Senior Naval Architect

Reed; Teddington; Hybrid; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading marine design company is seeking a Senior/Principal Naval Architect to lead innovative vessel design projects. The ideal candidate will have over 5 years of experience and a degree in Naval Architecture. Responsibilities include hull form development and client engagement. This role offers a competitive salary, flexible working conditions, and comprehensive training opportunities.

Benefits

Private medical cover

Enhanced pension scheme

26 days annual leave

Annual wellbeing fund

Retail discounts

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years of relevant experience.
• Strong knowledge of naval architecture principles.
• Familiarity with vessel construction rules.

Responsibilities

• Lead multi-disciplinary teams through vessel design phases.
• Conduct hull form development and propulsion system selection.
• Engage clients and provide technical leadership.

Skills

Hull design

Stability calculations

Project management

Communication and presentation

AutoCAD

Team leadership

Education

Degree in Naval Architecture

Tools

Maxsurf

3D rendering software

Job description

Job Title: Senior / Principal Naval ArchitectLocation: Fareham (Hybrid & Flexible Working Available)Contract Type: PermanentWorking Pattern: Full-time, Part-time, or Job-share

Are you a seasoned Naval Architect ready to lead cutting-edge vessel design projects across the commercial marine sector? We’re looking for innovative professionals with 5+ years’ experience to join a growing team working on a diverse portfolio of vessels including crew transfer vessels, patrol boats, ferries, workboats, and landing craft.

What’s on Offer:

• Competitive salary and benefits package
• Private medical cover (including family)
• Enhanced pension scheme
• 18 weeks enhanced maternity pay (after 1 year’s service)
• 26 days annual leave + bank holidays
• Holiday trading options
• Annual wellbeing fund for hobbies and interests
• Retail discounts
• Professional subscriptions paid
• Flexible and hybrid working arrangements

The Role:

As a Senior or Principal Naval Architect, you’ll lead multi-disciplinary teams through all phases of vessel design—from concept and tender bids to detailed design and build. You’ll be responsible for:

• Hull form development and propulsion system selection
• Lightship weight analysis and stability assessments
• Seakeeping analysis (model testing and analytical)
• Structural arrangement development
• Producing 3D renders and supporting tender submissions
• Client engagement and technical leadership across projects
• Collaborating with internal sales, delivery, and engineering teams

You’ll also have access to extensive training and development opportunities, including technical and soft skills, and contribute to R&D initiatives that keep designs at the forefront of marine innovation.

About You:

• Degree-qualified in Naval Architecture (Bachelor’s or Master’s)
• Minimum 5 years’ relevant experience (more for Principal level)
• Strong grasp of naval architecture principles and practical application
• Familiarity with classification society rules and vessel construction
• Skilled in hull design, stability, weight calculations, performance prediction, and arrangement drawings
• Experience with a range of vessel types and hull forms (e.g. catamarans, monohulls, SWATHs, SES)
• Proficient in AutoCAD and ideally Maxsurf or similar tools
• Commercially aware with strong project management and leadership skills
• Excellent communication and presentation abilities

We’re open-minded about backgrounds—if you’re missing a few skills but have the right attitude and aptitude to learn, we’d still love to hear from you.