Naval Architect - Submarine Propulsion & Stability

Quast Ltd; Stoke Gifford; Hybrid; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading defense contractor seeks a Naval Architect focusing on submarine propulsion and stability in Stoke Gifford. You will manage R&D strategy, chair key groups, and perform assurance reviews to ensure vessel safety. Essential qualifications include a master's in Naval Architecture and experience in submarine hydrodynamics and propulsion. The role offers hybrid working options while requiring regular site attendance for sensitive information.

Qualifications

• Naval Architect qualified at masters level or equivalent experience.
• Experience with submarine hydrodynamics.
• Experience in ship or submarine propulsion, including V&V techniques.

Responsibilities

• Manage the long-term strategy for propulsor R&D.
• Chair the Propulsor Working Group and provide SME guidance.
• Conduct assurance reviews into Stability Key Hazard.

Skills

Naval Architecture

Submarine hydrodynamics

Ship propulsion techniques

Education

Masters level qualification in Naval Architecture

Job description

Location:_equ Abbey Wood / Hybrid

Rate: Up to £775/day

IR35: Inside IR35

Security Clearance: SC required (DV highly desirable)

Contract Length: Initial contract to 31 March 2026. Potential for 12, 24, or 30 month extension.

Start Date: ASAP, subject to onboarding

Application Deadline: 19 January 2026 at 13:00

Overview

We are seeking a Naval Architect – Submarine Propulsion & Stability. This role will sit within the Submarine Naval Architecture team within the Naval Authority & Technology Group, which is accountable for the assurance of maritime key hazards, developing standards and guidance for safe and capable vessels, and conducting underpinning R&D, focused on the area of submarine Propulsor.

• Develop technical proficiency in the area of submarine stability and propulsor.
• Act as Propulsor TCG Lead, managing the long‑term strategy for propulsor R&D to support design yılı development.
• Chair the Propulsor Working Group, develop Propulsor?> SQEP and provide SME guidance to project teams.
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• Conduct second‑party assurance reviews into Stability Key Hazard as a Naval Authority.
• Reviewing Officer.
• Support the R&D activities into submarine hydromechanics to ensure vessel safety and capability.
• Develop and maintain technical guidance and defence standards.
• Lead and manage graduate Naval Architect undertaking placements within the team.
• Manage international taskings and projects, with the expectation to travel in support.
• Support with business management activities such as project management, commercial and financial duties.

Key Tasks and Deliverables

TASK: Management of MSCA PROP capability area

Associated Deliverables:

• TCG / QTR summary presentations.
• CASP and TAF documents.
• MoD Endorsed PROP milestone.

TASK: Act as NARO (or provide guidance until NARO delegation held) for KHA Submarine Stability

Associated Deliverables: Mitarbbe

• NARO review documentation and NAF documents in response to certification tasks.

Essential Skills and Experience

• Naval Architect qualified (masters level or equivalent experience).
• Experience of Submarine hydrodynamics.
• Experience of ship or submarine propulsion (including V&V techniques).

Desirable Skills and Experience

• Knowledge of acoustic theory and measurement techniques.
• Professional registration such as CEng and/or MRINA.

Additional Information

• Hybrid and flexible working can be considered for this post but will need regular workplace attendance to access SECRET information.
• Must be eligible for access to SUKEO data.
• DV clearance highly desirable.