Naval Architect & Exterior Yacht Fitout Designer

Oysteryachts; Southampton; Hybrid; GBP 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Training & development

25 days holiday + bank holidays

Flexible working opportunities

Cycle to work scheme

Employee assistance programme

Discounted shopping

Salary sacrifice scheme

Job summary

Oyster Yachts is seeking an experienced Exterior Yacht Designer to shape the exterior of our luxury yachts from initial concept through production. Based in Southampton or Wroxham, you will create detailed exterior outfits, assemblies and deck layouts, while providing production support and technical information across the build process.

You will leverage strong 3D CAD skills, particularly NX, and collaborate with designers, naval architects and production teams to deliver safe, seaworthy and

Qualifications

• Strong 3D parametric modelling experience with NX desirable.
• Proficient 2D AutoCAD drafting skills.
• Understanding of stainless steel, aluminium and composites fabrication.
• Knowledge of mechanical systems and sailing yachts.
• Ability to read and produce detailed technical drawings and information.

Responsibilities

• Produce detailed exterior drawings in line with design plans and schedules.
• Use NX 3D CAD to develop and maintain a digital twin of Oyster yachts.
• Manage technical information for exterior outfit and naval architecture.
• Liaise with suppliers and fabricators to issue design information.
• Undertake surface modelling and GRP tooling design.
• Support project managers with technical info for client decisions.

Skills

NX CAD

3D parametric modelling

2D AutoCAD drafting

Mechanical systems understanding

Sailing yachts knowledge

Communication skills

Excel

Education

Technical degree in Design or Engineering

Naval Architecture knowledge

Tools

NX

AutoCAD

MS Office

Job description

Wroxham or Southampton, United Kingdom | Posted on 28/09/2026

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

• 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

• Ongoing training and development opportunities
• Supportive team culture built around Oyster’s core values
• 25 Days Holiday + Bank Holiday and close down at Christmas
• 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

Please note:

We recommend that you apply as soon as possible, even if the closing date is in the future. Applications received may be reviewed before the closing date and should we receive a high number of applications for this post, or high-quality applications which demonstrate suitability, we reserve the right to close the vacancy early. We may hold interviews as and when applications are received, and we reserve the right to offer to a candidate prior to the closing date.

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.