Naval Architect & Exterior Yacht Fitout Designer

Oyster Yachts Limited; Wroxham, Southampton; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Training opportunities

Supportive culture

Holiday entitlement

Flexible working

Cycle to work

Job summary

Oyster Yachts Limited in the United Kingdom is seeking an Exterior Yacht Designer to join the Design team in Southampton or Wroxham. You will develop exterior concepts through production, collaborating with naval architects, project managers and suppliers.

The role requires strong 3D CAD skills (NX preferred) and 2D AutoCAD drafting, with knowledge of stainless steel, aluminium and composite fabrication, plus sailing yacht experience.

Qualifications

• 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.

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.

Skills

3D parametric modelling

NX experience

2D AutoCAD drafting

Microsoft Excel

Mechanical systems understanding

Sailing yachts knowledge

Reading technical drawings

Production collaboration

Education

Technical degree in Design or Engineering

Tools

NX

AutoCAD

Excel

Job description

Wroxham or Southampton, United Kingdom | Posted on 06/11/2026

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 schemeTELUS 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.