Naval Architect

Defence Equipment & Support; Bristol; Hybrid; GBP 47,000; Full time

Job summary

A government defense agency in the UK is seeking a skilled Naval Architect to play a vital role in cutting-edge naval projects for the Royal Navy. This position involves applying legislation and ensuring safety in a regulated environment, mentoring junior architects, and collaborating with key stakeholders. The ideal candidate will possess a relevant STEM degree and significant experience in naval architecture. The role offers competitive benefits, a hybrid work model, and opportunities for travel across the UK.

Benefits

Pension contributions

25 days’ annual leave + bank holidays

Flexible working options

Annual bonus and awards

Specialist training and qualifications

Qualifications

• Demonstrable experience in providing technical advice and leading Naval Architecture outcomes.
• Membership in a professional institution related to Naval Architecture.
• Alternatives to RQF qualifications accepted.

Responsibilities

• Apply and manage legislation, standards for safety and compliance.
• Analyze complex technical hazards and document risk measures.
• Mentor junior naval architects and provide expert advice.
• Collaborate with stakeholders and maintain certification.

Skills

Technical advice

Project leadership

Hydrodynamics

Communication skills

Education

Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics qualification at RQF Level 4

Job description

Job description for Naval Architect

Are you a naval architect looking to work on cutting‑edge defence projects? This is an exciting opportunity to join Defence Equipment and Support (DE&S), where you will play a pivotal role in delivering critical capabilities for the Royal Navy and Royal Fleet Auxiliary.

You will be part of a dedicated team of engineers tackling unique technical challenges and introducing innovative methods and technologies to support naval operations. Managed within a specialist skills group, you will be assigned to high‑profile projects based on organisational priorities and your own development goals, whether in ship acquisition or through‑life support, ensuring you experience the full spectrum of naval architecture challenges.

You will lead and support engineering activities across total‑ship design and operation, focusing on the effective integration of all components required for warships and boats to perform as intended. You will apply your expertise to manage risk throughout the acquisition life‑cycle, ensuring adherence to standards and rules while providing guidance to MOD and industry designers and builders.

Specialisms associated within this role may include Concept Design, Ship Structures, Hydrodynamics, Stability, Ship Construction and Repair, Ship Survivability, Boats and Small Craft Design, Maritime Escape, Evacuation and Rescue, Emergency Response and Salvage.

As a naval architect, your leadership, communication, and influencing skills will be essential in building strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders, obtaining, and sharing critical information, and driving project success. There will be opportunities to travel to various UK locations, including ships, shipyards and dockyards, to support project delivery.

We champion flexible working arrangements, requiring a minimum of three days in‑person attendance to foster collaboration while supporting work‑life balance. Initially, you may need to attend more frequently to familiarise yourself with the site, team, and role.

What you’ll be doing

• Apply legislation, policy, and standards to guarantee safety, security, environmental compliance, and interoperability across systems in a highly regulated environment.
• Identify and analyse complex technical hazards and project impacts, contribute to risk reduction measures, and ensure these are fully documented and understood.
• Produce and review technical artefacts, models, layouts, and reports as part of assurance and acceptance activities.
• Provide expert technical advice on ship structures, hydrostatics, and hydrodynamics, supporting design decisions and assurance processes.
• Mentor and support the development of junior naval architects and entry‑level talent.
• Collaborate closely with the Naval Authority and Technology Group (NATG) and Classification Societies to establish and maintain certification.

Person specification

To be successful with your application, you’ll need to show that you meet the following essential criteria :

• Hold a Science, Technology, Engineering, and/or Mathematics based qualification at RQF Level 4 (Lead criterion)
• Demonstrable wide‑ranging depth and breadth experience of providing technical advice and leading the delivery of successful Naval Architecture outcomes
• Belong to a relevant Professional body/institution related to your discipline, be professionally registered as either :
• Incorporated Engineer (IEng), or higher OR Incorporated Marine Engineering (IMarEng), or higher
• Note: Alternatives to RQF listed above (which cover England, Wales, and Northern Ireland only), is the Scottish SCQF or international equivalent qualification backed up by a statement of comparability from UK ENIC.

In addition to the responsibilities above, the following technical competences and behaviours will be assessed at interview :

• Core Behaviour 1 : Making Effective Decisions – CSBC 3 (1st)
• Core Behaviour 2 : Delivering at Pace – CSBC 3
• Technical Competence 1 : ECF_01 (1.3) Suitable Systems and Systems Thinking – Practitioner level
• Technical Competence 2 : ECF_03 (3.3) Supportable Technical Solutions – Practitioner level

Benefits

Alongside your salary of £46,400, Ministry of Defence contributes £13,442 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides.

• 25 days’ annual leave +1 day a year up to 30 days, 8 bank holidays and a day off for the King’s birthday
• Flexible and hybrid working options
• Market‑leading average employer pension contribution of 28.97%
• Annual performance‑based bonus and recognition awards
• Access to specialist training and funded qualifications
• Support for progression
• Huge range of discountsVolunteering days
• Enhanced parental leave schemes

Improving innovation and enriching our culture, diversity of thought is vital to our success. So, whether you’re looking for a new opportunity, a next step, or a helping hand as you return from a career break, bring your experiences and help deliver for the defence of tomorrow. Here you’ll find a supportive, family‑friendly organisation to be a part of – and if you need any assistance with your application, just let us know.

Further Information

• Civil Service Recruitment Principles : Recruitment Principles – Civil Service Commission
• Candidate Information Pack : https : / / bit.ly / DES-Candidate-Information-Pack
• Terms and Conditions : https : / / bit.ly / DES-Terms-and-Conditions
• Civil Service Code : The Code – Civil Service Commission

Any personal data that you provide during the Recruitment process will be treated in accordance with the MOD Privacy Notice which can be accessed here.

Disability Confident

Please note as a Disability Confident Leader we want to ensure you receive any reasonable adjustments that you need throughout the recruitment process. If you do require any reasonable adjustments, you can let us know on your online application under the section ‘Please indicate and give details of any reasonable adjustments you may require during the recruitment process.’

Conflicts of Interest

The Ministry of Defence requires all candidates who are successful at interview to declare any outside interests. These declarations will be discussed with successful candidates following the interview process and before a formal offer of employment is made, as some outside interests may not be compatible with MOD civilian roles. This will not, in the majority of cases, prevent employment in MOD, but it is a measure that must be taken to ensure that appropriate mitigations can be put in place to manage any potential, perceived or actual conflicts of interest from the first day of employment.

Order of Merit

Please Note : In the event of a tied score at interview, the Order of Merit will be distinguished based on the ranking of the assessed behaviours and competencies below :

• 1st : Core Behaviour 1
• 2nd : Core Behaviour 2
• 3rd : Technical Competencies4th : CV Review

In the event of a further tie using the method above, we reserve the right to utilise the Lead criterion, and / or and additional assessment.

Things you need to know

Selection process details

Your application will go through the following stages of assessment :

• Pre-sift – We will check that you meet any essential or eligibility criteria that are listed in the Person Specification section of this advert. On your CV, please clearly show how you meet the essential criteria.
• Sift – Your CV will be assessed against the following categories, using a simple numerical scoring system : Key Achievements; Relevant Experience; Applied Knowledge and Skills. Please follow our guidance on CV writing for best chance of success.
• Interview – If you’re invited to interview, you’ll be assessed against the Sift categories listed above, as well as the Technical Competences and Behaviours listed in the Person Specification section of this advert.

If you feel that your application has not been treated in accordance with the Recruitment Principles and you wish to make a complaint, in the first instance you should contact department via email : [e-mail]

If you are not satisfied with the response you receive from the Department, you can contact the Civil Service Commission : Recruitment Complaints – Civil Service Commission

Ready to join us as an Naval Architect ? Apply now!