Naval Architect

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. Reporting directly to the CTO, this role owns vessel architecture across hull design, hydrodynamics, stability, structures, weight management, and prototype development. The ideal candidate combines strong naval architecture fundamentals with a practical, hands‑on approach to manufacturing, testing, and vessel deployment. This is a unique opportunity to help bring autonomous maritime systems from concept through sea trials in a fast‑paced, mission‑driven startup environment.

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.

Required Qualifications

• U.S. Citizen or U.S. Permanent Resident (Green Card holder) eligible to work in an ITAR/EAR-regulated environment.
• Bachelor's degree in Naval Architecture, Ocean Engineering, Marine Engineering, or a 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.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience designing high‑speed craft, planing hulls, autonomous surface vessels (ASVs/USVs), or other advanced maritime platforms.
• Experience developing early‑stage vessel or marine hardware prototypes from concept through deployment.
• Experience with composite structures, FRP manufacturing, marine aluminum structures, or lightweight vessel construction.
• Experience conducting sea trials, vessel testing, field operations, or maritime deployment activities.
• Knowledge of maritime regulations and classification standards, including USCG, ABS, or related frameworks.
• Experience working within defense technology, autonomous systems, marine robotics, or startup environments.
• Demonstrated ownership of complex vessel development programs from clean‑sheet design through operational testing.

Compensation:

$140,000 - $175,000

This job is part of LinkedIn’s Full‑Service Hiring beta program. Eligibility is limited to candidates located in and performing services in the United States, excluding those based in Alaska, Hawaii, Nevada, South Carolina, or West Virginia.

We’re committed to making our hiring process as smooth and timely as possible, and we understand that waiting to hear back can add to the anticipation. If you’re a potential fit, our team will reach out within two weeks to progress you to the next stage. If you don’t hear from us in that time, we encourage you to explore other opportunities with our team in the future, and we wish you the very best in your job search.