Naval Architect

Our Client Our client is seeking an experienced Naval Architect to join their marine design and engineering team. The organization specializes in the design, engineering, and manufacturing of purpose-built small watercraft for government, commercial, rescue, and recreational applications.

Position Title: Naval Architect

Reports To: Design Manager

Location: Edenton, North Carolina

Area of Expertise: Naval Architecture, Small Boat Manufacturing, Composite and Aluminum Structures

About The Role Reporting to the Design Manager, the Naval Architect will undertake naval architecture and design work from concept through detailed design, analysis, and technical documentation across multiple projects. The role involves using modern design software and developing analyses, working files, technical drawings, reports, and manufacturing documentation.

The position is highly collaborative and requires working with designers, customers, project managers, builders, contractors, suppliers, and equipment manufacturers. The successful candidate will translate customer requirements, commercial considerations, and practical boat-building requirements into effective design solutions.

Key Responsibilities Undertake naval architecture work from concept through detailed design, analysis, and technical documentation.

Produce high-quality design documentation, including technical drawings, kitsets, reports, and related engineering documentation.

Communicate and negotiate across design, sales, builders, customers, suppliers, and other stakeholders.

Translate customer requirements, commercial considerations, and builder practicalities into suitable technical solutions.

Support innovation and continuous improvement within the design function.

Ensure designs remain current, practical, technically sound, and aligned with customer requirements.

Manage multiple design projects concurrently while maintaining quality and attention to detail.

Education & Qualifications Degree in Naval Architecture or equivalent qualification.

Required Experience At least 3 years of experience in a small-boat naval architecture or marine engineering environment.

Experience with carbon fiber/composite design and manufacturing.

Experience with aluminum design and manufacturing.

Experience communicating technical designs to customers, project managers, and builders.

Experience with customer and design negotiations.

Experience managing supplier relationships.

Proven ability to build and maintain relationships with key stakeholders through influence.

Skills & Knowledge Strong knowledge of naval architecture and engineering best practices.

Knowledge of applicable Class Rules across multiple regions.

Proficiency with CAD software, including the Autodesk suite.

Experience With Rhino And Maxsurf Is Preferred. Strong written and verbal communication skills.

Intense attention to detail.

Ability to develop and implement systems and processes.

Ability to manage multiple projects concurrently.

Ability to explain complex engineering concepts to customers.

Ability to communicate design intent clearly to builders.

Strong innovation, analytical, and problem-solving skills.

Good understanding of boat-building practices.

Understanding of vessel operation and end-user requirements.

Technical Environment The role may involve AutoCAD, Rhino, Inventor, Maxsurf, naval architecture analysis, technical drawings, working files, kitset definitions, composite and aluminum structures, hull forms, and propulsion arrangements.