Senior Naval Architect

Our Client is a long‑established independent yacht design and naval architecture firm, offering services from concept and hull design through structural engineering, class & flag approval, refit design, and technical support during construction and operation.

Role Overview

The Senior Naval Architect will lead complex yacht design and naval architecture projects (both new build and refit), ensuring compliance with class & flag requirements, optimizing hull form and structure, and providing technical leadership to junior architects and design staff. The role involves interfacing with clients, shipyards, classification societies, and internal design teams to deliver high‑quality, robust, and efficient yacht solutions.

Key Responsibilities

Lead the naval architecture design phases of projects (preliminary design, hull form development, stability, seakeeping, resistance & powering).
Oversee structural design, strength analysis, scantlings, and ensure structural integrity under various load cases.
Ensure compliance with classification societies, flag state regulations, marine safety, SOLAS, MARPOL, etc.
Produce and review stability booklets, inclining trials, lightship surveys, and damage stability assessments.
Conduct or supervise weight estimates, weight tracking, and ensure centre-of-gravity consistency through design and build phases.
Support refit feasibility studies, assess alterations, evaluate impact on performance and safety, update class compliance.
Interface with shipyards, subcontractors, and suppliers to monitor construction quality, resolve technical issues, and support build oversight.
Mentor and guide junior naval architects and designers; review their work and ensure consistency with best practices.
Participate in client meetings, proposal preparation, and technical communications.
Stay updated with advances in materials, hydrodynamics, computational methods (CFD, FEM), and industry regulations.
Contribute to internal processes, QA/QC protocols, design standards, and continuous improvement of workflows.

Required Qualifications & Experience

Master's or Bachelor's degree in Naval Architecture, Marine Engineering, Yacht Design, or related discipline.
Substantial experience (typically 5+ years) in yacht design / naval architecture, including new builds and refits.
Proven track record in managing and delivering complex projects (superyacht scale preferred).
Strong knowledge of classification societies (e.g. Lloyd's, ABS, DNV, etc.) and flag state rules.
Experienced in structural analysis (FEM), hydrodynamics, resistance & powering prediction, seakeeping analyses.
Proficiency with relevant software (e.g. Rhino, Orca3D, Maxsurf, ANSYS or Nastran, Abaqus, CFD tools, structural analysis packages).
Good understanding of marine systems, weight control, materials (composites, aluminium, steel).
Excellent communication skills, client-facing, capable of coordinating across disciplines.
Leadership skills - able to mentor junior staff, review and enforce standards.
Willingness to travel to yards, attend sea trials, and represent the firm onsite when necessary.

Desirable / Bonus Skills

Experience in hybrid / electric / novel propulsion systems.
Knowledge of regulatory compliance for environmental / emissions / sustainability (e.g., IMO regulations).
Experience in innovative hull forms, high-performance vessels, or advanced materials (e.g., composite sandwich construction).
Familiarity with project management methodologies (scheduling, risk management).
Publication, technical paper or patent record.

Key Competencies & Behaviours

Attention to detail
Analytical thinking and problem-solving
Accountability and reliability
Team orientation, collaborative mindset
Adaptability and openness to new technologies
Effective time management and prioritization

Remuneration & Benefits (to be specified)

Competitive salary commensurate with experience
* Bonus / performance incentives
* Pension, healthcare, professional development allowance
* Travel, relocation, or site travel cover