Senior Naval Architect: Unmanned Marine Systems Lead

Zel Technologies LLC; Virginia Beach (VA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401k immediate vesting with company

Health Insurance

Flexible Spending Accounts

Health Savings Account

Paid Time Off

Bonuses for performance

Job summary

ZelTech is seeking a Naval Architect to lead design, analysis, and integration of surface and subsurface unmanned systems for a government client. The role emphasizes MBSE, CFD, and lifecycle development across hull form design, structural survivability, and systems integration.

The ideal candidate has a strong background in naval architecture, hydrodynamics, and cross-functional collaboration, with experience applying MBSE tools and meeting ABS/USCG/NAVSEA standards.

Qualifications

• US citizen with active SECRET clearance
• Bachelor's degree in Naval Architecture, Marine Engineering, Ocean Engineering, or related field
• 7+ years of professional engineering 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 (ABS, DNV)
• Excellent technical writing, reporting, and communication skills
• Strong understanding of hydrodynamics, hydrostatics, weight estimation, stability analysis, and structural design methods for maritime platforms
• Proficiency in interpreting and generating technical drawings, design specifications, and simulation outputs
• Successful background and drug screening check

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 for mission performance and environmental loads
• Support and interpret model testing, tank trials, and CFD simulations
• Ensure design compliance with ABS, USCG, and NAVSEA standards
• Apply MBSE methodologies (SysML/Cameo) to integrate system models with naval architecture design
• 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 throughout the development lifecycle
• Participate in technical reviews, IPTs, and stakeholder meetings

Skills

Naval architecture

MBSE (SysML/Cameo)

Hydrodynamics

Structural design

Technical writing

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Naval Architecture / Marine Engineering / Ocean Engineering

PE license (preferred)

Tools

Orca3D

Rhino

GHS

NAPA

Ship Constructor

AutoCAD

Star-CCM+

OpenFOAM

FEMAP

NASTRAN

Job description

ZelTech is seeking a Naval Architect to lead design, analysis, and integration of surface and subsurface unmanned systems for a government client. The role emphasizes MBSE, CFD, and lifecycle development across hull form design, structural survivability, and systems integration.

The ideal candidate has a strong background in naval architecture, hydrodynamics, and cross-functional collaboration, with experience applying MBSE tools and meeting ABS/USCG/NAVSEA standards.