Lead Naval Architect for Autonomous Vessels

Bulwark Dynamics; Menlo Park (CA); On-site; USD 140,000 - 175,000; Full time

Job summary

Bulwark Dynamics is seeking a Naval Architect to lead the design and development of next-generation autonomous maritime platforms. You will own vessel architecture across hull design, hydrodynamics, stability, structures, weight management, and prototype development.

The role reports to the CTO and combines hands-on manufacturing, testing, and sea-trial deployment in a fast-paced startup environment. Candidates should excel at cross-disciplinary collaboration and delivering robust, field-ready

Qualifications

• U.S. Citizen or U.S. Permanent Resident eligible to work in an ITAR/EAR-regulated environment.
• Bachelor's degree in Naval Architecture, Ocean Engineering, Marine Engineering, or related discipline, or equivalent practical experience.
• 3+ years of experience designing marine vessels, autonomous surface vessels, specialized watercraft, or comparable maritime systems.
• Proficiency with naval architecture and engineering software, including Rhino, Maxsurf, NAPA, SolidWorks, or similar tools.
• Strong understanding of hydrodynamics, vessel stability, marine structures, weight management, and structural analysis.
• Experience supporting vessel fabrication, prototype development, manufacturing, or structural integration activities.
• Ability to independently manage multiple priorities and drive complex engineering projects from concept through testing and deployment.

Responsibilities

• Own vessel architecture from concept through deployment, including hull form development, structural design, stability, and weight management.
• Perform hydrodynamic, powering, stability, and seakeeping analyses to support autonomous vessel performance in demanding maritime environments.
• Develop vessel and structural designs using Rhino, Maxsurf, SolidWorks, or similar naval architecture and engineering tools.
• Drive rapid design iteration through analysis, prototype builds, field testing, and operational feedback.
• Oversee prototype manufacturing efforts, including composite and marine‑grade metal structures.
• Collaborate with mechanical, electrical, autonomy, and systems engineering teams to integrate vessel, payload, and control systems.
• Support prototype builds, integration activities, troubleshooting, sea trials, and operational testing.
• Ensure vessel designs meet performance, safety, manufacturability, and operational requirements while balancing cost, weight, and schedule constraints.

Skills

Naval architecture fundamentals

Project management

Analytical thinking

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Naval Architecture

Tools

Rhino

Maxsurf

NAPA

SolidWorks

Job description

Bulwark Dynamics is seeking a Naval Architect to lead the design and development of next-generation autonomous maritime platforms. You will own vessel architecture across hull design, hydrodynamics, stability, structures, weight management, and prototype development.

The role reports to the CTO and combines hands-on manufacturing, testing, and sea-trial deployment in a fast-paced startup environment. Candidates should excel at cross-disciplinary collaboration and delivering robust, field-ready