Senior Naval Architect

ZipRecruiter; Portsmouth; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading engineering firm in Portsmouth is looking for an experienced Senior Naval Architect. You will oversee structural design and analysis for marine and offshore projects, mentor junior engineers, and ensure compliance with safety standards. The ideal candidate possesses a degree in Naval Architecture and 8-10 years of relevant experience. This role promises substantial responsibility in innovative projects that shape the maritime sector.

Qualifications

• 8–10 years’ experience in structural design and analysis within the marine or offshore sector.
• Expertise in steel and aluminium structures, including integrity assessment and design development.
• Experience conducting ship and marine asset surveys.

Responsibilities

• Lead and oversee local and global structural design and analysis of marine projects.
• Mentor and guide junior engineers in structural design and analysis techniques.
• Engage directly with clients to understand requirements and provide expert technical advice.

Skills

Structural Design & Analysis

Mentorship

Client Engagement

Regulatory Compliance

Project Management

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Naval Architecture, Structural Engineering, or related discipline

Tools

Rhino

SOLIDWORKS

STAAD

Job description

Job Description

Senior Naval Architect
Location: Portsmouth
Full time - Permanent
Salary: £50,000 - £70,000 (dependent on experience)

Are you interested in exploring an amazing opportunity with an established company? My Client are looking for an experienced Senior Naval Architect to join their leading organisation in the marine and offshore engineering sector. This role will focus on the structural design and analysis of complex vessels and marine assets, ensuring safety, integrity, and compliance across a variety of high-profile projects.

As a senior member of the engineering team, you will provide technical leadership, mentor junior colleagues, and collaborate across disciplines. This is an excellent opportunity to play a pivotal role in delivering innovative projects that support the sustainable growth of the maritime sector.

Key Responsibilities

• Structural Design & Analysis: Lead and oversee local and global structural design and analysis of marine and offshore projects.
• Undertake surveys on existing assets, including condition surveys, verification of drawings, and inspections of vessels under construction.
• Manage advanced structural analysis, including FEA, grillage models, and hand calculations.
• Develop and approve design specifications, structural drawings, and technical reports for vessels, platforms, and marine structures.

Leadership & Mentorship

• Mentor and guide junior and mid-level engineers in structural design and analysis techniques.
• Review work produced by team members, providing feedback and ensuring compliance with design standards and procedures.

Project Management & Coordination

• Act as the structural design lead on projects, collaborating with clients, project managers, and other engineering disciplines.
• Support tenders, schedules, resource allocation, and risk management planning.
• Coordinate structural engineering through fabrication, installation, and commissioning phases.

Regulatory Compliance & Safety

• Ensure all designs comply with class society rules (DNV, LR, ABS), international regulations (SOLAS, MARPOL), and safety standards.
• Conduct risk assessments, safety reviews, and compliance verification activities.

Innovation & Improvement

• Promote the use of advanced design tools and optimisation techniques.
• Stay current with emerging industry standards, regulations, and technologies.

Client Engagement

• Engage directly with clients to understand requirements and provide expert technical advice.
• Prepare and present proposals, technical reports, and presentations to clients and stakeholders.

Knowledge & Qualifications

Essential:

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Naval Architecture, Structural Engineering, or related discipline.
• 8–10 years’ experience in structural design and analysis within the marine or offshore sector.
• Expertise in steel and aluminium structures, including integrity assessment and design development.
• Experience producing scantlings, midship sections, profiles, and deck/shell expansion drawings.
• Strong knowledge of structural codes and standards (DNV, LR, ABS, ISO).
• Experience conducting ship and marine asset surveys.
• Proven track record managing multi-disciplinary projects.

Desirable:

• Shipyard design experience.
• Familiarity with weight optimisation techniques.
• Experience with composites and alternative structural materials.
• Chartered Engineer status (CEng) or equivalent.
• Ability to use 3D modelling software (Rhino, SOLIDWORKS).

Software Skills (Desirable)

• Classification society scantling assessment tools.
• STAAD or equivalent beam analysis tools.
• FEA software for load and fatigue analysis.

This role offers the opportunity to take on significant responsibility in the design and analysis of advanced marine and offshore structures. You will be joining a team that values innovation, collaboration, and technical excellence, with the chance to shape complex projects and mentor the next generation of naval architects.