Naval Architect

Company Description The Whiskey Project Group is a maritime industry leader known for its expertise in naval architecture and the design of innovative, purpose-built watercraft. Supported by a network of specialist marine technology partners, the group combines international maritime special operations knowledge with over 50 years of maritime design, engineering, and manufacturing experience across Australia, New Zealand, and the United States. The group comprises three brands: The Whiskey Project, focused on advanced tactical watercraft for government and defence; NAiAD, delivering high-performance RHIBs for government, rescue, commercial, and recreational users; and VYCOR, supplying robust utility craft such as patrol boats, punts, and high-speed landing craft. Team members join a collaborative environment that values technical excellence, reliability, and mission-focused innovation in demanding marine environments.

Role Description

The Naval Architect will support the design, development, and optimization of high-performance and utility watercraft across The Whiskey Project Group’s brand portfolio. This full-time, on-site role based in Edenton, North Carolina involves preparing concept and detailed vessel designs, performing stability and performance assessments, and conducting structural analyses in line with classification society rules and regulatory standards. Day-to-day responsibilities include creating and reviewing 2D/3D models and drawings, running calculations to validate design assumptions, and collaborating with marine engineers, production teams, and project managers to ensure designs are practical, buildable, and safe. The role also includes supporting prototype development, participating in design reviews, resolving technical queries from the workshop and suppliers, and contributing to continuous improvement of design tools, processes, and documentation. The Naval Architect will engage with internal stakeholders and, where appropriate, clients to clarify requirements, refine specifications, and ensure that vessels meet operational, performance, and lifecycle expectations.

Qualifications

• Strong foundational expertise in Naval Architecture, including hull form development, hydrostatics, hydrodynamics, and vessel layout design.
• 3 years’ experience in a small boat naval architecture firm.
• Proficiency in engineering Calculations and Structural Analysis to assess strength, stability, and fatigue in line with relevant standards and class rules.
• Experience across aluminium and composite design and manufacture processes.
• Knowledge of Marine Engineering principles, including integration of propulsion systems, machinery, and onboard systems with overall vessel design.
• Experience or familiarity with Navy and defence or government maritime operations, requirements, and constraints is highly advantageous.
• Experience or familiarity with recreational craft requirements and constraints is highly advantageous.
• Bachelor’s degree (or higher) in Naval Architecture, Marine Engineering, Ocean Engineering, or a closely related discipline.
• Competence with CAD and naval architecture software tools (e.g., Inventor, Rhino, MAXSURF, etc).
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and documentation skills, with attention to accuracy, safety, and compliance.
• Effective communication and teamwork.
• Appreciation of boat operations as an end user (highly desirable).