the crucible team

Principal Engineer

  Josh is the Owner and Principal Engineer of Crucible Engineering LLC. He is a Professional Engineer licensed by the state of Washington in the disciplines of Marine Engineering and Naval Architecture. Under Josh's guidance Crucible specializes in design for production, hands-on management, technically challenging work, and developing teams of exceptional people to accomplish audacious goals.

From 2019 to 2022, Josh oversaw the design and construction of North America’s largest clamshell dredge: the DB AVALON owned by Curtin Maritime of Long Beach, CA. The Crucible team has since managed several projects at Everett Ship Repair including a US Army Corp dredge overhaul, an oil barge ballast water treatment system, and a fishing vessel refrigeration system upgrade.

From 2011 until 2019, Josh managed the production design group at Glosten, Inc. This team produced detailed construction drawings for several high-profile projects. His experience encompasses structural lofting and detailing, piping system design, and electrical system distribution. He is well-versed in USCG passenger vessel rules and 46 CFR Subchapter I, Miscellaneous inspected vessels.

Josh, his wife, and their rambunctious three daughters live in Seattle, Washington. He enjoys fly-fishing, cross-country skate skiing, and any opportunity to be outside.

Senior Mechanical Engineer  

 Cath is the Senior Mechanical Engineer at Crucible Engineering LLC. She manages projects both remotely and onsite, notably coordinating the Ecochlor ballast water management system on the oil barge DOUBLE SKIN–802 and supporting the Coast Guard submittal drawings for Northline Seafood’s fish tender HANNAH.

She also sails on BC Ferries with duties including engineering watchkeeping on passenger vessels. Cath’s expertise includes LNG and all-electric propulsion systems.

From 2020 to 2022, Cath served as a Marine Engineer and Assistant Project Manager at Curtin Maritime, Long Beach, CA. She contributed to the design and construction of the clamshell dredge DB Avalon, overseeing mechanical system installations, and coordinating with the US Coast Guard for regulatory compliance.

Cath began her professional journey at Glosten Inc in Seattle, WA, where she worked for eight years. There, she honed her skills in mechanical and electrical design for various maritime vessels, collaborating closely with naval architects and vendors.

She holds a Bachelor of Applied Science in Mechanical Engineering with a specialization in Thermo-Fluids from the University of British Columbia. Cath's career reflects a commitment to advancing marine engineering through practical application and innovative design. 

Her onsite and hands-on experience combined with her sea time results in practical designs with an awareness of operational needs.

Cath likes to wear herself out on the weekends mountain biking and rock climbing so she can sit still at a desk during the week.

Senior Naval Architect  

Dan is the Senior Naval Architect at Crucible Engineering LLC since 2023. He specializes in structural design, stability, regulatory submittals, and Finite Element Analysis. Dan has a wide range of experiences from small planing vessel design to heavy lift cargo operations.

Previously, Dan worked as a Senior Naval Architect at Curtin Maritime in Long Beach, CA, focusing on structural engineering and naval architecture. He also worked at Kvichak Marine Industries in Seattle, WA, where he started as a Naval Architect and later became Lead Engineer, responsible for naval architecture and electrical system design.

Earlier in his career, Dan was part of Elliott Bay Design Group in Seattle, WA, and Michael Peters Yacht Design in Sarasota, FL, developing his naval architecture and marine engineering skills.

Dan holds a Bachelor of Science in Naval Architecture & Marine Engineering from Webb Institute and is a member of the Society of Naval Architects and Marine Engineers (SNAME).

His recent projects include Incline Experiments, heavy lift supervision, structural FE analysis, and designing monohulls and catamarans. Dan is dedicated to contributing to naval architecture and marine engineering.

Dan has competed in multiple endurance cycling races, is an active Orienteering enthusiast, and skis cross-country in the beautiful Methow Valley. His sailboat, EOS, is moored in a marina near Seattle, allowing easy access to the San Juan Islands and beyond.

Naval Architect

A lifelong Texan currently living in the Houston area, Colton joined Crucible as a Naval Architect.
 

He began his career as a field engineer assisting in the construction of a new wharf in the Port of Long Beach with Manson Construction Co. while earning his Bachelor of Science in Ocean Engineering at Texas A&M University. During his studies, Colton helped lead the human powered submarine team as one of the Senior Captains and assisted as an undergraduate researcher studying spray deflection on planing vessels.
 

After graduating he transitioned into the naval architecture field focusing on vessel design for inland and intracoastal waterways. From 2020 to 2024, Colton assisted in the design of various barges, towboats, dredges, and passenger ferries at The Shearer Group, Inc. in Houston, TX. He also travelled often to Louisiana to oversee the construction of the Texas Department of Transportation's newest hybrid diesel-electric passenger ferry.
 

Colton's most recent work includes leading the hull and deckhouse structural designs for a 254' clamshell dredge and an 82' car/passenger ferry.
 

Out of the office, Colton considers himself a serial hobbyist: from powerlifting/strongman to boardgaming, or coding to pick-up soccer and basketball. His only consistency is getting his two miniature dachshunds out for a walk.

Naval Architect

Lukas is a Naval Architect EIT from Southern California. He graduated from SUNY Maritime College with a Bachelors of Engineering in Naval Architecture, where his senior project focused on the development of a fuel efficient 100m catamaran Ro-Pax ferry. Lukas previously interned with Crowley Engineering Services in the hydrostatics department, working on newbuild designs as well as existing vessel USCG inspection for ferries, fishing, and towing vessels.

Prior to his involvement in the maritime industry, Lukas spent nearly two decades working in the theater and entertainment business as a welder, rigger, carpenter, and technical designer for multiple firms building Broadway and Off-Broadway theatrical scenery. This culminated in a position as Head of Technical Design, where he implemented 3D parametric modelling and assisted in creating advanced CAM processes integral to both the design and manufacturing stages of product development. His work has been seen on Broadway and in international tours of shows including Once, Frozen, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, and Dear Evan Hansen.

Lukas has been an avid sailor from a young age and has competed in the R2AK sailboat race from Port Townsend, Washington to Ketchikan, Alaska. He also enjoys snowboarding, climbing, backpacking, and reading.

Technical Project Manager

  Krissy Burkhart is a Technical Project Manager with extensive experience in logistics, contract compliance, and maritime operations. She has managed government, environmental, and private sector projects, focusing on planning, budgeting, and execution.

At KPFF Consulting Engineers, Krissy coordinated subconsultants in fields such as naval architecture and environmental permitting while ensuring contract compliance and budget tracking.

As Project Manager for Everett Ship Repair, she led client coordination and repair project planning at Everett Ship Repair. In this role she managed federally funded and commercial projects.

Krissy worked as Captain and Project Manager at Jen-Jay, Inc., including environmental and marine infrastructure projects, such as mooring replacements for Washington State Parks.

Krissy began her maritime career as a deckhand at Island Express Charters, advancing to Fleet Captain and Logistics Coordinator, where she handled vessel operations and route planning for the San Juan Islands.

She holds a PMP certification, a Certificate in Project Management from the University of Washington, and a Merchant Mariner’s Credential as a Master 100 Ton Inland/50 Ton Near Coastal.

Procurement Manager

 As Procurement Manager at Crucible, David sources equipment and materials, manages vendor relationships, and handles logistics to support project execution. He leverages his extensive experience in the marine industry to get the right materials to the right location at the right time. 

Previously the Purchasing Director at Curtin Maritime, David restructured purchasing protocols and introduced a comprehensive online inventory and requisition system. Most recently, as Facility Director at Reborn Cabinets, David oversaw 14 warehouses across multiple states, managing space utilization, staff performance, and inventory control.

David’s early career included roles as Kitchen Designer at Riverhead Building Supply, where he combined design and problem-solving skills, and Inventory Manager at American Granite Resources, where he implemented inventory control systems that boosted operational efficiency.

Outside work, David is an avid runner who trains for marathons on both road and trail, enjoys hiking, and has a passion for ice hockey.

Senior Marine Designer

Craig brings a wide variety of design experience to the Crucible team, having worked on many different types of marine vessels over his career. He is highly skilled in both AutoCAD and Rhinoceros 3D software programs.

Craig began at Propulsion Systems, Inc. where he worked as a Mechanical Draftsman focusing on large controllable pitch propellers. He later joined Marine Power & Equipment, Inc. from as a Marine Draftsman for tug and barge projects.

In 1986, Craig joined Pacific Fishermen Inc., specializing in fishing vessel repair, where he served as a Marine Draftsman/Designer, working on commercial fishing vessel equipment modifications.

From 1989 to 2017, he worked as a Marine Designer for Jensen Maritime Consultants, Inc. After Jensen merged into Crowley Maritime in 2008, Craig managed the design/drafting group.

From 2017 to 2023, Craig was the Principal Marine Designer at Hockema Group, handling commercial fishing vessels, tugs, and barges. He also served as CAD Manager. His notable work included 3D mechanical design for dredge pumping systems.

Outside of work Craig enjoys small wood boatbuilding, sailing, and rowing.

Shipyard Project Manager

 Cameron is an expert Shipyard Project Manager with specialized experience in all aspects of the tug and barge industry. Working at both startup and existing shipyards in new construction and repair sectors gives Cameron well-rounded knowledge of all areas of shipyard management.

He has managed capital projects and created safety protocols and workplace culture that resulted in his shipyard team being awarded the 2023 AEU Safety Award for their USL&H employees.

Cameron has over 13 years of experience in the marine industry, notably at Curtin Maritime Corp, San Jac Marine, Westport Orange Shipyard, Sneed Shipbuilding, Bay Ship & Yacht, and Hornblower Cruises and Events. 

Mechanical Engineer

Quentin is a South Louisiana native with more than 12 years of experience in the Marine, Energy, and Wastewater industries.
 

After earning a bachelor's degree in Communication, he developed his engineering skills at Bollinger Shipyards, where he designed mechanical systems for both the U.S. Coast Guard and Navy before transitioning into the energy and water sectors.
 

From 2016-2023, Quentin led Mechanical Design efforts in the Oil & Gas and Wastewater industries, where he oversaw the production of a variety of engineering deliverables including technical manuals, process and flow diagrams, and manufacturing/fabrication documentation.

His recent projects include the U.S. Navy PWEDG Sodium Hypochlorite Generator, the BP/Nakika Wastewater Treatment Package, and the Ras Tanura Sea Islands Fire Upgrade Protection System.

Outside of the office, Quentin developed a love for Seattle and the Pacific Northwest region and spends much of his free time walking around the city or hiking trails with his wife. He also enjoys relaxing at his home in West Seattle and is an avid reader of fantasy and science fiction novels.

Project Administrator

As the Project Administrator at Crucible Engineering LLC, Carol manages document control for ongoing projects, prepares and formats project correspondence, communicates with regulatory agencies, provides research assistance, and assists with proposals.

Carol has been in the marine business for over 20 years. Previously, at Snow & Company, Inc. she worked as HR Manager where she created procedures and policies for increasing the workforce. She also assisted the business development department with proposals and marketing projects.

From 2009 to 2020, Carol was the Business Development Operations Manager at Vigor Industrial. She was Marketing Manager at Kvichak Marine Industries prior to the merger with Vigor and assisted the business development team with domestic and international new construction proposals.

Earlier in her career, Carol was a yacht broker in the Seattle area, which allowed her to enjoy time on the water. She competed in, and helped with, the organization of local sailing regattas.

Carol holds a marketing degree from the University of Puget Sound, Tacoma, WA.