Naval Architect

Bulwark Dynamics; Menlo Park (CA); Hybrid; USD 105,000 - 165,000; Full time

Job summary

Bulwark Dynamics is seeking a Mid to Senior Level Naval Architect to own the vessels' naval architecture for 15-ft and 35-ft prototypes, from concept through deployment. You will report to the CTO and lead hull design, hydrodynamics, stability, and weight management in a fast-paced early-stage defense startup.

This hands-on role requires proven experience with Rhino/Maxsurf/NAPA/SolidWorks, FRP composites, marine aluminum structures, and the ability to drive concepts into fabrication and sea

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Naval Architecture or related field, or equivalent experience.
• 8+ years of naval architecture or marine engineering experience.
• Experience in hull design, hydrodynamics, stability, and marine structures.
• Proficient in Rhino, Maxsurf, NAPA, SolidWorks or similar tools.
• Knowledge of FRP composites and marine aluminum structures.
• Ability to lead projects from concept to fabrication and testing.
• Willingness to work in a fast-paced prototyping environment.
• PE license not required.

Responsibilities

• Lead hull forms and overall naval architecture for 15-ft and 35-ft prototypes.
• Perform resistance, powering, stability, and seakeeping analyses.
• Create 2D/3D models and manufacturing drawings; refine designs from sea-trials.
• Oversee vessel construction including FRP and aluminum structures.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams for integration and testing.

Skills

Naval Architecture

Marine Engineering

Hydrodynamics

Stability Analysis

Leadership

Prototyping

Education

Bachelor's degree in Naval Architecture

Tools

Rhino

Maxsurf

NAPA

SolidWorks

Job description

The Role

We are hiring a Mid to Senior Level Naval Architect to take complete ownership over our vessels' naval architecture — including clean-sheet hull hydrodynamics, structural design, stability, and weight management — for our next 15-ft and 35-ft prototypes. This role begins ASAP and is structured around a critical, high-stakes build sprint. You will report directly to our CTO (former NASA Chief Engineer).

Key Responsibilities

• Naval Architecture & Hull Design: Lead the design and development of hull forms, structural layouts, and overall naval architecture for 15-ft and 35-ft prototype vessels, from initial concept through deployment.

• Hydrodynamics & Stability: Conduct resistance and powering calculations, stability assessments, and seakeeping analysis for high-speed vessels operating in demanding maritime environments.

• Design & Engineering: Develop detailed 2D/3D models and manufacturing drawings using Rhino, Maxsurf, SolidWorks, and other relevant engineering tools. Refine designs based on structural analysis and real-world sea-trial results.

• Prototype Manufacturing: Guide and oversee vessel construction, including FRP composite fabrication, marine aluminum structures, and integration of structural components.

• Testing & Deployment: Collaborate with mechanical, electrical, and autonomy teams to support vessel integration, troubleshoot technical issues, and participate in ocean testing and sea trials.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Naval Architecture, Ocean Engineering, or a related field, or equivalent practical experience.

• 8+ years of relevant naval architecture or marine engineering experience, with a strong preference for catamaran design.

• Demonstrated experience in hull design, hydrodynamics, stability analysis, and marine structural engineering.

• Proficiency in Rhino, Maxsurf, NAPA, SolidWorks, or comparable naval architecture and design software.

• Working knowledge of FRP composites, marine-grade aluminum, structural design, and weight management.

• Ability to independently lead engineering projects, manage competing priorities, and deliver designs from concept through fabrication and testing.

• Willingness to work in a fast-paced, hands-on prototype development environment.

• PE license is not required.

Preferred / Nice to Have

• Direct experience designing high-speed planing hulls, catamarans, or autonomous surface vessels (ASVs/USVs).

• Experience taking marine vessels from clean-sheet design through fabrication, testing, and deployment.

• Hands-on experience with early-stage marine hardware development and prototype construction.

• Experience participating in offshore operations, vessel deployments, and sea trials.

• Familiarity with applicable maritime standards and regulations, including USCG and ABS requirements.

Compensation & Benefits

• Base pay: $105,000 – $165,000 per year, depending on experience.

• Equity: early-stage stock options.

• Benefits: employer-sponsored health, dental, and vision coverage.

Ideal Candidate Profile

• Designs elegantly and with speed, owning the work from initial hull lines to the final vessel hitting the water.

• Deep, proven passion for marine engineering and complex, high-performance maritime systems.

• Translates ambiguous, high-level ideas into robust, functional vessels using first-principles thinking.

• Thrives in the high-velocity, high-stakes environment of an early-stage defense startup.

Location & Eligibility

Hybrid and largely remote, based around the Bay Area, CA — but expect to be called on-site during critical build phases; the build sprint runs through November. Reports directly to the CTO. This role may involve access to technology and technical data controlled under U.S. export-control laws (ITAR/EAR). Candidates must be able to meet applicable U.S. export-control requirements, which may include qualifying as a “U.S. person” (U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, or other protected individual).