A Career That Shaped Vessels and the Engineers Behind Them
Some people contribute to a company.
Others leave a mark on it.
At Elliott Bay Design Group, Jim Towers has done both.
As Jim retires this month, we’ve been reflecting on what he’s meant to EBDG, not just in the work he’s led, but in the way he’s shown up for people over the years. He’s been a steady presence, someone others turn to for perspective, and a mentor who’s always willing to share what he knows.
He spent much of his career at EBDG as Chief Concept Engineer, helping shape projects from their earliest stages.
While bringing practical, shipyard-informed mindset to the work, Jim is grounded in real experience and a clear understanding of how vessels actually get built.
That perspective made him a trusted voice across the company and naturally led to his role as Principal in Charge, where he’s helped guide projects with the same steady judgment and accountability.
Before joining EBDG, Jim built his foundation in Pacific Northwest shipyards, working on the construction of high-speed aluminum vessels. Over the years, he’s taken on roles spanning production engineering, estimating, CAD design, and engineering management. For more than 25 years, he led teams through the day-to-day realities of shipyard work, balancing cost, schedule, and execution.
That experience has shaped how we approach design at EBDG and continue to benefit every project we take on.
But if you ask around the office, one of the first things people will mention is the time Jim has invested in others. He’s made a point of bringing engineers into the shipyard, walking them through inspections, and helping them understand what happens beyond the drawings. He’s shared not just technical knowledge, but the kind of judgment that only comes from years of experience.
Outside of work, Jim has also served his community as a volunteer firefighter, another reflection of his willingness to step in, take responsibility, and support others when it matters most.
Jim’s impact on EBDG goes well beyond any one role or project. It’s in the way he’s helped shape our approach to engineering, the standards he’s reinforced, and the people he’s mentored along the way.
We’re grateful for the years he’s given, the knowledge he’s shared, and the example he’s set.