Naval Architect Manager

NightDragon Acquisition Corp.; New Orleans (LA); On-site; USD 100,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical Insurance

Dental and Vision Insurance

Generous PTO

Paid Parental Leave

401(k) with company match

Stock Options

Life and Disability Insurance

Discounted Pet Insurance

Free lunch

Unlimited drinks and snacks

Job summary

A company specializing in maritime autonomous solutions is seeking a Naval Architect Manager in New Orleans to lead the design and development of autonomous surface vessels. This role will require strong expertise in naval architecture and CAD proficiency, with responsibilities including mentoring engineers, optimizing designs, and ensuring compliance with maritime standards. Comprehensive medical and dental coverage, generous PTO, and competitive salary are part of the benefits package.

Qualifications

• Strong fundamentals in ship design, stability, and propulsion.
• Experience leading engineering teams.
• Ability to manage CAD modeling and structural design.

Responsibilities

• Lead design, development, analysis of autonomous surface vessels.
• Coordinate with engineering teams on optimization.
• Mentor junior engineers and ensure quality of work.

Skills

CAD software proficiency (e.g., Rhino, AutoCAD, Nx)

Ship design fundamentals

Leadership and team management

Stability and structures expertise

Education

Bachelors or Masters degree in Naval Architecture, Marine Engineering, Ocean Engineering, or related field

Tools

Orca3D

Star CCM+

GHS

Job description

Saronic Technologies is a leader in revolutionizing autonomy at sea, dedicated to developing state-of-the-art solutions that enhance maritime operations through autonomous and intelligent platforms.

We are seeking a talented and motivated Naval Architect Manager to lead the design, analysis, and development of autonomous surface vessels. This role will provide hands‑on experience in traditional naval architecture and advanced autonomous technologies; driving impact in defense innovation.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design, development, and analysis of vessel hull forms, arrangements, structures, and mechanical systems for ASVs
• Coordinate with other engineer teams to perform CAD modeling, structural design, component integration, and weight management for vessel optimization
• Support the integration of autonomous navigation and control systems into vessel designs
• Lead design reviews and brainstorming sessions for new and existing vessel concepts
• Research and stay updated on new developments in naval architecture, autonomous technology, and defense requirements
• Support and review documentation, technical writing, and preparation of reports for internal use and client presentations
• Mentor engineers to develop new technical skills
• Develop, implement, and maintain systems for ensuring quality and accuracy of naval architecture work

Qualifications

• Bachelors or Masters degree in Naval Architecture, Marine Engineering, Ocean Engineering, or a related field
• Strong fundamentals in core naval architecture principles, including ship design, stability, structures, propulsion, and hydrodynamics
• Proficiency with CAD software (e.g., Rhino, AutoCAD, Nx) and simulation tools (e.g., Orca3D, Star CCM+, GHS, or equivalent)
• Experience leading and managing engineering teams

Physical Requirements

• Ability to occasionally access ships, shipyards, or dry docks, including climbing ladders or stairs, walking on uneven surfaces, or entering confined spaces.
• Ability to walk, stand, or move around project sites or vessels for extended periods when conducting inspections or oversight.
• Must be able to lift and carry up to 20–25 lbs occasionally (e.g., laptop, project documentation, safety gear).
• Visual and auditory acuity sufficient for reading technical documents, drawings, and for communication in active work environments.
• Ability to wear personal protective equipment (PPE) when required, including hard hats, safety glasses, gloves, or steel-toed footwear.
• Comfortable working in varied environmental conditions during site visits (e.g., heat, humidity, cold, wind).
• Must be able to travel as needed, which may include domestic or international shipyards, marine facilities, or client sites.

Benefits

• Medical Insurance: Comprehensive health insurance plans covering a range of services. Saronic pays 100% of the premium for employees and 80% for dependents.
• Dental and Vision Insurance: Coverage for routine dental check-ups, orthodontics, and vision care. Saronic pays 100% of the premium under the basic plan for employees and 80% for dependents.
• Time Off: Generous PTO and Holidays.
• Parental Leave: Paid maternity and paternity leave to support new parents.
• Competitive Salary: Industry-standard salaries with opportunities for performance-based bonuses.
• Retirement Plan: 401(k) plan with company match.
• Stock Options: Equity options to give employees a stake in the company’s success.
• Life and Disability Insurance: Basic life insurance and short- and long-term disability coverage.
• Pet Insurance: Discounted pet insurance options including 24/7 Telehealth helpline.
• Additional Perks: Free lunch benefit and unlimited free drinks and snacks in the office.

Saronic CCPA Notice for Candidates and California Employees

This role requires access to export-controlled information or items that require “U.S. Person” status. As defined by U.S. law, individuals who are any one of the following are considered to be a “U.S. Person”: (1) U.S. citizens, (2) legal permanent residents (a.k.a. green card holders), and (3) certain protected classes of asylees and refugees, as defined in 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3).

Saronic does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, color, religion, age, national origin, marital status, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or any other reason prohibited by law in provision of employment opportunities and benefits.