Project Design Engineer / Naval Architect

Marine Resources; Southampton; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

Marine Resources in Southampton is seeking a Project Design Engineer / Naval Architect to lead the design and delivery of marine craft from concept to production. You will develop detailed 2D and 3D CAD models using Rhino 3D and SolidWorks, and coordinate with clients, suppliers and production teams to translate ideas into practical solutions.

The role requires a degree in Naval Architecture or related engineering, strong project management skills, and the ability to manage multiple projects to

Qualifications

• Degree in Naval Architecture, Small Craft Design, or related engineering field.
• Strong proficiency in 2D/3D CAD tools (Rhino 3D, SolidWorks).
• Experience managing complex engineering or marine projects from concept to completion.

Responsibilities

• Create and develop detailed 2D and 3D CAD models and technical designs using Rhino 3D and SolidWorks.
• Coordinate with external design partners, clients, and production teams to translate concepts into production-ready solutions.
• Attend client meetings and maintain communication with stakeholders throughout the project lifecycle.
• Manage projects from design through to completion, ensuring adherence to specifications, budgets and schedules.
• Develop tooling models for CNC manufacturing and oversee external tooling suppliers.
• Produce accurate engineering drawings to support workshop and production activities.
• Support project visualization through rendering and presentation software.
• Provide technical support during testing, commissioning and handover stages.

Skills

Project management

Stakeholder management

Technical drawing

Multitasking

Detail oriented

Education

Naval Architecture degree

Tools

Rhino 3D

SolidWorks

Job description

Project Design Engineer / Naval Architect

Southampton | Full time Permanent | £40,000 - £50,000

Are you looking for a new role where you can take real ownership of your work?

Our client, a specialist designer and manufacturer of marine craft, is seeking an experienced Project Design Engineer / Naval Architect to join their growing team based in Southampton.

The successful candidate will ideally hold a degree in Naval Architecture, Small Craft Design, or a related engineering discipline, and will possess a strong combination of design expertise and project management capability.

Key Responsibilities

• Create and develop detailed 2D and 3D CAD models and technical designs, primarily using software such as Rhino 3D and SolidWorks.
• Work closely with external design partners, stylists, and client-appointed representatives to transform initial concepts into practical, production-ready solutions.
• Attend client meetings and maintain effective communication with stakeholders throughout the project lifecycle to ensure requirements are fully understood and delivered.
• Manage projects from design through to completion, ensuring adherence to agreed specifications, quality standards, budgets, and delivery schedules.
• Coordinate regularly with production teams and departmental leads to establish project timelines, monitor progress, and achieve key milestones.
• Apply a strong understanding of modern manufacturing methods and production processes to support the successful delivery of projects and resolve technical challenges where required.
• Develop detailed tooling models suitable for CNC manufacturing and oversee external tooling suppliers through the design, approval, and production stages.
• Produce accurate engineering and manufacturing drawings to support workshop and production activities.
• Monitor components and assemblies throughout the manufacturing process, ensuring design intent and quality requirements are maintained through to installation.
• Liaise with specialist suppliers and subcontractors to procure and manage high-quality outsourced components and services.
• Support project visualisation activities through rendering and presentation software where appropriate.
• Provide technical support during testing, commissioning, and final project handover stages.

Requirements

• Degree or qualification in Naval Architecture, Small Craft Design, Engineering, or a similar discipline.
• Advanced proficiency in 2D and 3D CAD software, ideally Rhino 3D and SolidWorks.
• Previous experience managing complex engineering or marine projects from concept through to completion.
• Strong understanding of manufacturing techniques, production processes, and quality standards.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects concurrently within a fast-paced environment.
• Experience producing detailed technical documentation and engineering drawings.
• Knowledge of rendering and visualisation software would be advantageous.

About the Role

This position combines technical design responsibilities with project management and offers the opportunity to oversee projects from the initial concept phase through production, testing, delivery, and ongoing customer support.

The successful candidate will be highly motivated, organised, and capable of managing several projects simultaneously while maintaining exceptional attention to detail and quality throughout the project lifecycle.