Senior Naval Architect - Arlington, VA

Serco; Arlington (VA); On-site; USD 110,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

401(k) plan

Paid time off

Tuition reimbursement

Life insurance

Disability coverage

Flexible work arrangements

Job summary

Serco is seeking a Senior Naval Architect in the United States (Arlington area) with deep hydrodynamics and ship design expertise. The role requires active DoD Secret clearance and hands-on analysis of hull performance, resistance, propulsion, and seakeeping to optimize designs.

You will work across disciplines, perform CFD analyses, and support design reviews while collaborating with Navy and commercial customers. Leadership of junior staff is anticipated as projects scale.

Qualifications

• Active DoD Secret clearance or ability to obtain
• 10+ years naval architecture experience
• Expertise in hydrodynamics including resistance, propulsion, seakeeping, maneuvering
• Experience with CFD tools and hydrodynamic modeling

Responsibilities

• Provide expert guidance on hydrodynamics, vessel performance, and ship design
• Conduct detailed hydrodynamic analyses and CFD assessments to optimize hull forms
• Review design concepts, performance predictions, and CFD results
• Interface with Navy and commercial customers to address hydrodynamic challenges
• Mentor junior engineers and lead technical task teams when needed

Skills

Hydrodynamics

Naval Architecture

CFD

Vessel performance

Hull optimization

Education

Bachelor's or Master's in Naval Architecture

Tools

Rhino

Orca3D

ShipConstructor

MATLAB

Job description

Position Description & Qualifications

Serco is seeking an experienced Naval Architect with specialized expertise in hydrodynamics and ship design to be part of our dynamic Maritime Engineering Operation (MEO) as a Senior Naval Architect. This role is critical for providing advanced technical guidance on ship design, performance analysis, and optimization, particularly focusing on hydrodynamic principles and their integration into the ship design process.

This position is contingent upon your ability to obtain/maintain/transfer an active DoD Secret security clearance.

In This Role You Will

• Provide expert-level guidance and support on hydrodynamics, vessel performance, and ship design, ensuring adherence to applicable standards.
• Offer expert support, analysis, research, and advice on exceptionally intricate problems, and processes.
• Execute highly specialized and technical tasks associated with the most current and cutting-edge technologies.
• Conduct detailed hydrodynamic analyses, including resistance, propulsion, seakeeping, and maneuvering assessments, to optimize ship design.
• Review and provide technical feedback on design concepts, performance predictions, and CFD analyses.
• Perform hydrodynamic simulations and work with analysis tools, such as CFD software and hydrodynamic performance modeling.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to integrate hydrodynamic principles into the overall ship design process, ensuring all disciplines (structures, systems, propulsion, etc.) work seamlessly together.
• Provide recommendations on the optimization of ship hull forms, propulsion systems, and other design elements to maximize vessel performance, fuel efficiency, and operational availability.
• Conduct technical reviews of design documentation, calculations, and reports to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and industry standards.
• Interface directly with Navy and commercial customers to provide expert-level insights and address complex hydrodynamic and design challenges.
• Assist in the development of new technologies and methods for hydrodynamic optimization, contributing to innovative approaches in ship design.
• Provide support in risk assessments and troubleshooting technical issues related to hydrodynamics during the design, production, and operational phases of projects.
• Stay current with advancements in hydrodynamics, ship design technologies, and industry best practices, sharing insights with the team and ensuring continuous improvement in design processes.
• Mentor and/or supervise more junior-level engineers and potentially lead large teams in technical task completion.

To Be Successful In This Role

• A current DoD Secret security Clearance or the ability to quickly obtain a Secret Security Clearance.
• A Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Naval Architecture. May consider Marine Engineering or related field depending on experience.
• 10+ years of professional experience in naval architecture. Lead/SME position considered for 15+ years or if highly recognized in the U.S. Navy community or possesses PhD in a related field.
• An advanced expertise in hydrodynamics, including vessel resistance, propulsion, seakeeping, and maneuvering analysis.
• Experience using CFD tools and other hydrodynamic modeling software.
• An in-depth knowledge of Navy ship design.
• A strong background in ship design, hull form optimization, and the integration of hydrodynamic principles into the overall vessel design process.
• The ability to solve complex engineering problems and provide technical recommendations on ship design and performance.
• A strong communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to effectively present complex technical information to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• The ability to travel 10%.

Additional Desired Experience And Skills

• Proficiency in naval architecture design tools such as Rhino, Orca3D, ShipConstructor, and MATLAB.
• Experience with autonomous vessels, digital twins, or advanced naval technologies.
• Knowledge of environmental regulations, sustainability practices, and energy-efficient ship designs.

Benefits and Compensation

Our Total Rewards package includes competitive pay, performance-based incentives, and benefits that promote well-being and work-life balance - so you can thrive both professionally and personally. Eligible employees also gain access to a wide range of benefits from comprehensive health coverage and health savings accounts to retirement plans, life and disability insurance, and time-off programs that support work-life balance. Program availability may vary based on factors such as contract type, location, hire date, and applicable collective bargaining agreements.

Salary range: The range for this position can be found at the top of this posting. This range is provided as a general guideline and represents a good faith estimate across all experience levels. Actual base salary will be determined by a variety of factors, including but not limited to, the scope of the role, relevant experience, job-related knowledge, education and training, key skills, and geographic market considerations. For roles available in multiple states, the range may vary to reflect differences in local labor markets. In addition to base salary, eligible positions may include other forms of compensation such as annual bonuses or long-term incentive opportunities.

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Robust vacation and sick leave benefits, and flexible work arrangements where permitted by role or contract
• 401(k) plan that includes employer matching funds
• Tuition reimbursement program
• Life insurance and disability coverage
• Optional coverages that can be purchased, including pet insurance, home and auto insurance, additional life and accident insurance, critical illness insurance, group legal, ID theft protection
• Birth, adoption, parental leave benefits
• Employee Assistance Plan

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

Serco is an equal opportunity employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, and other legally protected characteristics.