Naval Architect & Exterior Yacht Fitout Designer

Oyster Yachts Limited; Norwich; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Training & development

25 days holiday + BH

Pension scheme

Flexible working

Cycle to work

Employee assistance programme

Job summary

Oyster Yachts Limited is seeking an experienced Exterior Yacht Designer to join the design team in the United Kingdom. Based in Southampton or Wroxham, you will translate concepts into production-ready exterior designs, creating detailed fabrications, deck layouts and assemblies.

You will work closely with naval architects, engineers and production to ensure accurate information, compliant drawings and timely delivery of yacht exterior packages.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in a yacht exterior design role and production context.
• Strong 3D parametric modelling experience; NX desirable.
• Solid 2D drafting and interpretation of technical drawings.
• Familiarity with stainless steel, aluminium and composite fabrication.
• Understanding of mechanical systems on yachts and safety considerations.
• Ability to read and generate detailed technical drawings and information.
• Excellent communication with production teams and suppliers.

Responsibilities

• Produce detailed drawings in line with design plans and schedules.
• Use NX CAD to maintain a digital twin for production.
• Develop exterior outfits, assemblies, fabrics and deck layouts.
• Provide technical information to production and suppliers.
• Undertake surface modelling and GRP tooling design.
• Support project managers with technical information for decisions.
• Collaborate with production to resolve design issues and update methods.

Skills

3D parametric modelling

2D drafting

reading technical drawings

production collaboration

problem solving

communication

attention to detail

time management

Education

Technical degree in Design/Engineering

Marine industry experience

Naval Architecture knowledge

Exterior yacht components experience

Tools

NX 3D CAD

AutoCAD

Job description

Job Description

Exterior Yacht Designer vacancy in Southampton or Wroxham

About Us

Oyster Yachts is a world-renowned British luxury yacht builder, celebrated for crafting some of the finest bluewater sailing yachts available today. With a heritage spanning decades, we combine cutting-edge design, precision engineering, and traditional craftsmanship to create vessels capable of crossing oceans in safety, comfort, and style. Every yacht is built with meticulous attention to detail by skilled craftspeople who take pride in delivering exceptional quality. From global rallies to bespoke builds, Oyster represents adventure, innovation, and excellence on the water.

The Role

As an Exterior Yacht Designer, you will play a key role within our Design team, working alongside designers, naval architects and project managers to develop the exterior design of Oyster yachts from initial concept through to production.

Based in Southampton or Wroxham, you will be responsible for developing detailed exterior outfit designs, assemblies, fabrications and deck layouts, while providing technical information and production support throughout the build process.

This is an exciting opportunity for someone with strong 3D CAD and technical design skills who enjoys combining creative design with practical engineering and working closely with production teams to bring designs to life.

Key Job Responsibilities

• Produce detailed drawings in line with design plans, group schedules and NPD programmes
• Use NX 3D CAD to develop and maintain an accurate digital twin of Oyster yachts for production
• Produce, maintain and manage technical information relating to exterior outfit and naval architecture
• Issue design information and liaise with external suppliers and fabricators
• Undertake surface modelling and GRP tooling design
• Support Project Managers with technical information to assist client decision-making and specification choices
• Work closely with Production and fabricators to identify and resolve design issues, updating designs and build methods to minimise complications and lost time
• Maintain and update design information databases, including drawing issue registers, weight estimates, sail plans, deck plans and general arrangements
• Design and develop deck fittings, standard parts, custom components and fabrications
• Develop stainless steel and other custom fabrications
• Design exterior mechanical systems and installations, including pushpits, passerelles, biminis and deck hatches
• Provide clear and accurate technical information to support the production of Oyster yachts

About You

• Proven experience in a similar or comparable design role
• Strong 3D parametric modelling experience, with NX experience desirable
• Strong 2D AutoCAD drafting skills
• Good understanding of stainless steel, aluminium and composite fabrication techniques
• Good understanding of mechanical systems
• Practical knowledge and understanding of sailing yachts
• Ability to read, interpret and produce detailed technical drawings and information
• Strong communication skills, particularly the ability to work closely with Production teams and communicate technical information clearly
• Competent user of Microsoft Office, particularly Excel
• Self-motivated and proactive approach to problem solving
• Driven, organised and able to manage multiple priorities and deadlines
• A strong interest in yacht design and the practical application of design within a production environment

Qualifications & Desirable Experience

• Technical degree in Design, Engineering or a related discipline, or relevant equivalent experience
• Practical experience within the marine industry
• Knowledge of Naval Architecture
• Understanding of sailing systems including hydraulic rams, furlers and winches
• Experience designing and specifying exterior yacht components and systems

What We Offer

• Competitive salary
• Ongoing training and development opportunities
• Supportive team culture built around Oyster’s core values
• 25 Days Holiday + Bank Holiday and close down at Christmas
• Pension scheme
• Flexible working opportunities
• Salary sacrifice scheme
• Cycle to work scheme
• TELUS Employee Assistance Programme – confidential advice and support 24/7
• Discounted shopping on multiple outlets including travel
• We continuously review our benefits to maximise opportunities for our employees

As an equal opportunity employer, we celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We want to ensure that you feel supported throughout the application process and provide reasonable adjustments where necessary and requested. If you require any reasonable adjustments as part of your application and interview process, please do not hesitate to let us know.

All vacancies are open only to candidates who already have the legal right to live and work in the territory and country advertised.