Senior Naval Architect - Uncrewed Surface Vessels

Mission Technologies, a division of HII; Virginia Beach (VA); On-site; USD 87,000 - 124,000; Full time

Job summary

HII Mission Technologies seeks a mid‑level naval architect to support MUSV development, autonomy integration, and prototype testing. You will work across design, analysis, and test activities to ensure vessels meet performance standards for national defense and commercial programs.

You will collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, translate SOWs into engineering products, and participate in shipyard activities and demonstrations. A DoD clearance is required or obtainable.

Qualifications

• 5 years relevant experience with Bachelor's in Naval Architecture, Marine Engineering, Ocean Engineering, or closely related technical field; 3 years relevant with Masters in the same fields; or 0 years with PhD/JD in Naval Architecture, Marine Engineering, Ocean Engineering, or closely related technical field.
• 5+ years experience in shipyard construction, vessel design, or marine engineering; experience with commercial or naval craft strongly preferred.
• Working knowledge of ABS rules, ISO standards, and naval/marine classification requirements applicable to MUSV construction.
• Ability to interpret and develop engineering drawings, 3D models, test procedures, and technical data packages.
• Experience supporting or executing work inside active shipyards, including oversight of electrical, outfitting, configuration and mechanical installations.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills; ability to collaborate with multidisciplinary teams including autonomy, controls, software, test engineering, and supply chain.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a DoD security clearance.
• Willingness to travel (20–40%).

Responsibilities

• Performs routine naval architecture work requiring application of standard techniques, procedures, and criteria in carrying out a sequence of design and/or analyses of ship hull, foundation, superstructure, arrangements and hull form characteristics tasks.
• As directed, applies selected techniques and procedures to assignments involving ship design and ship performance analyses.
• Assists in the solution of difficult problems involved in areas of assignment.
• Uses prescribed methods to perform specific and limited portions of broader systems design, performance analyse, or hull form characteristic assignments of more experienced naval architects.
• Develop and/or review structural, weight, stability, hydrodynamic, maneuvering and seakeeping characteristics to ensure MUSV designs meet threshold performance requirements.
• Understanding of ABS rules and/or Navy Ship Design standards and/or USCG Rules. Applying rulesets to autonomous vessels.
• Translate MUSV SOW requirements into engineering products including specifications, interface documentation, design drawing reviews, and configuration baselines.
• Provide engineering oversight during shipyard construction or conversion activities—monitor progress, verify construction quality, and ensure alignment with approved design standards.
• Collaborate closely with autonomy, C2, electrical, and mechanical systems teams to ensure vessel design supports integrated unmanned operation requirements.
• Support development of test vessel descriptions, test plans, and engineering procedures required for MUSV prototype demonstrations.
• Participate in major milestone events including Post‑Award Conference, pre‑test inspections, and government witness events as required by the MUSV test plan.
• Support risk identification and mitigation related to design maturity, manufacturability, and shipyard workflow.
• Travel to shipyards, subcontractor facilities, government test sites, and partner locations as needed.

Skills

Strong communication

Cross-functional collaboration

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor's degree in Naval Architecture, Marine Engineering, Ocean Engineering, or related field

Master's degree in Naval Architecture, Marine Engineering, Ocean Engineering, or related field

PhD or JD in Naval Architecture, Marine Engineering, Ocean Engineering, or related field

Job description

HII Mission Technologies seeks a mid‑level naval architect to support MUSV development, autonomy integration, and prototype testing. You will work across design, analysis, and test activities to ensure vessels meet performance standards for national defense and commercial programs.

You will collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, translate SOWs into engineering products, and participate in shipyard activities and demonstrations. A DoD clearance is required or obtainable.