Senior Naval Architect

Our client is a rapidly growing business designing some of the most innovative and interesting applications for the marine industry. If you are a meticulous individual with a passion for working on cutting edge projects, this could be ideal for you.
 
Senior Naval Architect
Marine Defence applications
Portsmouth
Permanent
 
Role Overview
This role is a senior technical and leadership position within a rapidly growing marine defence organisation, responsible for developing the Nav Arc function across complex, cutting-edge naval systems. Based in Portsmouth, the role oversees mechanical design activities from initial requirements through build, commissioning, and trials, ensuring engineering excellence, compliance with standards, and delivery of high-quality integrated solutions.
 
Responsibilities will include:

• Perform hydrodynamics analyses and assessments on the behaviour and performance of both surface and subsurface vessels. This will include parameters on manoeuvring, resistance, and seakeeping. 
• Analyse and interpret test data to develop and validate hydrodynamic predictions. 
• Hull form design and optimisation. This will include working towards automating the process of optimising various hull forms for hydrodynamic performance. 
• Collaboration in hull structural design and drawings for regulatory body submission, including liaising with structural specialists and creating detailed drawings for manufacture. 
• Surface and submerged stability assessments. 
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including mechanical, electrical, and control systems engineers to ensure integration and compatibility of the various vessel’s systems. 
• Develop and maintain comprehensive documentation, including design specifications, engineering drawings, technical reports and supporting design review submissions.  Ensure accurate and up-to-date records throughout the design and development process for defined areas of responsibility. 

 
Qualifications and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in Engineering, preferably in Naval Architecture or Marine Engineering. 
• Experience in 3D and 2D CAD modelling software, such as Rhino, Inventor or Solidworks. 
• Expertise in Naval Architecture software. Knowledge on Paramarine is desirable but not essential. 
• Familiarity with CFD packages and hydrodynamic analyses of AUVs, small submersibles and surface vessels desirable. 
• Good understanding of hydrodynamics and ship stability, ideally with experience in submersibles. 
• Foundation knowledge on mechanics of materials, with preference on composites design and analysis. 
• An understanding of relevant regulatory requirements and industry standards for structural design and marine systems. Any experience designing for class approval of composite structures against Lloyd’s or DNV-GL is beneficial.  
• Good understanding of marine systems and the ability to integrate such systems within a vessel design. 
• Experience in construction, design consultancy and/or trials of military small boats advantageous but experience in this will be achievable within the role. 
• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, to effectively collaborate with cross-functional teams to present design proposals.  

Benefits

• Annual Leave – Entitlement to 25 days of annual leave plus bank holidays
• Wellbeing Day - An additional Wellbeing Day each year to focus on personal health and wellbeing.
• Private Healthcare – Access to comprehensive private healthcare coverage to support your physical and mental wellbeing.
• Life Assurance and Critical Illness Cover – Comprehensive protection including Life Assurance (4x salary) and Critical Illness Cover for added financial security.
• Family Leave – Enhanced maternity and paternity pay
• Christmas Leave – A Christmas shutdown is typically observed.
• Professional Development – Commitment to ongoing learning and career growth, supported by training programmes and access to LinkedIn Learning.
• Pension Contribution – pension scheme with the option to contribute via salary sacrifice
• Flexible Working – Opportunities for flexible working arrangements to promote work–life balance.
• Inclusive Culture – A professional environment that values diversity, innovation, and collaboration.

 
Candidates must be able to obtain BPSS clearance and should have the right to work in the UK.