Senior Naval Architect – Structures

Houlder Ltd.; Portsmouth; Hybrid; GBP 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

Houlder Ltd. seeks a Senior Structural Naval Architect to lead design and analysis for complex marine projects. You will mentor junior engineers, review drawings, and ensure compliance with class rules and MARPOL/ SOLAS standards.

You will coordinate with clients and project teams, contribute to bids, and drive efficient design through advanced tools and methods. Experience in offshore structures is valued.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Naval Architecture, Structural Engineering, or related field.
• 8–10 years’ experience in naval architecture and structural design for marine/offshore projects.
• Experience with ship/marine asset surveys and classification rules (DNV/LR/ABS).
• Proficient in 3D modelling and modern design tools.

Responsibilities

• Lead structural design and analysis for marine/offshore projects.
• Mentor junior engineers and ensure project delivery to standards.
• Coordinate with clients, project managers, and other disciplines.
• Ensure compliance with classification society and regulatory requirements.
• Support tendering, scheduling, and risk management activities.

Skills

Naval architecture

Structural engineering

FEA analysis

3D modelling

Education

Bachelors in Naval Architecture

Masters in Structural Engineering

Tools

Rhino

SOLIDWORKS

STAAD

Job description

To support the structural design and analysis of complex marine projects. As a senior member of our engineering team, you will play a pivotal role in ensuring the structural integrity, safety, and performance of ships and other marine structures. You will mentor junior team members, collaborate across disciplines, and contribute to strategic project decisions, ensuring that all designs meet the highest standards of quality and regulatory compliance.

Key Responsibilities and Duties

Lead Structural Design & Analysis

Lead and oversee the local and global structural design and analysis of complex marine and offshore projects, ensuring compliance with industry standards, regulatory requirements, and best practices

Undertake surveys on existing assets, including condition surveys and verification of existing drawings or proposed modifications. Attend, undertake and report on shipyard inspections for in-build vessels and assets when required

Manage and oversee advanced structural analysis, including finite element analysis (FEA), grillage models and hand calculations

Develop and approve detailed design specifications, structural drawings, and technical reports for vessels, platforms, and marine structures

Mentorship and Leadership

Mentor and guide junior and mid-level naval architects and engineers in structural design, analysis techniques, and project delivery

Review the work of team members, providing technical feedback and ensuring adherence to design standards and company procedures

Project Management & Coordination

Act as the primary point of contact for structural design aspects of projects, collaborating with clients, project managers, naval architects, and other engineering disciplines to deliver high-quality designs on time and within budget.

Contribute to the development of project tenders, schedules, resource allocation, and risk management plans

Coordinate structural engineering efforts during fabrication, installation, and commissioning phases, ensuring design integrity is maintained throughout the project lifecycle.

Regulatory Compliance & Safety

Ensure all structural designs comply with relevant classification society rules (e.g., DNV, LR, ABS), international maritime regulations (e.g., SOLAS, MARPOL), and safety standards

Conduct safety reviews, risk assessments, and compliance verification to minimise operational risk and ensure compliance with environmental and safety standards

Promote the use of advanced design tools and optimisation techniques to improve design efficiency and reduce costs

Stay up to date with emerging industry trends, regulatory changes, and best practices in naval architecture and structural engineering

Client and Stakeholder Engagement

Interface with clients to understand their project requirements, providing expert advice and design recommendations on structural matters

Prepare and present technical proposals, reports, and presentations to clients, stakeholders, and regulatory bodies

Knowledge and Qualifications

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

Minimum of 8-10 years’ experience in naval architecture and structural engineering design for the marine or offshore sector, including analysis, and integrity assessment of ships, offshore platforms, and marine structures in steel and aluminium

Experience of developing midship section, profile and decks and shell expansion scantlings and drawings for new designs

Deep knowledge of marine and offshore structural codes and standards (e.g., DNV, LR, ABS and ISO)

Experience in ship or marine asset surveys

Proven experience managing multi-disciplinary projects, with a strong understanding of project lifecycle and delivery in the context of complex marine and offshore structures

Familiarity with structural weight optimisation techniques

Experience with alternative materials (e.g., composites) and their integration into structural designs

Ability to use 3D modelling software (Rhino, SOLIDWORKS etc.)

Chartered Engineer status or equivalent professional certification (e.g., CEng, PE)

Desirable Software

Classification society scantling assessment tools

STAAD or similar beam analysis tools

Familiar with FEA packages for load analysis and fatigue design

Houlder Job Applicant Privacy and Personal Data Statement -read here .