Senior Naval Architect (Design & Integration)

Zel Technologies; Virginia Beach (VA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance

401k immediate vesting with company match

Flexible Spending Accounts

Health Savings Account with company contributions

Bonuses for performance

Paid Time Off (PTO)

Health and fitness reimbursement

Job summary

A leading technology firm is seeking a Naval Architect to lead the design and analysis of unmanned systems in Virginia Beach. The person will conduct hydrostatics, stability assessments, and develop technical packages while collaborating with various engineering teams. Candidates must have a MA in Naval Architecture, active SECRET clearance, and at least 7 years of experience in the field. The position offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical insurance, a 401k match, and educational assistance.

Qualifications

• Must be a US citizen and have active SECRET clearance.
• 7+ years of experience in naval platform design or DoD ship integration.
• Excellent knowledge of hydrodynamics and structural design methods.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design and analysis of unmanned systems.
• Conduct hydrostatics and stability assessments.
• Develop technical data packages and collaborate with cross-functional teams.

Skills

Naval architecture

Hydrodynamics

Structural design

Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE)

Technical writing

Education

MA in Naval Architecture or related field

Tools

Orca3D

Rhino

GHS

NAPA

Star-CCM+

OpenFOAM

FEMAP

NASTRAN

Job description

*This position is contingent upon contract award.*

Location: Virginia Beach, VA

Job Summary

ZelTech is seeking a Naval Architect to lead the design, analysis, and integration of surface and subsurface unmanned systems (UxS) in support of a government customer. The ideal candidate will bring expertise in naval architecture, hydrodynamics, and structural design, as well as experience applying Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) principles and modeling and simulation (M&S) tools to support engineering analysis, system integration, and lifecycle development.

Responsibilities

• Lead concept development, hull form design, and systems integration for manned and unmanned marine platforms.
• Conduct hydrostatics, hydrodynamics, seakeeping, and stability assessments, including intact and damaged conditions.
• Perform structural survivability evaluations to assess compliance with mission performance, strength, and environmental load requirements.
• Support and interpret model testing, tank trials, and Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulations.
• Ensure design compliance with applicable standards including ABS, USCG, and NAVSEA specifications.
• Apply MBSE methodologies (e.g., SysML/Cameo) to integrate system models with naval architecture design and requirements management.
• Develop and deliver technical data packages, including hull drawings, stability reports, weight estimates, CFD validation summaries, and compliance documentation.
• Collaborate with cross‑functional engineering teams (systems, mechanical, electrical, and software) throughout the development lifecycle.
• Participate in technical reviews, Integrated Product Teams (IPTs), and stakeholder meetings.

Requirements

• Must be a US citizen.
• Must have an active SECRET clearance.
• MA in Naval Architecture, Marine Engineering, Ocean Engineering, or a closely related engineering field.
• At least 7 years of professional engineering experience, including experience in naval platform design, unmanned maritime systems, or DoD ship design and integration programs.
• Proficiency in hull and structural design software: Orca3D, Rhino, GHS, NAPA.
• Experience with CAD tools (Ship Constructor, AutoCAD), CFD tools (Star-CCM+, OpenFOAM), and structural analysis tools (FEMAP, NASTRAN).
• Demonstrated experience applying MBSE tools and methodologies such as SysML and Cameo.
• Familiarity with Navy, USCG, and classification society standards (e.g., ABS, DNV).
• Excellent technical writing, reporting, and communication skills.
• Strong understanding of hydrodynamics, hydrostatics, weight estimation, stability analysis, and structural design methods relevant to manned and unmanned maritime platforms.
• Proficiency in interpreting and generating technical drawings, design specifications, and simulation outputs.
• Successful background and drug screening check.

Preferred Requirements

• Professional Engineer (PE) license in naval or marine engineering.
• Experience supporting DoD maritime R&D and acquisition programs.
• Familiarity with open architecture design, modular payload integration, and vehicle control systems.
• Experience integrating unmanned or autonomous maritime systems.
• Knowledge of digital engineering, simulation‑based design, and survivability modeling best practices.

Physical Demands or Work Environment

The work environment characteristics and physical demands described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• The majority of the time is spent in an office setting.
• Occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.
• Specific vision abilities required include close vision, distance vision, color vision and ability to adjust focus.

Benefits

• Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance
• 401k immediate vesting with company match
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Health Savings Account with company contributions
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Bonuses for performance
• Voluntary life/accidental death & dismemberment
• Educational assistance and special training programs
• Voluntary benefits (accidental, critical illness, whole life)
• Group life insurance (Company paid)
• Short‑term and Long‑term Disability Insurance (Company paid)
• Paid Time Off (PTO), Holiday Leave, Jury Duty, and Military Leave
• Health and fitness reimbursement
• Referral bonuses
• Employee discounts on various services and products

Equal Opportunities

ZelTech is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, creed, sex, age, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, marital status, military status, genetic predisposition, or any other basis protected by law.