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