Naval Architect, Manager

Carnival UK (P&O Cruises & Cunard); Southampton; Hybrid; GBP 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Carnival UK (P&O Cruises & Cunard) seeks a Naval Architect to lead design development and verification for newbuilds while supporting the operational fleet across brands. The role combines independent workstreams across shipbuilding, innovation and ongoing vessel support, with focus on regulatory compliance and technical excellence.

Based in Carnival House, Southampton, this full‑time, hybrid position includes travel to shipyards and test facilities, and offers a clear path toward Chartered

Qualifications

• Naval architectural expertise and ship design knowledge.
• Experience with design verification and plans review.
• Familiarity with regulatory/contractual requirements in shipbuilding.

Responsibilities

• Review and approve technical plans, drawings and procedures across disciplines.
• Participate in model testing, analysis and design development for new vessels.
• Ensure compliance with statutory and company standards during design, construction and commissioning.
• Contribute to R&D activities within the discipline and collaborate with project teams.
• Define technical specifications within the naval architecture discipline.

Skills

Naval architecture expertise

Project management

Ship design verification

Cross-disciplinary collaboration

Education

M.Sc/M.Eng/B.Eng in naval architecture

Graduate scheme experience

Chartered Engineer (CEng) candidate

Job description

Role Overview

This role will have a mix of independent workstreams including supporting across ship building activities, innovation and support for our existing operational fleet across all brands.

Job Description

This role will have a mix of independent workstreams including supporting across ship building activities, innovation and support for our existing operational fleet across all brands.

As a subject matter and key technical expert, the naval architect is responsible for plan approval, design development and verification work for newbuilds, and provides technical support for the operational fleet across all areas of naval architecture. This role involves resolving complex technical challenges and verification of the proposed technical solutions with support of senior members of the NAO Chapter. The role involves working closely with members of the NAO Chapter and other Chapters within project teams to which they have been assigned to ensure that vessels meet contractual and statutory requirements.

Key accountabilities include:

• Applying technical expertise to support the design, development, and delivery of new vessels as well as ships in service. Reviewing and approving technical plans, drawings, and procedures across relevant disciplines.
• Participating in and reviewing the program of model testing, analysis and design development carried out by shipbuilders.
• Ensuring compliance with statutory and company standards during design, construction, and commissioning phases, including dry-dock and sea trials.
• Participating in R&D activities for the discipline including through internal and external forums.
• Participating in the definition of ship and other technical specifications within the discipline.

Position Requirements

Our ideal candidates are those who possess not only the technical skills required for shipbuilding but also a passion for the industry and a keen eye for detail. Your professional certifications will be the foundation of your role within our team.

You are someone who has:

• M.Sc/M.Eng/B.Eng degree in naval architecture
• Completion of recognized graduate scheme and experience of passenger ships desirable
• Chartered Engineer or working towards CEng
• Proven, relevant technical experience in the marine industry such as shipbuilding, classification societies or ship operators, technical suppliers, or engineering firm
• Knowledge and experience in a range of aspects of naval architecture and their application to ship design and construction.

Why Join Us?

Positioned within our internal structure from CCS15 (entry level) to CCS1 (Senior Vice President), this role is classified as a CCS07, offered as a full-time, permanent position. The role is based in Carnival House, Southampton, and involves working from the office three days a week, including Wednesdays and Thursdays.

This role involves regular travel to shipyards and specialist test facilities. The successful candidate will be expected to attend vessel commissioning activities, sea trials and other project milestones as required. Due to the nature of shipbuilding and testing programmes, travel may occasionally involve working outside normal office hours.

We offer a dynamic and inclusive workplace where your work makes a real impact.

#Job Functions: Design; Engineering; Other;

About The Team

Corporate Shipbuilding’s core goal is to become the centre of excellence in cruise new builds, assets, refits and innovation for Carnival Corporation. In order to achieve this we are looking to be the employer of choice in the shipbuilding industry, attracting and retaining the best talent. We promote an inclusive culture where difference is respected and valued, within which our people can be themselves, develop and reach their potential. We stand by our Culture Essentials which help us live out our shared commitments across the globe and include our commitment to Speak Up, Respect and Protect, Improve, Communicate, Listen & Learn and Empower.

Carnival Corporation & PLC is a global cruise company and one of the largest holiday companies in the world. Our portfolio of leading cruise brands includes Carnival Cruise Lines, Holland America Line, Princess Cruises and Seabourn in North America; P&O Cruises and Cunard Line in the United Kingdom; AIDA Cruises in Germany; Costa Cruises in Southern Europe; and P&O Cruises in Australia. In Corporate Shipbuilding, we are passionate about building world class vessels for all of these brands. Our award winning prestigious brands employ engaged and passionate people to deliver the highest customer service standards to our loyal customers. It takes great passion and real commitment to maintain our position in the cruise market. That’s why we look for people who share our obsession and drive to provide the most memorable experiences imaginable.

This is your chance to join us on our journey. With full support to enable you to realise your full potential we ensure your career with us is a successful and enjoyable one.