Exterior Yacht Designer vacancy in Southampton or Wroxham
About Us
Oyster Yachts is a world-renowned British luxury yacht builder, celebrated for crafting some of the finest bluewater sailing yachts available today. With a heritage spanning decades, we combine cutting-edge design, precision engineering, and traditional craftsmanship to create vessels capable of crossing oceans in safety, comfort, and style. Every yacht is built with meticulous attention to detail by skilled craftspeople who take pride in delivering exceptional quality. From global rallies to bespoke builds, Oyster represents adventure, innovation, and excellence on the water.
The Role
As an Exterior Yacht Designer, you will play a key role within our Design team, working alongside designers, naval architects and project managers to develop the exterior design of Oyster yachts from initial concept through to production.
Based in Southampton or Wroxham, you will be responsible for developing detailed exterior outfit designs, assemblies, fabrications and deck layouts, while providing technical information and production support throughout the build process.
This is an exciting opportunity for someone with strong 3D CAD and technical design skills who enjoys combining creative design with practical engineering and working closely with production teams to bring designs to life.
Key Job Responsibilities
• Produce detailed drawings in line with design plans, group schedules and NPD programmes
• Use NX 3D CAD to develop and maintain an accurate digital twin of Oyster yachts for production
• Produce, maintain and manage technical information relating to exterior outfit and naval architecture
• Issue design information and liaise with external suppliers and fabricators
• Undertake surface modelling and GRP tooling design
• Support Project Managers with technical information to assist client decision-making and specification choices
• Work closely with Production and fabricators to identify and resolve design issues, updating designs and build methods to minimise complications and lost time
• Maintain and update design information databases, including drawing issue registers, weight estimates, sail plans, deck plans and general arrangements
• Design and develop deck fittings, standard parts, custom components and fabrications
• Develop stainless steel and other custom fabrications
• Design exterior mechanical systems and installations, including pushpits, passerelles, biminis and deck hatches
• Provide clear and accurate technical information to support the production of Oyster yachts
About You
• Proven experience in a similar or comparable design role
• Strong 3D parametric modelling experience, with NX experience desirable
• Strong 2D AutoCAD drafting skills
• Good understanding of stainless steel, aluminium and composite fabrication techniques
• Good understanding of mechanical systems
• Practical knowledge and understanding of sailing yachts
• Ability to read, interpret and produce detailed technical drawings and information
• Strong communication skills, particularly the ability to work closely with Production teams and communicate technical information clearly
• Competent user of Microsoft Office, particularly Excel
• Self-motivated and proactive approach to problem solving
• Driven, organised and able to manage multiple priorities and deadlines
• A strong interest in yacht design and the practical application of design within a production environment
Qualifications & Desirable Experience
• Technical degree in Design, Engineering or a related discipline, or relevant equivalent experience
• Practical experience within the marine industry
• Knowledge of Naval Architecture
• Understanding of sailing systems including hydraulic rams, furlers and winches
• Experience designing and specifying exterior yacht components and systems
What We Offer
• Competitive salary
• Ongoing training and development opportunities
• Supportive team culture built around Oyster’s core values
• 25 Days Holiday + Bank Holiday and close down at Christmas
• Pension scheme
• Flexible working opportunities
• Salary sacrifice scheme
• Cycle to work scheme
• TELUS Employee Assistance Programme – confidential advice and support 24/7
• Discounted shopping on multiple outlets including travel
• We continuously review our benefits to maximise opportunities for our employees
Apply Now
If you are an experienced yacht designer with a passion for sailing yachts, technical design and turning concepts into production-ready solutions, we would welcome your application. Join Oyster Yachts and play a key role in designing the yachts that enable extraordinary adventures across the globe.
Please note:
We recommend that you apply as soon as possible, even if the closing date is in the future. Applications received may be reviewed before the closing date and should we receive a high number of applications for this post, or high-quality applications which demonstrate suitability, we reserve the right to close the vacancy early. We may hold interviews as and when applications are received, and we reserve the right to offer to a candidate prior to the closing date.
As an equal opportunity employer, we celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We want to ensure that you feel supported throughout the application process and provide reasonable adjustments where necessary and requested. If you require any reasonable adjustments as part of your application and interview process, please do not hesitate to let us know.
All vacancies are open only to candidates who already have the legal right to live and work in the territory and country advertised.
Naval Architect & Exterior Yacht Fitout Designer employer: Oyster Yachts Limited
Oyster Yachts Limited is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment where innovation meets craftsmanship in the heart of the UK’s maritime industry. With a strong focus on employee development and collaboration, you will have the opportunity to lead cutting-edge projects while enjoying a supportive culture that values creativity and teamwork. Join us to be part of a passionate team dedicated to building world-class yachts, where your contributions directly impact our success and growth.
