Be at the heart of actionFly remote-controlled drones into enemy territory to gather vital information.

Apply Now

Principal Naval Architect

Portsmouth
1 week ago
Create job alert

Job Title: Principal Naval Architect

Location: Portsmouth - Hybrid - 3 days on-site / 2 home

Role Type: Permanent

Salary: £50,000 - £58,000 depending on experience

Our client, an established marine engineering firm, require an experienced Principal Naval Architect to join their multi-disciplined team.

Please note candidates would need to be eligible to obtain UK SC Clearance and have 5+ years' residency in the UK.

The Principal Naval Architect is expected to apply specialist Naval Architectural knowledge to undertake engineering activities delegated by the Project Lead Engineer or Naval Architect in line with all relevant processes and quality requirements.

What the role of the Principal Naval Architect entails:

Depending on the specific project that is being supported, the individual will be expected to lead, manage, assure or carry out the Naval Architecture input to the assigned project such as:

Assure dry dockings of ships
Conduct ship stability/ hydro mechanic analysis
Conduct structural design and analysis for various materials including metals and composites
Conduct design or material state surveys
Conduct or manage complex engineering change
Create or assure structural repair plans for metals or composites and support the periodical survey, repair and certification requirements of the Class including repair assurance activities and the collation/ creation of evidence and submissions for Naval Authority or Classification Society Certification
Ensure maintenance of Naval Architecture (including structures and outfit) design intent by understanding and promoting or enacting design compliance in their sphere of operations
Take action and collate evidence to ensure Naval Authority Key Hazard Certification is not compromised. Including identifying, and challenging design change that may cause invalidation of any of the Naval Authority Key Hazard Certificates in the Naval Architecture domain (covering Structural Strength, Stability and WTI, EER, Structural Fire Protection, Material Fire Safety)
Provide tasking and technical oversight to naval architects and engineers supporting the project including the coordination and prioritisation of tasking
Lead the management of stability and watertight integrity compliance and associated margin management

What experience you need to be the successful Principal Naval Architect:

Qualified to degree level, MEng in Naval Architecture /Marine Technology/ Ship Science is essential
Chartered Engineer or can demonstrate a clear route to achieving this in a defined period
Engineering material selection and use, particularly according to British Standards/ Euronorms/ Classification Society standards and Defence Standards
Warship structural design, including an understanding of periodical survey regimes (MoD/NAG and/or Classification Societies)
Familiarity of Engineering / Naval architecture software, preferably PARAMARINE. Experience of CAD software such as AutoCAD, Inventor is desirable

This really is a fantastic opportunity for a Principal Naval Architect to progress their career. If you are interested please apply as soon as possible as this position will be filled quickly so don't miss out!

Services advertised by Gold Group are those of an Agency and/or an Employment Business.
We will contact you within the next 14 days if you are selected for interview. For a copy of our privacy policy please visit our website

Related Jobs

View all jobs

Principal Software Engineer - C++, Python

Principal Research Engineer

Principal Scientist

Timber Machine Operative

Product Manager

Subscribe to Future Tech Insights for the latest jobs & insights, direct to your inbox.

By subscribing, you agree to our privacy policy and terms of service.

Industry Insights

Discover insightful articles, industry insights, expert tips, and curated resources.

Materials Science Recruitment Trends 2025 (UK): What Job Seekers Need To Know About Today’s Hiring Process

Summary: UK materials science hiring has shifted from title‑led CV screens to capability‑driven assessments that emphasise characterisation with clear conclusions, scale‑up to pilot/production, standards compliance (ASTM/ISO/IATF/AS9100), sustainability/ESG, data literacy & measurable product or yield improvements. This guide explains what’s changed, what to expect in interviews & how to prepare—especially for battery/materials engineers, polymer/composites specialists, metallurgists, ceramics/glass scientists, surface/thin‑film engineers, failure analysts, process/quality engineers & materials informatics roles. Who this is for: Materials scientists & engineers (metals, polymers, ceramics, composites, semiconductors, thin films, coatings), process/scale‑up & manufacturing engineers, CMC in materials for life sciences, QA/QC, failure analysis, test & characterisation, sustainability/LCAs, and materials informatics/data roles in the UK.

Why Materials Science Careers in the UK Are Becoming More Multidisciplinary

Materials science has always been an interdisciplinary field, sitting at the crossroads of physics, chemistry & engineering. But in the UK today, as the demand for sustainable technologies, advanced composites & biomedical innovations grows, materials science careers are becoming even more multidisciplinary. Employers are now looking beyond technical expertise. Success in modern materials roles increasingly requires awareness of law, ethics, psychology, linguistics & design. These five areas shape how new materials are researched, applied, communicated and trusted in society. This article explores why materials science careers in the UK are becoming more multidisciplinary, how these fields intersect with scientific practice, and what job-seekers & employers should do to adapt.

Materials Science Team Structures Explained: Who Does What in a Modern Materials Science Department

Materials science is a multidisciplinary field at the intersection of chemistry, physics, engineering, biology, and data science. In the UK, advances in materials science are powering innovation in sectors such as aerospace, defence, electronics, energy storage, healthcare, and sustainable manufacturing. Whether you are aiming for a role in R&D, testing, manufacturing, or product development, understanding how a materials science department is structured—and what each role does—can help you make informed decisions in your career or hiring. Below is a detailed guide to modern materials science team structures: roles and responsibilities, how they collaborate throughout the lifecycle of materials, required skills and qualifications, typical UK salary ranges, trends, challenges, and best practices for building strong teams that deliver reliable materials solutions.