Staff/Principal Naval Architect

Saronic; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 140,000 - 210,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical Insurance

Dental and Vision Insurance

Time Off (PTO)

Parental Leave

Competitive Salary

401(k) Plan

Stock Options

Life and Disability Insurance

Free lunch and snacks

Job summary

Saronic Technologies in the United States seeks a Staff Naval Architect to lead the design, analysis, and integration of autonomous surface vessels. This role offers hands‑on work in traditional naval architecture and state‑of‑the‑art autonomous technologies for defense innovation.

You will apply advanced methods in weight, stability, resistance, seakeeping, and propulsion while coordinating with CAD, electrical, and software teams to optimize hulls and systems for mission success.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in Naval Architecture, Marine Engineering, Ocean Engineering, or related field.
• 15+ years of engineering experience with expert level skills in one of: large ship construction, commercial ship design, large combatant design, or high speed craft design.
• Strong fundamentals in ship design, stability, structures, propulsion, and hydrodynamics.
• Proficiency with CAD and simulation tools listed in qualifications.

Responsibilities

• Lead design, development, and analysis of hull forms, arrangements, structures, and mechanical systems for ASVs.
• Perform naval architecture analyses including weight, stability, resistance, propulsion, seakeeping, and maneuvering.
• Collaborate on CAD modeling, preliminary structural and electrical design, and weight management.
• Support integration of autonomous navigation and control systems into vessel designs.
• Lead model and at-sea tests and participate in design reviews and concept brainstorming.
• Research naval architecture and autonomous tech developments for defense needs.
• Prepare technical reports and client presentations.

Skills

Naval Architecture

Stability

Hydrodynamics

CAD Proficiency

Education

Bachelor's degree in Naval Architecture

Tools

Rhino

AutoCAD

Nx

ShipConstructor

Orca3D

GHS

Star CCM+

Simerics

IHDE

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.

Job Overview

We are seeking a talented and motivated Staff Naval Architect to support 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

• Assist in and lead the design, development, and analysis of vessel hull forms, arrangements, structures, and mechanical systems for ASVs
• Conduct naval architecture analyses including weight estimates, intact and damaged stability calculations, resistance and propulsion, seakeeping, and maneuvering
• Collaborate with other engineers to perform CAD modeling, preliminary structural design, preliminary electrical design, and weight management for vessel development and optimization
• Support the integration of autonomous navigation and control systems into vessel designs
• Assist in and lead conducting model and at‑sea tests in collaboration with engineers and programmers
• Participate in and 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 documentation, technical writing, and preparation of reports for internal use and client presentations

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in Naval Architecture, Marine Engineering, Ocean Engineering, or a related field
• 15+ years of engineering experience with expert level technical skills in at least one of the following: large ship construction, commercial ship design including containerships and cargo vessels, large combatant design, high speed planing craft design
• Strong fundamentals in core naval architecture principles, including ship design, stability, structures, propulsion, and hydrodynamics
• Proficiency with CAD software (e.g., Rhino, AutoCAD, Nx, ShipConstructor) and simulation tools (e.g., Orca3D, GHS, Star CCM+, Simerics, IHDE, or equivalent)

Physical Requirements

• Mobility and Movement: Ability to stand and walk for extended periods (e.g., 4–8 hours/day), climb stairs or ladders occasionally (if accessing elevated workspaces), bend, stoop, kneel, or crouch as needed during inspections or audits
• Manual Dexterity: Ability to manipulate small parts and tools during product inspections. Ability to use precision measuring instruments (e.g., calipers, micrometers)
• Lifting and Carrying: Ability to lift and carry up to 25–50 pounds occasionally (e.g., sample materials, equipment). Ability to push or pull carts or equipment as needed
• Visual and Auditory Requirements: Must have strong visual acuity (close vision, color vision, depth perception) to inspect products and read technical documents. Ability to detect subtle differences in materials, surface finish, or defects. Adequate hearing ability to respond to alarms, machine sounds, or communicate in noisy environments
• Environmental Conditions: Ability to work in manufacturing, warehouse, or cleanroom environments (may include exposure to dust, noise, or temperature variations). May require wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) such as gloves, safety glasses, ear protection, or lab coats
• Technology Use: Comfortable working at a computer workstation for extended periods (for report writing, data analysis, and documentation)

Benefits

• Medical Insurance: Comprehensive health insurance plans covering a range of services
• Dental and Vision Insurance: Coverage for routine dental check‑ups, orthodontics, and vision care
• Saronic pays 100% of the premium 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
• 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
• Additional Perks: Free lunch benefit and unlimited free drinks and snacks in the office

Saronic CCPA Notice for Candidates and California Employees

If this role is based in the United States, it 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 the provision of employment opportunities and benefits. We are also committed to providing reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities.