Naval Architecture Student/Co-op- Winter 2026

Job Description

Launch Your Naval Career with Irving Shipbuilding!

Are you ready to make waves in your career? Join us as a Naval Architecture co-op student and become part of a team that’s shaping the future of Canadian shipbuilding. This is more than just a placement—it’s your chance to contribute to meaningful projects, support our cutting-edge new construction programs, and gain hands-on experience that matters.

As a valued member of our team, you’ll:

• Collaborate with industry leaders and talented professionals.
• Build lasting connections with fellow co-op students across ISI.
• Get a real-world preview of what a career at Irving Shipbuilding looks like—with potential for future full-time opportunities in our rapidly growing organization.
  
  

We’ve Got Your Back

We’re proud to support our student hires—not just with mentorship and experience, but financially too. Irving Shipbuilding will cover your co-op program fees up to $1,000.

Let’s Find the Right Fit

Successful applicants will be matched to roles based on your degree program, interests, and any relevant work or volunteer experience. Be sure your resume and cover letter clearly highlight:

• Your engineering discipline
• Your current year of study
• Any relevant experience or interests
  
  

Ready to Set Sail?

We appreciate all applications, but only those selected for interviews will be contacted.

Responsibilities

What You’ll Be Doing

As a Naval Architecture co-op student at Irving Shipbuilding, you won’t be stuck on the sidelines—you’ll be right in the action. Your work will directly support ship production and design, giving you a front-row seat to one of Canada’s most advanced industrial projects.

Here’s a snapshot of what your role could include:

• Collaborate with Production Teams: Tackle real engineering challenges alongside our production crew during active ship builds.
• Design Review & Feedback: Work with internal and external stakeholders to evaluate and refine ship design elements.
• Support Execution Schedules: Help ensure production stays on track by assisting with schedule coordination and technical support.
• Issue Management: Participate in identifying, tracking, and resolving engineering and production issues.
• Continuous Improvement: Propose and contribute to process improvement initiatives that drive efficiency and innovation.
  
  

Qualifications

What You Bring to the Table

We’re looking for motivated and detail-oriented students who are ready to dive into the world of shipbuilding. The ideal candidates will have:

• Education: Currently enrolled in a Naval Architecture program.
• Experience: 0–2 years of relevant experience (co-op, internship, or volunteer work welcome).
• Skills:
• Strong communication, interpersonal, and problem-solving abilities.
• Proficient in the Microsoft Office Suite and open to learning new tools and technologies.
• Highly organized, able to manage multiple tasks with shifting priorities.
• A fast learner and effective problem solver who thrives in dynamic environments.
  

Due to the nature of work Irving Shipbuilding does, all successful applicants must meet requirements for the Canadian Controlled Goods Program (CGP), Canadian Government Security clearance, and U.S. International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR).

Please note this position requires a full-time, in-office presence.

About Us

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.

About The Team

Irving Shipbuilding is proud to be Canada's National Shipbuilder. Our team is constructing more than 20 modern patrol ships and destroyers for the Royal Canadian Navy and Canadian Coast Guard as part of the largest defence procurement project in Canadian history.

By joining our team of more than 2,400 shipbuilders, you can enjoy a dynamic and exciting career with a company dedicated to your success, development, and safety.

At Irving Shipbuilding, we're making history - why not make it with us? Learn more about careers at Irving Shipbuilding: shipsforcanada.ca/opportunities.

We invite applications from all qualified candidates, including racially visible persons, women in underrepresented roles, persons with disabilities, Indigenous persons, and members of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, and encourage applicants to self-identify.