Naval Architect

Purpose of the Role:

The Naval Architect will lead the conceptualisation, design, and development of innovative fully electric vessels, ensuring optimal performance, safety, and compliance with regulatory standards. By applying advanced naval architecture principles alongside cutting-edge electric propulsion technologies, you will be supporting the company's mission to deliver sustainable, zero-emission maritime solutions that address evolving market demands. The position involves close collaboration with multidisciplinary teams and active involvement throughout the vessel lifecycle from design and construction to maintenance and retrofitting.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Design & Development:

- Lead or support the end-to-end design of fully electric vessels from hull form optimisation to detailed structural and outfitting plans.

- Create and adapt designs for various vessel types including river cruises, launch boats, ferries, tugs, and workboats.

- Develop 2D/3D models and detailed production drawings using Rhino, SolidWorks, AutoCAD, and Maxsurf.

- Integrate electric propulsion systems (battery systems, motors, control units) into vessel architecture with multidisciplinary teams.

- Modify and customise existing hull designs for performance, safety, and aesthetics.

2. Technical Calculations & Compliance:

- Perform hydrostatic, hydrodynamic, structural, and stability analyses tailored to electric propulsion constraints.

- Analyse resistance, propulsion, and manoeuvrability to optimize vessel efficiency and operational cost.

- Ensure compliance with regulatory and classification standards (e.g., IMO, SOLAS, MPA, BV, DNV).

3. Project & Lifecycle Support:

- Work closely with shipbuilders, engineers, and stakeholders to bring designs to life including visiting shipyards, overseeing builds, and participating in sea trials.

- Provide technical support for the repair, maintenance, and retrofitting of vessels.

- Conduct risk assessments for structural integrity and operational safety throughout a vessel's lifespan.

Key Requirements:

- Bachelor's or Master's degree in Naval Architecture, Marine Engineering, or a closely related discipline.

- Minimum 2 to 6 years' experience in vessel design, preferably with exposure to electric propulsion or sustainable maritime technologies.

- Experienced working within shipyards, design consultancies, or marine engineering firms is highly advantageous.

- Strong knowledge of naval architecture fundamentals including hydrostatics, hydrodynamics, stability, structural design, and materials science.

- Proven ability to apply technical skills using CAD software such as Rhino, AutoCAD, SolidWorks, and Maxsurf.

- Familiarity with simulation and analysis tools including CFD software (e.g., StarCCM ) and finite element analysis (e.g., ANSYS) is preferred.

- Demonstrated understanding of classification society requirements (e.g., BV, DNV) and international maritime regulations (e.g., IMO, SOLAS).

- Excellent problem-solving skills, with a pragmatic and innovative approach to design challenges.

- Demonstrates a strong innovative mindset, passionate about pioneering sustainable electric vessel designs and embracing emerging technologies.

- Highly detail-oriented, ensuring all designs are accurate, safe, and compliant with regulatory standards.

- Strong communication and teamwork skills, with experience collaborating across multidisciplinary teams.

*If you are an experienced Naval Architect available on a locum or freelance basis, we welcome your application.

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