Naval Architect - Stability & Ship Structure

MSC Cruises; Greater London; On-site; GBP 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

MSC Cruises is seeking a Naval Architect Stability & Ship Structure to lead technical oversight across design, construction, commissioning, and delivery of newbuild cruise ships. You will focus on vessel structures, stability, weight control, and regulatory compliance, interfacing with shipyards, classification societies and equipment suppliers.

The role requires coordinating plan approvals, conducting strength assessments, and ensuring SOLAS/IMO and SRtP compliance throughout the project

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Naval Architecture or Marine Engineering is required.
• Experience as a Naval Architect or Marine Engineer in shipbuilding or maritime industries.
• Proficiency with CAD and engineering design tools; familiarity with FEA is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Lead the review and approval of structural design documentation from shipyards and designers.
• Evaluate hull structural arrangements, global/local strength, fatigue, and FEA reports.
• Monitor compliance with Classification Society requirements and statutory regulations.
• Review modifications, deviations, and design changes during construction.
• Support investigations into structural non-conformities or construction quality issues.
• Participate in technical meetings with yards, societies and consultants.
• Approve loading, stability calculations, trim, weight distribution, and SRtP considerations.

Skills

Naval Architecture

Marine Engineering

Regulatory compliance

Analytical thinking

Education

Master's degree in Naval Architecture or Marine Engineering

Tools

CAD software

FEA tools

Job description

Where passion meets opportunity

The best of your adventures is the one you have yet to sail!

Your Purpose

We are excited to be hiring for a Naval Architect Stability & Ship Structure to join our growing New Building Technical Department. The Naval Architect Stability & Ship Structure is responsible for providing technical leadership and expertise throughout the design, construction, commissioning, and delivery phases of newbuild cruise ship projects, with a primary focus on vessel structures, stability, strength assessments, weight control, and regulatory compliance.

The role acts as the technical focal point between MSC Cruises, shipyards, Classification Societies, designers, and equipment suppliers, ensuring that all structural and stability-related aspects of the vessel are designed, reviewed, approved, and delivered in accordance with contractual requirements, industry best practices, classification rules, and applicable international regulations.

Your Impact

• Leads the review and approval of structural design documentation submitted by shipyards and designers.
• Evaluates hull structural arrangements, global and local strength calculations, fatigue assessments, and finite element analysis (FEA) reports.
• Monitors compliance with Classification Society requirements and relevant statutory regulations.
• Reviews structural modifications, design changes, concessions, and deviation requests during the construction process.
• Supports investigations related to structural non-conformities, cracks, deformations, or construction quality concerns.
• Participates in technical meetings with shipyards, classification societies, and design consultants.
• Reviews and approve intact and damage stability calculations throughout the project lifecycle.
• Evaluates loading conditions, trim and stability performance, operational limitations, and weight distribution.
• Monitors vessel lightweight control and weight growth throughout construction.
• Conducts / Reviews inclining test procedures and validate final stability books and operational manuals.
• Ensures compliance with SOLAS, IMO requirements, Safe Return to Port (SRtP), and other applicable regulations.
• Supports assessments related to seakeeping, manoeuvrability, vessel motions, and hydrodynamic performance when required.
• Coordinates plan approval & general technical activities related to structural and stability disciplines.
• Reviews technical specifications, contract documentation, and design submissions.
• Participates in design review workshops and multidisciplinary engineering meetings.
• Ensures that technical comments are properly tracked, addressed, and closed by the responsible stakeholders.
• Acts as primary technical interface for structural and stability matters with shipyards and design teams.
• Conduct visits to shipyards during construction phases.
• Supports dry dock inspections, and onboard surveys.
• Verifies that construction aligns with approved drawings and technical requirements.

Your Journey so far

• Professional working experience as a Naval Architect or Marine Engineer
• Experience with advanced materials and technologies in marine construction (preferred)
• Experience with Napa Onboard support and updates (preferred)
• Familiarity with Environmental and Sustainability considerations in Naval design (preferred)
• Experience with vessels > 150m (preferred)

Your Essentials

• The existing right to live and work in the UK
• Master’s degree in Naval Architecture or Marine Engineering
• Proficiency in CAD software and other design tools
• Knowledge of industry standards and regulations
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills

Our commitment

We are committed to building a future that values diverse perspectives, embraces the world beyond borders, and fosters an inclusive environment where every individual feels valued, respected and empowered to be their authentic selves. Our commitment extends to taking meaningful, measurable actions that have a long-term positive impact on our guests, our employees and our planet.

Ready to turn your passion into something extraordinary? Join us at MSC Cruises, where new opportunities await. Your journey starts here!