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to bend at the waist and knees and stand for extended periods of time. The employee is frequently required to climb into and out of the boats using stairs. The employee must frequently be able to lift 50 pounds, work 10 hour days with most of the time being on your feet, and work overtime, whether planned or unplanned. Must be able to, with or without correct close vision, ability to adjust focus, and be able to distinguish between different colors.

Other Duties

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

EEO Statement

Regal Marine Industries, Inc. provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, Regal Marine Industries, Inc. complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, and transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

Regal Marine Industries, Inc. expressly prohibits any form of workplace harassment based on race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, genetic information, disability, or veteran status. Improper interference with the ability of Regal Marine Industries, Inc.’s employees to perform their job duties may result in discipline up to and including discharge.

 

This job offer is contingent upon passing a mandatory pre-employment drug test and the receipt of background results that are in compliance with the current company policy.