Naval Architect

Location: Southampton, UK

Rate/Salary: Negotiable dependent on experience and skill level

Benefits: 25 days annual leave per year, Employer Pension contribution, Death in Service cover, Cycle to Work scheme, TELUS Assistance Programme, Sick Pay Scheme

Type: Permanent

HSB Technical Ltd is a specialist recruiter within the Power & Propulsion, Shipbuilding, Maritime Shipping, Energy, and Subsea sectors. We work with multiple leading businesses across the UK and overseas to recruit for both permanent and contract roles.

The below job description outlines the position of Naval Architect. Typically, the successful candidate will be responsible for producing and delivering high-quality technical drawings and design documentation in line with design schedules and project timelines. They will play a key role in supporting design development, yard operations, and project teams by providing accurate and detailed technical data throughout the build and commissioning phases.

Duties and responsibilities of the Naval Architect:

• Create, maintain, and manage comprehensive technical documentation focused on Naval Architecture and exterior fit-out aspects of vessel construction and new model development.
• Issue design drawings and technical information, coordinating closely with external suppliers, fabricators, and production teams to ensure alignment and timely updates.
• Work collaboratively with production and fabrication teams to implement design corrections and updates, aiming to streamline build processes and minimise potential delays or complications.
• Maintain and update critical design information databases, including drawing issue registers, weight estimates, sail plans, deck plans, and general arrangements.
• Provide technical input into weight studies, cradle design, docking plans, rigging component design, and load calculations to support safe and efficient vessel construction.
• Lead surface modelling and GRP tooling design efforts as required.
• Specify and design deck fittings, including both standard parts and custom fabrications such as stainless steel components and exterior mechanical installations (e.g., pushpits, passerelles, biminis, deck hatches).
• Attend development and project meetings to stay current with design changes and incorporate production feedback effectively.
• Conduct research into new technical specifications, systems, or component designs to support continuous improvement in design and manufacturing processes.

Qualifications and requirements for the Naval Architect:

• Degree-level qualification in Naval Architecture, Engineering, or a closely related technical discipline.
• Practical and theoretical knowledge of sailing yachts, with a strong understanding of Naval Architecture principles.
• Sound knowledge of stainless steel, aluminium, and composite fabrication techniques, and experience specifying sailing systems such as hydraulic rams, furlers, and winches.
• Solid understanding of mechanical systems relevant to vessel design and construction.
• Proficiency in 3D parametric modelling software (preferably NX) and 2D AutoCAD draughting.
• Competent user of Microsoft Office, particularly Excel, to manage and analyse technical data.
• Proven practical experience within the marine industry, ideally in a similar design or naval architecture role.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to interpret and convey complex technical drawings and information clearly to production and project teams.
• Self-motivated, proactive, and able to work independently while maintaining organisation and attention to detail.
• Willingness and ability to travel occasionally to other company or project sites as required.