Senior Naval Architect (Contingent)

• This position is contingent upon contract award. *

Location: Virginia Beach, VA

• This position is eligible for a $500 ZelTech Non-Employee Referral fee. Contact ZelTech Recruiters for questions concerning this matter. *

Join Our Talent Community to Stay Connected! 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.

About ZelTech Founded in 1988 by Ret. Col. Jack L. Ezzell Jr., Zel Technologies is a trusted leader in national security, providing comprehensive research, development, engineering, and operational support to the Department of Defense, the Intelligence Community, and federal agencies. Originally focused on leveraging operational and software expertise to improve time-critical targeting capabilities for the military, the company advanced its capabilities to provide scientific and HUMINT expertise for CBRNE collection and analysis. In the wake of 9/11, Zel Technologies rapidly expanded its capabilities to provide turnkey ISR support services to US Special Operations Forces (SOF), as well as advanced technical & operational intelligence, physical & data science, and engineering support services to the greater Intelligence and SOF Communities supporting global counterterrorism and CWMD operations.

Today, Zel Technologies remains at the forefront of intelligence missions, advancing CWMD and global counterterrorism efforts, while also addressing emerging threats posed by near-peer adversaries. Our team remains committed to delivering adaptive, innovative, and cost-effective solutions across multiple domains, in alignment with the mission priorities of the U.S. Government and its partner nations.

Our Mission Through our commitment to innovation and quality, our skilled teams deliver robust, technology driven solutions and insights that empower our customers to overcome complex challenges and achieve their mission objectives.

Our Workforce ZelTech team members represent a wide range of backgrounds, skills, experience, and personalities bound together by common objectives and mutual respect. You will join a caring community of professional, including many military veterans who challenge and support each other in seeking the right solutions to important matters.

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.